Find a Drama Therapist
Whether you're looking for in-person sessions or online therapy, here are the best ways to connect with a qualified drama therapist.
To find a registered drama therapist: (1) Search the NADTA directory for Registered Drama Therapists (RDTs) in your area. (2) If you need to start online while you search, Online-Therapy.com offers a structured CBT platform with licensed therapists and creative tools. (3) Sessions typically cost $80-$200 in private practice; many therapists offer sliding scale fees.
private practice
Therapists in NA
for online therapy
sliding-scale fees
In-person vs online drama therapy
Both work. The right one depends on where you live, what you can afford, and how you want to meet.
| Option AIn-person (RDT) | Option BOnline therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you'll see | A Registered Drama Therapist credentialed by NADTA. | A licensed therapist, often with expressive-arts or creative-modality training. |
| Where to find | The NADTA directory · Psychology Today. | Online-Therapy.com · Grow Therapy · Psychology Today (filter for telehealth + creative arts). |
| Cost range | $80-$200 per 50-minute session. Some take insurance. | $60-$100 per week (subscription) or $30-$80 per session. |
| Best if | You want embodied work with props, movement, or group formats. | You live somewhere without an RDT, or you want flexibility. |
| Time to start | 1 to 4 weeks. First consult usually free or low-cost. | Typically within 48 hours of signing up. |
Four steps to starting
Search the directory
Use the NADTA directory or a trusted online platform. Filter by location or presenting concern.
Shortlist 2 to 3
Read their profiles. Look for RDT credentials, trauma training, and population experience.
Book a consult
Most offer a free 15-minute call. Ask the five questions below before committing.
Start, then re-check
Commit to 3 to 5 sessions, then ask yourself: do I feel safer, or not? Fit matters more than credentials.
How to Find the Right Therapist
Not all therapists are the same. Here are your best options depending on your needs and location.
Online-Therapy.com is an affiliate partner. If you sign up through that link, this site earns a small referral fee, at no extra cost to you, which helps keep this resource free and ad-free. NADTA, Psychology Today, BADTh, and EFD are not affiliate partners; they are listed because they are the most useful directories for the audience. Full disclosure →
What to Look for in a Drama Therapist
Not everyone who uses theatre techniques in their work is a trained drama therapist. When looking for a practitioner, here's what to check:
Credentials
- BCT (Board Certified Trainer): an RDT qualified to supervise and train others
- RDT (Registered Drama Therapist): the primary credential in North America, awarded by NADTA
- P-RDT (Provisional Registered Drama Therapist): in supervised training toward full RDT credential
Questions to Ask in a First Consultation
- What drama therapy models or approaches do you primarily use?
- What populations do you have most experience with?
- How do you structure a typical session?
- What does your approach to trauma look like?
- Do you offer a sliding scale fee?
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your first session will typically be an assessment conversation. The therapist will ask about your history, goals, and any concerns. You won't be asked to "perform" or do anything uncomfortable. Drama therapy always proceeds at your pace, with full consent.
How Much Does Drama Therapy Cost?
Drama therapy sessions typically cost between $80-$200 per session depending on location, setting, and the therapist's experience. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income. Some community mental health centers offer drama therapy groups at reduced or no cost.
Online subscription platforms like Online-Therapy.com typically cost $50-$100/week for video sessions, messaging, and creative therapy tools, often more affordable than private practice for clients without insurance.
Is Drama Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Coverage varies. Drama therapists who are also licensed as counselors, social workers, or psychologists may be able to bill insurance under those credentials. It's worth calling your insurance provider and asking whether "expressive arts therapy" or "creative arts therapy" is covered, and whether the therapist is in-network.
Looking for a drama therapist
The questions that come up most often when starting the search.
Should I talk to more than one therapist before committing?
Yes, if you can manage it. Most drama therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation. Meeting two or three lets you compare how each one feels in conversation, which is information you cannot get from a written profile. If scheduling several feels like too much, even one call tells you more than a bio.
What if the first consultation feels off?
Trust that response. Fit is a real clinical factor in how therapy works. If a therapist seems rushed, distracted, defensive about your questions, or simply not someone you can be honest with, that is useful information. Try another.
How many drama therapy sessions before I can tell whether it's working?
Most people get a clearer read after three to five sessions. Drama therapy can feel unfamiliar at first, especially if you are used to talk therapy, so the very first session is rarely a fair test. After about five sessions, ask yourself: do I feel safer, more known, more able to reach what I came here for? If the answer is no, raise it with your therapist or consider switching.
Is it okay to switch drama therapists?
Yes. Switching therapists is normal and part of finding the right fit. Many people see two or three before settling on one. You can tell your current therapist directly, or simply not rebook. A skilled drama therapist will understand and will not take it personally.
What if there isn't a Registered Drama Therapist in my area?
If no Registered Drama Therapist works in your area, telehealth is the most common workaround. Many RDTs see clients online from anywhere. Online-Therapy.com pairs you with a licensed therapist and includes creative therapeutic tools, which can be a useful starting point. You can also search Psychology Today for licensed therapists with expressive arts training, who often combine drama therapy methods with their primary modality.
Do I have to commit to drama therapy after the consultation?
No. The consultation is for both of you to assess fit. You can take time to think, follow up by email, or simply not book. Reputable drama therapists do not pressure clients to commit on the call.
What if drama therapy costs more than I can afford?
Tell the therapist. Many offer a sliding scale based on income but do not advertise it publicly. It is fair to ask, and most therapists would rather adjust their fee than lose someone who needs the work. If they cannot offer a discount, ask whether they know a colleague who does, or whether a local university with a drama therapy training program offers lower-cost sessions through trainee clinicians.