Alternative Therapy: Massage, Recreation, Art, Dance, and Music Therapists

Alternative Therapies

Massage Therapists

  • Growing healthcare profession.
  • Education: 1-2 years postsecondary, combining classroom and clinical experience.
  • Treat clients using touch to manipulate soft tissues.
  • Improves joint mobility and circulation; relieves muscle tightness and stress.
  • Work Environment: Hospitals, clinics, spas, and private practices.
  • Licensure: MBLEx required in most states.
  • Certification: Awarded by NCBTMB, requires graduation from assigned school, state licensure, passing BCTMB exam, background check, and adherence to ethical standards.
  • Median annual salary around 43,62043,620 as of May 2020.

Recreational Therapists

  • Restore, remediate, and rehabilitate functioning and independence in life activities.
  • Plan and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs.
  • Use activities to improve emotional, physical, and social functioning.
  • Work Environment: Hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, and community settings.
  • Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation is typically required.
  • Certification is generally required for employment.
  • Certification requires a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in therapeutic recreation, completion of a supervised internship of at least 560 hours, and passing an exam.
  • Median annual earnings around 47,71047,710 as of May 2020.

Art Therapists

  • Apply art techniques with psychology and counseling to treat clients.
  • Goal: Resolve conflicts, manage behavior, reduce anxiety, and encourage growth.
  • Education: Master’s degree in art therapy required.
  • Registered Art Therapist (ATR) requires supervised clinical experience.
  • Board Certified (ATR-BC) requires exam by ATCB.

Dance Therapists

  • Treat mental and physical disabilities through movement.
  • Work with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
  • Use movement for assessment and therapeutic interventions.
  • Education: Master’s degree required, including internship.
  • Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) after degree and internship.
  • Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT) needed for supervision and private practice; requires R-DMT status, employment, and clinical supervision.

Music Therapists

  • Combine music and therapy to assess client needs and develop interventions.
  • Facilitate motor skills, cognitive abilities, communication, and positive social outcomes.
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in music therapy required.
  • Program includes 1,200 hours of clinical training.
  • MT-BC certification available after passing national board certification exam; often required for licensure.