Art Therapist- Contractor MD-Bethesda Arlington

At ERC Pathlight, we’re on a mission to change lives—and we’re looking for people who feel called to do the same.

As one of the nation’s leading treatment providers for eating disorders and mood, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions, we bring innovative, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate care to patients across the country. With multiple locations nationwide and extensive virtual programming, we meet patients exactly where they are and help them move toward lasting recovery.

Founded in 2008 by renowned psychiatrists and psychologists, ERC Pathlight now supports more than 6,000 patients each year. And as the need for world-class mental health care continues to rise, our commitment is stronger than ever: to expand access, elevate the standard of care, and empower every patient to rebuild their life with dignity and hope.

When you join ERC Pathlight, you become part of a team that shows up every day to make a real difference. You’ll work alongside passionate clinicians, dedicated support staff, and mission-driven leaders who believe in collaboration, growth, and doing the right thing—always.

Here, your work matters. Your ideas matter.
You matter.

If you’re energized by purpose, motivated by impact, and ready to help transform the future of mental health treatment, you belong here.

Come build hope. Come save lives. Come grow with us.

You will serve patients daily in a multitude of ways:

• Conduct art therapy groups utilizing various art forms to facilitate self-expression and exploration
• Managing art materials and art spaces
• Planning art therapy curriculum
• Conduct individual art therapy sessions with patients utilizing various art forms to facilitate self-expression and exploration
• Team meetings and collaborating with treatment teams including, updating patients' Primary Therapist with any clinically significant information gathered from groups or individual sessions
• Document patients' participation, engagement, and response to art therapy directive and or intervention in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements
• Other duties/requirements including, keeping an active art therapy license, staying updated on current research and developments in the field of art therapy, participating in supervision

Must haves:

• Master's degree in Art Therapy or related field
• Knowledge of various art forms and therapeutic techniques
• Strong understanding of psychology and counseling principles
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to establish rapport and build trust with clients
• Empathy and sensitivity towards clients' emotions and experiences
• Strong observational and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Proficient in maintaining accurate and confidential client records
• Has a clear understanding and ability to carry through the ATCB Codes of Ethics, as well as Ethical Codes for related clinical licensing board
• Knowledge and efficacy of care and storing of patient artwork
• Knowledge and efficacy with completing timely clinical documentation

Bonus Qualities:

• Active ATR or BC-ATR license with the Art Therapy Credentials Board preferred

At ERC Pathlight, caring for people is our mission and that begins with caring for our own team. Your well-being matters, and our benefit program is designed to support every part of your life.

We offer competitive compensation; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous Paid Time Off;
Parental Leave benefits;
Retirement benefits; and tuition reimbursement to help you continue growing in your career.

We also recognize that mental health is part of every person’s experience. That’s why we strive to create a workplace where you feel supported, seen, and encouraged—personally, professionally, and at home.

When you thrive, you can do your best work. And your best work changes lives.