Art Therapist - BIRCH Hospital

As an Art Therapist within our High-Acuity Youth Program at RiverValley Behavioral Health Children's Hospital, you will play a crucial role in using the creative process of art-making to support the emotional expression, coping skills, and overall well-being of children and adolescents facing complex psychiatric challenges. Working collaboratively with our interdisciplinary team, you will utilize art therapy techniques to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive change in our young patients.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct art therapy assessments to evaluate the emotional, cognitive, and social needs of children and adolescents admitted to the High-Acuity Youth Program.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans and goals based on assessment findings, utilizing art therapy interventions to address specific therapeutic objectives and promote healing and growth.
  • Facilitate individual and group art therapy sessions, providing a safe and supportive environment for patients to explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through art-making.
  • Use a variety of art materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and other expressive modalities, to engage patients in the creative process and facilitate self-expression and communication.
  • Incorporate psychoeducation, mindfulness techniques, and relaxation strategies into art therapy sessions to help patients develop coping skills, enhance stress management, and improve emotional regulation.
  • Collaborate with other members of the treatment team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and recreational therapists, to ensure coordinated and integrated care for patients.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary treatment planning meetings, case conferences, and progress reviews to monitor patient outcomes and adjust intervention strategies as needed.
  • Document patient progress, treatment interventions, and outcomes accurately and timely in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Contribute to program development and quality improvement initiatives, including research, program evaluation, and development of evidence-based protocols and resources.