Chicago Behavioral Hospital logo
Chicago Behavioral Hospital
Des Plaines, Illinois

Expressive Therapist

CounselorIncludes weekendsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$23-$26/hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 6mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

  • Job Location: Chicago Behavioral Hospital - Des Plaines, IL 60016
  • Salary Range: $23.00 - $26.00 HourlyJOIN OUR TEAM AS AN EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST! Your Work Matters How will you make a difference? Join our dynamic team at Chicago Behavioral Hospital and make a difference as an Expressive Therapist! In this role, you'll have the opportunity to plan and execute engaging activity services for our patients, contributing directly to their treatment goals and overall well-being. As a valued member of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide continuous care, interaction, and positive role modeling to patients, fostering an environment conducive to healing and growth. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact in behavioral healthcare, we want to hear from you! Observe and apply sound judgment to patients' physical and mental conditions/needs. Document and communicate changes in patient's appearance, behavior, and ability to work towards treatment plan goals. Provide assessment in psychosocial/leisure and recreational skills development/deficiency. Assist patients in achieving their optimum level of independent functioning. Plan and implement activity therapy for assigned patient caseload within the facility. Model and teach patients appropriate social, coping, and stress management techniques. Contribute to treatment plans with specific goals and interventions in therapeutic activities. Your Experience Matters What we’re looking for: Education/Licensure: Bachelor's or Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Art Therapy (ATR, ATR-P, ATR-BC, ATCS), Dance/Movement Therapy (R-DMT, BCDMT), Drama Therapy (P-RDT, RDT), Music Therapy (MT-BC), Occupational Therapy (OTR/L, OTD), Recreational Therapy (CTRS), Yoga Therapy (C-IAYT) or related therapeutic discipline with an LPC/LCPC or LSW/LCSW preferred. Experience: One (1) year of related experience, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques and understanding of mental illness, preferred. Additional Requirements: Must pass a competency exam upon hire. May need to work evenings, weekends, holidays, flexible hours, and overtime. Your Care Matters What we provide for our team: 401(k) + matching Health Insurance 100% company-paid life insurance coverage up to 2x your annual salary Vision insurance Dental insurance 100% company-paid long term disability insurance Paid time off Paid holidays Cafeteria on site + discounted meals Employee engagement events Employee assistance program Employee recognition program Free parking What sets us apart: Career & training development opportunities Dynamic and inclusive work environment Engaged management team dedicated to your success A guiding mission and set of values that serve as both our northstar and yours, anchoring our collective purpose and aspirations Disclaimer: Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of Chicago Behavioral Hospital
  • Compensation: The expected compensation range for this role is $23.00 - $26.00 an hour

We’re eager to engage with all qualified candidates, and consideration will be provided to experience and skill level. Join us as our Expressive Therapist!

Qualifications

Get to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People, Unparalleled Service Discover a fulfilling career at Chicago Behavioral Hospital (CBH)! Welcome to the heart of mental health treatment innovation in Des Plaines, Illinois!

CBH, a cutting-edge 150-bed inpatient facility, is the leading provider of exceptional therapeutic care, prioritizing patient comfort and safety. At CBH, we go beyond inpatient care by offering an outpatient partial hospitalization program, ensuring continuous support while respecting the rhythm of daily lives.

Our commitment to accessible care knows no bounds, as we emphasize availability irrespective of one's ability to pay. Join us in providing exceptional care and contributing to the well-being of individuals and families in need and be a part of the transformative healthcare experience at Chicago Behavioral Hospital.

To learn more about CBH, visit us at: chicagobehavioralhospital.com TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE I.M.P.A.C.T.S. Individuals Maintaining Positive Attitude and Commitment To Service ____________ At Chicago Behavioral Hospital, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

The Expressive Therapist will plan and implement therapeutic activity services to support patient treatment goals and overall well-being. They are responsible for observing patient conditions, documenting progress, and providing positive role modeling within an interdisciplinary team.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant therapeutic discipline such as Art, Music, or Recreational Therapy, with professional licensure preferred. At least one year of related experience in psychiatric patient care is preferred, and the ability to pass a competency exam is required.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)

Key Skills

Mental health assessmentTreatment planningCoping techniquesSocial skills trainingPatient documentationCrisis intervention

Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 36% are remote, 30% have no call, 66% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$51k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $51k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

36 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution36 jobs · 28 employers

13
<$70k
16
$70k-90k
2
$90k
4
$110k-130k
1
$134k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks34 jobs · 28 employers

401k / retirement match
85% this job
Sign-on bonus
44%
CME allowance
41%
Loan repayment
29%
PSLF eligible
21%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)

LifeStance Health · San Diego, California

$117k-$134k
#2

Clinical Therapist

Counseling Works · Naperville, Illinois

$104k-$127k
#3

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist - LICSW/LPCC/LMFT

$74k-$126k
#4

Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMFT, LMHC, LCSW)

$115k-$120k
+ 34 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.0this job 1.5
Below most Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 8,002 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes weekends

Living in Des Plaines

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$396k
Typical market rent
$2,058/mo
Residents’ average commute
28 min
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Chicago Behavioral Hospital logo

About Chicago Behavioral Hospital

Hospitals and Health Care
Des Plaines, Illinois
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

401(k) + matching
Health Insurance
100% company-paid life insurance coverage up to 2x annual salary
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
100% company-paid long term disability insurance
Paid time off
Paid holidays