Top 25 Dance Therapists Across the US
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What is a Dance Therapist?
Learn about this specialty, training requirements, and when to schedule a visit.
A dance therapist (dance/movement therapist) is a master's-level mental health professional who uses movement and dance as a therapeutic modality to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration. Rooted in the principle that body and mind are inseparable, dance/movement therapy uses the body's movement patterns to assess and treat psychological conditions, process trauma, and foster self-awareness.
Training and Qualifications
Becoming a dance therapist requires extensive education and training:
- Master's degree in dance/movement therapy from an ADTA-approved program
- Graduate coursework in psychopathology, human development, movement observation, and research methods
- 700+ hours of supervised clinical internship
- R-DMT (Registered Dance/Movement Therapist) credential upon completing education and internship
- BC-DMT (Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist) after 3,640+ hours of supervised clinical work
Board Certification: The Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board (DMTCB) grants the R-DMT and BC-DMT credentials. The R-DMT is the entry-level credential for graduates of approved programs. The BC-DMT requires additional post-graduate supervised clinical hours and qualifies the practitioner for independent practice. Many states license dance therapists under creative arts therapist or mental health counselor categories.
When Should You See a Dance Therapist?
You should consider seeing a dance therapist if:
- You have experienced trauma and want a body-based therapeutic approach
- You feel disconnected from your body or struggle with body image
- You experience anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation difficulties
- A child has developmental or behavioral challenges that respond to movement-based approaches
- You are interested in exploring the connection between physical tension and emotional patterns
- Traditional talk therapy has felt incomplete or insufficient
Key Facts
Common Conditions Treated
Dance Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that dance therapists help patients manage.
Trauma & PTSD
Psychological trauma stored in the body's movement patterns, muscle tension, and nervous system responses, where movement-based therapy accesses and processes somatic trauma memories.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Dance/movement therapists use guided movement, grounding techniques, and body awareness exercises to help trauma survivors safely reconnect with their bodies. By working directly with the body's stored stress responses, DMT addresses trauma at the somatic level where it is held, complementing verbal processing approaches.
Anxiety & Depression
Mood and anxiety disorders where movement interventions reduce physical tension, increase embodied self-awareness, and shift emotional states through active engagement.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Dance/movement therapists use rhythm, breathwork, and expressive movement to regulate the autonomic nervous system, release physical tension associated with anxiety, and activate the body against depressive inertia. Movement provides an immediate, felt shift in emotional state that reinforces coping capacity.
Developmental & Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, and sensory processing difficulties where movement-based interventions support social engagement, communication, and sensory integration.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Dance/movement therapists use mirroring, rhythmic attunement, and structured movement activities to build interpersonal connection, expand movement repertoire, and improve body awareness. For children with ASD, the nonverbal, sensory-rich nature of dance/movement therapy provides an accessible entry point for social interaction and emotional regulation.
Important Note
This list represents common conditions but is not exhaustive. Dance Therapists treat many other conditions related to their specialty. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult with a qualified dance therapist for a proper evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a dance therapist.
Your First Visit
- Discussion of your therapeutic goals, movement history, and comfort level
- Movement observation and body-based assessment
- Introduction to basic movement exploration in a safe, judgment-free space
- No dance training or skill is required — all movement abilities are welcomed
Diagnosis & Testing
- Dance/movement therapists with appropriate licensure can assess and diagnose mental health conditions
- Movement-based assessment tools like the Kestenberg Movement Profile may be used
- Observation of movement qualities provides insight into emotional and relational patterns
Treatment Options
- Guided movement exploration tailored to therapeutic goals
- Mirroring, attunement, and relational movement with the therapist
- Body awareness and grounding exercises
- Integration of verbal processing with movement experiences
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your dance therapist provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Dance Therapist
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a dance therapist.
Credentials to Verify
- Verify R-DMT or BC-DMT credential through the DMTCB
- Check for state licensure as a creative arts therapist or mental health counselor
- BC-DMT indicates qualification for independent practice
Important Considerations
- Experience with your specific population or condition (trauma, children, older adults)
- Whether sessions are individual, group, or both
- Comfort with body-based approaches — a good therapist will meet you where you are
- Location and session format, as movement requires adequate physical space
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple dance therapists before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a dance therapist can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$100-200 for an initial assessment session (60 minutes)
Follow-up Visit
$80-175 per individual session (45-60 minutes)
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Coverage varies by state and insurer — increasingly recognized under mental health benefits
- Dance/movement therapists often bill under creative arts therapist or mental health counselor licenses
- In-network availability is limited due to the small number of practitioners
Medicare Information
Medicare does not have a specific benefit category for dance/movement therapy. Services may be covered when provided under a recognized mental health license (LCAT, LMHC) or as part of an inpatient treatment program in states where dance/movement therapists hold qualifying credentials.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your dance therapist is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Sources & References
Information about dance therapists is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and authoritative organizations.
Last updated: March 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dance therapists
Do I need to know how to dance to benefit from dance/movement therapy?
No. Dance/movement therapy is not about dance performance or choreography. It uses natural, everyday movement as a therapeutic tool. Your therapist will work with your existing movement comfort level — even small gestures, breathing, and stillness are part of the process. No prior dance experience is needed.
What is the difference between dance/movement therapy and a dance class?
Dance/movement therapy is a clinical mental health intervention provided by a master's-level credentialed therapist within a therapeutic relationship. A dance class focuses on learning technique and choreography. DMT uses movement as a pathway to psychological insight, emotional processing, and behavioral change — not performance.
How does movement help with mental health?
The body stores emotional experiences in muscle tension, posture, and movement patterns. Dance/movement therapy works directly with these somatic patterns to release tension, regulate the nervous system, and access emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. Neuroscience research shows that movement affects brain regions involved in emotion regulation, memory, and social connection.
Is dance/movement therapy evidence-based?
Yes. A growing body of research including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supports dance/movement therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, and dementia. The American Dance Therapy Association maintains a research database documenting clinical outcomes across populations.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards