art therapy education

How to Become an Art Therapist: Your Complete Guide to Degrees & Career Paths

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But fun and individual expression are critical parts of who your patients are. Therapies that don’t tap into the creativity and imagination are leaving valuable tools on the table. Those are tools that art therapy picks up and splashes on the canvas of therapy like a Jackson Pollock piece, unlocking critical pieces of thought and experience that can bring people through some of their most terrible moments.

And just because it’s fun doesn’t mean it isn’t serious. The journals of art therapy are filled with titles such as “Art Therapy With Grieving Children: Effect on Affect in the Dual-Process Model” or “Understanding Symbol Repetition in Art Therapy.” It’s serious research with proven outcomes.

Art therapy is becoming a popular alternative to traditional talk therapy.

In this method of therapy, art becomes a medium to help the individual process emotions, reflect on, and share their feelings and thoughts. Art therapists sometimes combine art therapy with traditional psychotherapy methods.

If you want to become an expert in the field of art therapy , you have to master two different kinds of specialties.

Not only do you have to go through the demanding training and experiential learning required of licensed therapists or counselors, but you also have to have the creative background of an artist. Even more challenging, you have to learn how to apply that creativity to your therapy work, and learn how to decipher artistic expression as a way to unravel the innermost damage of clients.

What is Art Therapy?

In art therapy, individuals use creative expression to produce various types of media, which helps them explore their innermost emotions and thoughts, reconcile conflicts, manage stress and anxiety, develop self-awareness, manage addiction and self-deprecating behaviors, and increase their sense of self-esteem. Most frequently introduced alongside more traditional forms of mental health counseling, art therapy also can take place independent of other therapeutic methods.

The primary goal of art therapy is to improve an individual’s personal sense of well-being by encouraging exploration into creative development. While some background knowledge of the artistic process is not typically necessary, this form of therapy is recommended for individuals at all creative levels, from novice to expert.

Being successful in treatment doesn’t take any previous experience with art, or even any natural artistic ability. Apart from an interest in engaging in creative activities, there’s really no restrictions on who could potentially benefit from art therapy. Art therapy is often offered in clinical settings, providing an additional resource for individuals coping with psychological trauma or disorders.

You may see art therapy practiced in:

• Psychiatric rehabilitation centers
• Crisis centers
• Halfway houses and addiction rehabilitation centers
• Domestic abuse shelters
• Community organizations
• Senior communities

What Does an Art Therapist Do?

Art therapists are trained to use both formal and informal assessment when developing individualized treatment plans. Their experience allows them to make choices about a particular form of art to use in therapy. That can be based not only on their client’s preferences and comfort levels, but also the medium that the therapist feels would be most expressive for the patient’s diagnosis.

Therapists not only guide the creative process for their clients, but often assist with the artwork as well.

Like any kind of collaborative creation, therapists help guide the process and interpret the creative results to get to the heart of the trouble.

Research shows that art therapy benefits diverse client populations, and can be effective in a variety of formats. Art therapy has been a particularly strong technique in certain situations where traditional talk therapy has proven difficult, such as:

• Patients who struggle with frightening memories or trauma resulting from combat or abuse
• Patients with medical conditions or disabilities which prevent or limit their verbal expression
• Couples counseling where a collaborative work offers opportunities to come together in a mutually enjoyable project rather than discussing disputes

Art therapy can be conducted as a stand-alone exercise or in concert with more traditional therapeutic techniques. Most art therapists have the training and skills to offer multiple types of counseling to their patients.

How do you become an art therapist?

Art therapy is not a distinct profession, but instead a style of therapy. That means there is not just one path to becoming an art therapist. You will first have to become a licensed professional counselor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, or, more rarely, a licensed clinical psychologist. Each of those requires an advanced college education plus on-the-job practical training. A specialized college program with a concentration in art therapy is almost always recommended, though not required.

How many years does it take to become an art therapist?

Art therapists are expected to have at least a master’s degree level of education. That typically requires six years of college education, four in a bachelor’s program, and two earning the master’s degree. After earning a degree, most counseling and therapy licenses in the United States also require some amount of supervised post-graduate field experience, often for a year or more. So your total amount of time to become an art therapist will be at least seven and possibly eight or more years.

Is it hard to become an art therapist?

Exactly what it’s like to be a therapist is a different experience for everyone. So it’s not easy to say whether or not that is a hard path for you as an individual. You definitely need to have a lot of empathy as well as some kind of artistic sensibility. You do not have to be a great artist; your goals aren’t to produce creative masterworks, but instead to use your skills to interpret and reach your clients. For some people, that will come naturally. For others, it takes great effort.

Art Therapy Degree – What Degree Do You Need to Become an Art Therapist?

Art therapists have to be licensed therapists or counselors in order to work with patients in a clinical capacity. That is, one-on-one treatment of mental health issues, even through art, can only be performed by people with state licenses and the right training and ethical standards.

But counseling and therapy are different professions, with different standards of training and different degree requirements for licensing. Both require master’s-level education. To enter either type of degree program, you will need to complete prerequisites in both psychological training and art in your undergraduate degree program.

Art Therapy Education as a Counselor

To become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) offering art therapy, you’ll need to pick a master’s in counseling program with a concentration in art therapy. These are probably the most common art therapy degrees available. You want to make sure your choice holds a specialty accreditation from CACREP, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. That ensures you will get a top-quality counseling education and be eligible for state-level licensure as a counselor.

Counselors come at mental health issues from a practical perspective that focuses on the individual and their immediate needs. That’s a good fit for art therapy, with adaptability and creativity baked into the therapeutic approach.

Art-therapy concentrations in counseling programs train you through coursework such as:

• Human lifespan development
• History and development of art therapy
• Group counseling process
• Diagnosis and treatment of psychopathologies
• Crisis intervention techniques
• Art-based assessment and art therapy methods in counseling

Art Therapy Education as a Marriage and Family Therapist

Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) requires earning a master’s in marriage and family therapy. Just as with the counseling path, a specialty accreditation is important, but you’ll need one from COAMFTE, the Commission on Accreditation in Marriage and Family Therapy Education instead.

LMFTs view mental health issues through the lens of social and relationship connections. They work on tracing trauma and disruption through a patient’s relationships, and may work with both the patient and their family members to improve those relationships and the client’s overall mental health.

Not all LMFT degrees offer art therapist concentrations, so finding those that do will narrow your choices quickly. In those that do, you’ll find coursework such as:

• Family origins
• Multicultural perspectives in therapy
• Counseling individuals in the family system
• Group therapy techniques
• Psychodiagnostics and treatment planning

Should you consider online MFT programs or online LPC programs for your art therapy career? That’s entirely up to you! Online education is becoming more and more common, and you will find plenty of degree options in both counseling and therapy.

These degrees are more challenging for art therapy than more traditional therapy programs, however. So if the flexibility of an online degree sounds appealing, definitely check out the provisions for your required arts courses on top of the more mainstream classes on your schedule.

Ready to enter the world of art therapy? Find an art therapy degree program near you!

Additional Accreditation Considerations for Art Therapists

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) also has their own approval process for graduate art therapy programs that you should take a look at while choosing a master’s program. They accept certain programs that have been accredited by ACATE, the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education, which works through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

CAAHEP is better known for accrediting healthcare degrees such as diagnostic medical sonography and medical assisting. Their programs don’t neatly fit into the traditional licensing requirements for therapists or counselors but you can sometimes find dual-accredited programs or different career paths.

Types of Art Therapy

As an artist, you already understand that this subject is a little bit turned around. You don’t pick your art, it picks you. So by the time you get to the point of thinking about a career in art therapy, you already have a pretty good idea what inspires you and where your creative process is pointing.

The most-effective form of therapy is the one that is most helpful to the individual. This means that no one definitive form of therapeutic intervention exists that is better than another. Some forms of mental health counseling currently have statistically higher success rates than others, but there is still quite a bit of subjectivity involved in tailoring treatment to the preferences of the individual. Art therapy is no different.

Serving as a popular alternative or addition to traditional talk therapy, art therapy allows any artistic medium to be used as a method for helping people process emotions, reflect, and share their feelings and thoughts:

• Painting - Painting can use color and composition to help draw out inner thoughts and emotions from patients.
• Sculpting - The physicality of molding clay and shaping forms offers a tactile approach to therapy that works best for some clients.
• Drawing - Drawing can offer an insight into details of perspective and expression that allow clients to mix words and visualization in their therapy.
• Pottery - There’s just something soothing about throwing a pot that is hard to describe, but fun to teach to clients.
• Textiles - Weaving, knitting, crochet, and other creative forms of textile art offer a way to embed inner emotions or express aspiration in a useful, wearable form.
• Music - Music therapy can be considered its own specialization, with a dedicated group in the American Music Therapy Association that sets standards and techniques for therapy.
• Dance and movement - Like music therapy, this field is so highly specialized that it has its own association, the American Dance Therapy Association, and is in some ways more like physical therapy than other kinds of art therapy.
• Collage - Collage therapy can be a great choice for clients who do not feel their own artistic pull instinctually since it allows mixing and matching from other sources to help them express themselves.

There’s no one right way to do art therapy other than the way that works for your clients.

Even if you don’t see something on the list that calls to you, don’t be afraid to explore your own types of art therapy.

Art Therapy Career – What You Need to Know to Get Started

You’ll need to become licensed no matter what your art therapy specialty is. Becoming an LMFT or LPC (sometimes called LMHC, or licensed mental health counselor) depends on rules set down in each state. You’ll have to find the relevant licensing board and see what their standards are before you apply.

They almost always follow a similar pattern, however:

• Hold a master’s degree from an accredited program in your field
• Build a year or more of supervised post-graduate field experience
• For therapists, this is the MFT National Examination, a 180-question test to be completed in 4 hours
• National Counselor Exam, a 200-question test on 8 content areas
• National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination, a test with 10 simulated cases to assess and treat
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination, a 175-question test covering 12 knowledge areas specific to rehab counseling
• Pass a criminal background check
• Sometimes take and pass an additional, state-specific jurisprudence examination

Some states have special categories of these licenses for art therapy. Texas, for example, offers an LPC credential with a specialty designation in art therapy. And in eight states, art therapists have their own licensing options:

• Connecticut
• Mississippi

In most cases, however, these licenses require either a specialty certification from AATA or graduation from an AATA-recognized master’s program. They will have state-specific examinations rather than a national standard test, as well.

Do You Need A Specialty Certification to Become an Art Therapist?

Although the number of states that recognize art therapy specialty certification is relatively small, that doesn’t mean you don’t benefit from becoming certified. AATA’s Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) offers four different certifications that could give you a boost with both potential employers and prospective clients.

The ATCB Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) is the credential with the most weight. To earn it, you have to demonstrate your skills by passing the ATCBE examination. The exam is a comprehensive test of both the theories and clinical skills used in art therapy. It’s the same exam that several states use for art therapist licensing, so you can cover both your certification and license in one shot if you time it right.

Art Therapist Salary and Careers

That can make it a hard job to categorize when it comes to career and salary. And since most art therapists are creative, independent individuals, it often comes down to your own vision and motivation for the job to determine how your career is going to unfold.

Having artistic talent is also imperative for any art therapist. Honing that talent, by gaining as much experience and knowledge as possible about the various forms of art, such as pottery, painting, and drawing, will get you headed on the path to landing your dream job and earning a higher salary. Understanding and developing strengths in the behavioral sciences and psychology, as well as interning or volunteering in a related field will also help increase your job prospects.

Where do art therapists work?

Many art therapists are self-employed, working as independent clinicians who set their own hours, do their own marketing, and pick their own clients. But you can also find work as an art therapist in many traditional and non-traditional settings, including:

• Psychiatric care facilities
• Long-term rehabilitation and care facilities
• Crisis counseling centers
• Correctional facilities
• Mental health agencies

Do art therapists get paid well?

How much do art therapists make? Well, this is a very natural question for people interested in starting a career in the field, but the answer can include a pretty broad range of salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not specifically track the salary levels of art therapists, however, and because you can get into art therapy through several different professional tracks, how much you make will often depend on other factors.

BLS categorizes art therapists in the larger category for “therapists, all other.” For 2022, they earned a median annual salary of $60,800 , with the top ten percent bringing in more than $111,800. That’s pretty close to the median for marriage and family therapists, which was $56,570 , and well above the median for mental health counselors, at $49,710 .

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for therapists , marriage and family therapists , and mental health counselors is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

Related Careers

Research Therapist Degree Programs

• Therapist Bachelor's Programs
• Therapist Master's Programs
• Therapist Doctoral Programs
• Therapist Degree Path
• Online MFT Degrees

Licensing & Certification Information

• Therapist Licensing by State
• Psychologist Licensing by State
• Counselor Licensing by State
• Social Worker Licensing by State

Best Art Therapy/Therapist colleges in the U.S. 2024

For those interested in using art as a therapeutic platform for mental health and psychological trauma, art therapy could be an excellent career path. Art therapy is a growing field that employs over 5,000 nationwide and can be a great alternative for those that prefer other more tactile methods outside of traditional therapy.

Art therapists work with clients to help understand how art and the art they create reflect on their life, their mental health, and their goals for the future. These sessions can also help clients find the appropriate coping mechanisms and strategies to address daily challenges with mental health. 

To become an art therapist, professionals typically need to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in psychology and complete an art portfolio that demonstrates their skill-set and applicability to the psychology sector. Many schools require a practicum that allows students to gain real-world experience and build their portfolio before entering the workforce, which can provide an excellent first glance at the field. This career path lends itself well to students with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Best Art Therapy/Therapist colleges in the U.S. for 2024

New York University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 10 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees.

Drexel University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 15 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 15 Master's degrees.

George Washington University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 19 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 19 Master's degrees.

Union University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 1 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 1 Bachelor's degree.

Long Island University offers 2 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 18 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees, and 8 Bachelor's degrees.

Florida State University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 13 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 13 Master's degrees.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 12 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 12 Master's degrees.

Dominican University of California offers 2 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 7 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 7 Master's degrees.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 16 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 16 Certificates.

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis offers 2 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 27 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 16 Certificates, and 11 Master's degrees.

Find local colleges with Art Therapy/Therapist majors in the U.S.

List of all art therapy/therapist colleges in the u.s..

Art Therapy

Inspiring others to create.

Requirements for Becoming an Art Therapist – Education, Degrees, and Advice

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The school offering an art therapy master’s degree program must be an accredited institution, as designated by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) . The art therapy program must also be approved by meeting the standards set forth from the Education Program Approval Board (EPAB).

Education & Degree Requirements

The following art therapist requirements are typical for the specified location. These are meant to serve as guidelines. However, you should always check with the specific art therapy program to verify exact requirements.

Typical Art Therapy Requirements in the United States

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, counseling, art, art education.
• A designated number of hours in studio art, showing a proficiency in things like drawing, painting and sculpture. Typically, a portfolio is required.
• A designated number of hours in psychology.
• Letters of recommendation.
• A personal statement.
• Accepted admission.

Depending on your bachelor’s degree, it’s possible to finish any remaining pre-requisite requirements within the first year of being admitted to the master’s program. However, you must have completed some of the required art or psychology courses. You should contact the AATA or the art therapy program for additional details.

Typical Requirements in the United Kingdom

The requirements in the UK are similar to the ones in the U.S. Here’s a sampling of what else is typically required in order to purse an art therapy degree in the United Kingdom.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, counseling, visual arts, occupational therapy, nursing social work, et al.
• Sufficient life experience and maturity.
• A portfolio of work.
• 1 year of relevant work experience.

Typical Requirements in Australia and New Zealand

• Minimum of a two-year Masters Degree
• 750 supervised clinical hours of supervised placement

Graduates of approved art therapy programmes are eligible to register with the Australian and New Zealand Arts Therapy Association (ANZATA) as a professional AThR (registered arts therapist). A professional member of the Australian and New Zealand Arts Therapy Association (ANZATA) must abide by their code of ethics.

As always, you should check with your specific program of interest for their specific requirements.

A Professional Art Therapist’s Advice

The following was sent by one of our readers, Vivien Beere, and is being promoted to an article. She offers some sound advice for those of you interested in becoming art therapists, planning on going to an art therapy school, and/or pursuing additional art therapy education. Included are some important requirements to consider.

I am an Art Therapist working in Community Mental Health in Perth, Western Australia. I’ve been in the field 30 years or so.

I want to respond to all you wonderful would-be students by saying:

1. Keep doing your creative work and reflect on it using a journal…keep on doing it forever! This is both a joy and a source of insight and will also give you the “substance” to draw on in your future work if you do take up Art Therapy professionally.

2. Try out some of the popular Art Therapy “how to” books…and work out if this or that was useful for you…and if so, how so? Maybe join up with a support group to try out exercises together…don’t be in a hurry…gather a range of skills and experiences. Being 30 plus is a good idea in this work.

3. Do some serious reading of Art Therapy literature. There’s now a lot and it ranges from the exploratory type of books on specific subjects to scholarly books and theses. Have a look at Amazon for titles, especially Jessica Kingsley, then browse the American Journal of Art Therapy for a start.

4. Decide whether you want to do this as a profession or if, for instance, you want to make art and facilitate community creativity/growth groups instead.

5. If you do want to do this as a profession get a professional masters degree in Art Therapy!! (Most current Art Therapists couldn’t afford it either). And no, at this point Art Therapy, although much needed, is not well paid or easy to start a career in, even in the USA.

To young people I often suggest a first degree in Social Work because it’s hugely flexible. After having done this and also done a Masters in Art Therapy, you will always get a job as a Social Worker and open up ways to use your expertise. That’s not to say some agencies don’t want Art Therapists…often they do, but funding bodies have often never heard of the profession, even after 50 plus years.

The other route is to first have a Fine Arts degree and stay connected with the arts world and art making for a part of your professional time and income, in addition to getting the Masters in Art Therapy. To my observation without a counselling/mental health background of some sort you will need a lot of initiative, or need to be willing to stay part time in the field for quite a while, unless there are established institutions in your area that employ Art Therapy grads.

There are now many American, Canadian, British and European Arts Therapy courses, some of them very well respected…and down under, to my knowledge, there’s one Masters course in Singapore at La Salle School of the Arts, one in Melbourne at La Trobe, one in Western Sydney at UWS, one in Brisbane at UQ, and one in Auckland, NZ at Whitecliffes School of Art. Check out the ANZATA website.

If you already have qualifications and experience in Social Work, Counselling, OT, Psychology, Psychotherapy or Mental Health nursing, as well as ongoing interest/practise of some form of art, my opinion (but not that of every Art Therapist) is that you can probably do shorter non degree courses in arts therapies and integrate your learning into your existing knowledge base, especially in pioneering situations. It amy be worth joining ANZATA or another Arts Therapy professional body as an associate member to keep up to date with issues, courses, conferences etc.

One of the key points is that during training and as you practise, you will need Supervision or as the Americans call it Case Consultation or Case Control. One of the biggest reasons for this is that art therapy is truly powerful! It’s usually recommended you do your own therapy as well. And that means with an Art Therapist as well as in your studio!

With art therapy you can land up unconsciously and subtly directing your clients to work out your own unlived issues, or you can find yourself drawn into their stories or unable to sleep because of the images that you have seen. Your clients’ issues will constantly bring up your own. Just as your clients will need you as a witness to help them observe, contain and reflect on what they are doing so you too will need that same support. And then there’s support with practical and theoretical development of your personal style as an art therapist…the good news is that eventually you will be able to consult internationally via skype.

Best wishes to you all, Vivien Beere

Related articles:

• Art Therapy Certification for Careers in the United States and Abroad
• How To Become An Art Therapist
• Sara Roizen – Featured Artist & Art Therapist
• Introducing the Art Therapy Education Section
• Art Therapist Salary – Trends, Averages

August 21 at 6:06 am

Hello!! I’m interested in becoming an Art Therapist, in making a Master Degree online, because I live in the Dominican Republic. Is there any chance? thanks.

August 21 at 9:11 am

I’ve been a licensed professional counselor with an extensive background in visual arts (I work both as a school counselor and an art coordinator for a large school district) I’ve been bringing art-making into my therapeutic sessions for years, and am interested in taking a class or two to round out my experience. Is there somewhere that we ‘practicing counselors using art as a means of communication’ can do this? I am in Colorado.

January 24 at 10:00 pm

This is awesome and very similar to what I’ve been thinking about with different creative mediums. Can Can learn when I need online or should I find a school? Do I have to get my bachelor’s and my masters or just one?

I know that’s a lot of questions but I’m on Instagram at @momokun_creat

August 21 at 10:54 am

I also suggest that if you are interested in obtaining your Masters degree in Art Therapy in the US, contact a program. Contact information can be found on the American Art Therapy Association website. Faculty (like myself) are usually more than happy to discuss the field, requirements for application, and the nature of their respective training programs.

Also, in response to Ms. Caraballo, there is a hybrid training program (some residency, some online) at St. Mary of the Woods in Indiana. You will find contact information at http://www.arttherapy.org .

August 22 at 10:01 am

I have both an MFA and an MSW. I am a licensed clinical social worker with an MFA in fine arts. Years ago I took the advice of art therapists (at two separate art therapy programs) and went into social work when I was looking to make a career change. The social work school I attended had an art therapist on staff who taught a very popular course and opened up the minds of many to the power of art therapy. These days I work full time in a mental health clinic. I take courses in art therapy whenever I can. I am a visual thinker and that’s a big part of how I work. It’s just me. But I find I am very afraid of posting on art therapy sites for fear of being “flamed” by art therapists for not having exactly the correct letters behind my name. I feel like I’m sticking my neck out just to post this. I wish I didn’t feel this way.

August 24 at 9:18 am

There is also a program in Haifa, Israel.

http://artherapy.haifa.ac.il/about_eng.html

http://overseas.haifa.ac.il/index.php/graduate-programs/art-therapy

August 24 at 9:27 am

Silly question, but how important are art skills when it comes to art therapy? My oldest has always wanted to be an art therapists. She is a very good artist. However, she isn’t Rembrandt! If there was an American Idol version for artists, she wouldn’t make it to the top because there are certainly people that are better. This isn’t knocking her ability but it is being honest. Her passion is psychology and she sees art as a great way for one to express themselves and heal. She takes art classes and produces some nice pieces and others that are just so-so. She is currently pursuing an BS in psychology and hopes to get into an art therapy program for her MA. She is taking art classes at her college and has a job at an art studio. She loves art! Does she sound like a good candidate for an art therapists? I’m just afraid there are going to be all of these truly gifted artists applying and she won’t stand a chance.

August 25 at 9:18 am

What a great article, thank you for posting this. A friend of mine suggested my becoming an art therapist as a career change. With my medical background and my passion for art, it’s a perfect combination. I am in the process of finishing my art degree.

I would love to start and charity program in my area in local hospitals where artists, art therapists, counselors join forces and visit children in hospitals and in communities to help express their emotional and physical pain. So often there are kids who don’t have access to such healing tools. Art is just as vital to healing as medication and following doctors orders.

Any suggestions how I can start to form such a group? I am new in my area and fortunate enough to have a lot of free time.

Thanks again for the information and your advise. – Karen

September 2 at 2:08 pm

I am very happy to read this article, but I hope you can help me to join this area. I live in Cairo, Egypt but do not know anywhere I can study art therapy. I have a Bachelor of Arts Education and Work Specialist Education with autistic children from 4 years ago. I ask you for a guideline to help get me started on the right path. Thank you.

September 8 at 11:12 am

hello, my name is Yifat. I am a teacher of spacial education for many years. I have a Master degree. Three years ago I started to take Painting classes, Clay and Jewel classes. I am looking to learn Art Therapy and I have hard time to find it. Any help?

December 16 at 10:53 pm

Hello My name is Cambria. I am married and 21 years old, which I know is very young. I feel a real passion to work in this field. Since the forth grade I have wanted to help people, but it wasn’t until high school that I realized that through art I would enjoy it most. Because my husband is in the army I am limited in the schools I can go to, and the one I am currently attending does not have an Art Therapy program. So I had thought that majoring in psychology and minoring in art would be the next best thing; however, after reading the comments am thinking that I might do better with a different major? I don’t have anyone around me that understands this field so I feel lost. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! feel free to email me @ [email protected]

December 19 at 5:55 pm

Hi My name is Sylvia. Im a Surgcal Technologist of 31 years with a bachelors degree in Fine Arts. My college years of long ago (1976) was in Nursing. The ultimate was a combination of finding a program in Art Therapy but, at that time wasn’t an easy find or not recognized. Im presently recovering from surgery and not employed and am interested in a career change. Art Therapy is a wonderful find and am curious to know if I’d be a good candidate for this field. Can I enter into this field with my present credentials, and if not, to know what courses would be needed to attain the masters in this field. Thank you with hopes of hearing from you soon.:)

December 20 at 11:18 pm

I wish to pursue the MA of Art Therapy, but i am think of using for PTSD. Do i need to have a MA of Psychology with a AT concentration or vis versa. I am an older student already with an MA not related. But my undergrad was in art. I have many questions and was hoping to find a bit of guidance.

February 6 at 12:42 pm

Hi I have got distinction in art and crafts I Wondering if I could i do a coarse on line I live In Ireland .I done a child care coarse .I found Id like to forward it with something with art and Children.Yours Ann Marie Hickey.

April 15 at 10:29 am

Hi everyone..I have some feedback to some of the people above..I am sorry I cant help with specific schools outside this area..its true many people have to save and to travel to study Art Therapy and it may not be possible for everyone..but keep asking ..

First could the woman Li ? who is an HR professional in S Korea and who wrote to me please write to me again..I accidentially sent your email to my spam.I’m sorry.

In brief a face to face 2 years Masters in Art Therapy is a good idea for your own support, learning and peace of mind if you want to work in the field. The learning process will expose you in many ways to your own biases and deeply held personal and cultural assumptions about yourself and the world. There is a huge learning that goes on in a peer group that to my mind cannot be replicated by solo study, which is not to say some distance study could be useful.You will also gain academic knowledge that will help you develop your own philosophy of practice and have the feedback of teachers as well as gain credentials. The closest Masters to you that I know of is at La Salle in Singapore.Whitecliffes in NZ has a Masters course that is designed for students who may not live in Auckland..classes meet for in depth seminars and workshops and followup work is done from home before the next meetings.You could check this out although there would be a lot of travel from S Korea. USA may however be equally close!Good luck!

Cambria above..hi Cambria if you have a passion you have a passion and the work will find you.If you can’t get to a school that offers Art Therapy yet dont worry too much.Psychology is a good major especially as you are keeping up your arts practise through the minor. Depending on your school they may still work with whats called the scientist practitioner model which assumes scientific objectivity rather than with newer ideas about collaboration and co transference and the observer inflencing the field thats being observed, which is much more common amongst Art Therapists.So you may have to hold the tension between the paradigms for a while, but that being said Clinical Psychologists often have a great depth of knowledge and sound assessment and treatment skills which can marry well with Art Therapy if you have the interest and stamina..at least you would always have a well paid job and when more senior might well be able to work in the way that suits you best. Good luck!

Claudia above .I just think its fanatastic that you are a Clinical Social Worker working in a mental health clinic and using your arts background and what you have learned ,and no doubt discovered yourself, about Art Therapy techniques and tradtions to the benefit of your clients and community!I do not know if your setting allows for Art Psychotherapy per se which many Art Therapists do feel requires specific training or whether you are doing more psychoeducational work augmented with the power of the image..there could be a big discussion here! I wonder if it would be worth your while seeking out some open minded Art Therapists and doing co supervision to support your work and to explore similarities and differences in modality personal style and possibly focus? Perhaps then you could work up a conference presentation about a research question in your own work…? good luck!

Karen above I do not know here you live but I suggest you seek the advice and support of an Art Therapist in your area.Maybe there’s something already happening you could assist with.If not ask an Art Therapist for some (paid) mentoring and then just contact your local childrens ward, hospice or cancer out patients facility, aged care facility or anywhere you are interested in (excluding mental health, rape crisis and head injury to start with because these are especially complex) Offer to run say three free art expression groups.Maybe 2-3 hours each in a public hall or hospital ward..Dont call your sessions Art Therapy since you are not a qualified Art Therapist.Make art around some very general themes and give people space to talk in a confidential place. Children dont need to say much ususally. Tell adults you hope one day to study formally but in the mean time you want to share your love of art making, and knowing that with physical illness it is often hard for people to find real times for other aspects of themselves you thought you’d offer this space…Have the names of suitable staff members (who agree to this) or external professionals with whom people can talk more later if needed..And then for yourself journal and make art around your reponses to your experiencs in your (small) group and discuss with your mentor. Good luck!

Sylvia above.it may be a matter of re connecting with your art making and journalling about the process.Your own heart will tell you if Art Therapy is the right field for you to pursue and from there any extra study requirements will become plain once you contact colleges in your area, or those that you like the sound of elsewhere.. Art Therapy is generally “the path less travelled” and the “will I be acceptable/any good at it” questions can only ultimately be answered by your own sense of deepening committment, This is assisted by reflection on feedback from teachers, colleagues and clients and then the witnessing of miracles in your clients lives.Good luck

Marvin above..hi..PTSD? your own recovery or to assist others? If the former doing your own in depth process with an Art Therapist could be a good idea.Then when you train formally you could do some papers and research activities in this rapidly developing area of Art Therapy practise. Good luck

Anne Marie above Congratulations on your distinction in arts and crafts.I wonder if Art Teaching or Special Ed might be a useful qualification and field of experience for you that could later lead on to Art Therapy or Child Psychotherapy or Child and Family work.? Why dont’ you discuss this with Irish Art Therapists? Good luck

To Sandy above Hi Sandy it sounds to me like your daughter is totally on track. You don’t have to be a “Brilliant artist” to be an Art Therapist but you do need in depth experience with the process of making art that is meaningful for you.Skillwise she may eventually need lots of beginners skills in various art techniques and expertise in one or two areas..we keep on learning and learning in this trade!Psychology is also needed as you will have read above and ultimately a love of people and the patience to “hold” complexity and chaos visually emotionally and conceptually whilst in the priviledged position of assisting others with their healing and growth. Just keep on loving and supporting her! Vivien

May 3 at 6:43 am

Hello, my name is Moon and I am 24. First of all thank you for this informative article. I studied physiotherapy degree and is going to be a physiotherapist soon. However, during my studying, I realised that health is not only related to the physical condition but mind is very important as well. And then i was introduced to art therapy while I was doing my research paper. I found it very familiar to me, as I always enjoy art and I feel my soul being healed every time I express myself with drawings. I have a sense of healing people with physical and mental disabilities and I believe art therapy is one of the best way to heal their souls.

I would like to know how can I get into this filed? If I want to study a master degree of art therapy, do I need a MA psychology degree or other requirements?

Thank you very much!

May 28 at 11:30 pm

I am about to enter my senior year with a biology major, but I have considered a career in art therapy for a while. I already know biology is not necessary and I need certain psychology and art courses. Should I take undergrad courses at another school before taking a graduate program?

June 5 at 4:51 am

I am very interested in being an art therapist but not the best at the drawing side of art but I am still very creative. Is that a big problem ?? Also what are the main classes I should be taking to improve my skills in becoming an Art therapist?

June 6 at 1:20 am

i am really interested in becoming an art therapist the only thing i am trying to figure out how to study it in Israel, was wondering if this might help me out. couldn’t find anything anywhere i looked and its counted in the middle east if you might have any info on it please let me know. thank you

March 28 at 5:56 am

Hello, This site seems really interesting. We were wondering if you would be interested in ading our Art Therapy programsto your listings in Europe: Metàfora hs been working extensively in the field of rt therapy training in Spain since 1999. We run a Masters program in Spanish (ww.master-arteterapia.org) and a Postgraduate Diploma in English (www.postgraduate-diploma-art-therapy.org)

April 1 at 4:42 pm

Hi, I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and I want to be an art therapist. I am 29 and have yet to study a degree as my condition has held me back. Now that I know what is wrong with me I’m hoping to improve and still study this. I was wondering if anyone has any advice as I feel nervous andand wonder if I can gradually get better during an arts degree after I’ve had more therapy, then could I still be accepted to do this if I can get well by the time I do a masters. Will my slight lack of previous focus and experience mean I have less of a chance? So far I have a foundation inperforming musicianship and half a foundation in art and an a level in fine art and photography..sophie

June 21 at 3:26 pm

I just graduated with baccalaureate in natural science, but I want to pursue a career in art therapy. Would it be a good idea to take the required courses at Moraine then transfer to Illinois state for a psychology baccalaureate or just transfer the credits I already have to Illinois state and start there?

June 23 at 8:49 am

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Art and Counseling and Masters in Art Education. I’ve worked as a counselor in a psychiatric setting and I have been teaching art in Elementary Schools for the past 11 years. I’d like to think there is a way to combine this education and experience to a certification in Art Therapy. I’m in the US.

June 30 at 12:07 pm

hi, my name is Monica and i am 20. your article was very informative and encouraging. i did my BA in Psychology, literature and Performing arts and in school one of my major subjects in Arts was Fine Arts. i always enjoyed art and its effects on me. thats what is encouraging me to take this up as a career. i love helping people and believe if i could add my passion of art in it then i would enjoy working in this field.

My aunt is staying in Houston, Texas and i would like to know if there is any institutes or universities near that area.

thank you so much 🙂

July 22 at 12:05 pm

If someone could please give me some info on this, I would definitely appreciate it. I’m beginning my Junior year as a Psychology student minoring in art and mental health services. I didn’t know until about a week ago that there is an actual certification process for art therapists. I eventually wanted to go into private practice after I get my LPC from grad school. I mainly want to do counseling but also art therapy as an alternative form of therapy for select children that do not seem to be benefitting from traditional counseling (I want do pediatric counseling). I have not ever really considered doing art therapy as a full time job just because I want to be an LPC, but also using AT as when needed like I was saying.

So what my concern is, is that I’m wondering can you not practice art therapy privately without a license? Per se if I were to include it in what I offer/programs when I do go into private practice, would that be illegal or something? Or frowned upon? If I can find a university that would let me have a concentrated area of AT while I pursue my LPC then I would definitely do that just to have a basic understanding of the structuring. But how does that work when you are trying to offer it to someone since you technically don’t have any credentials to be an art therapist?

I hope this makes sense, and if it does PLEASE PLEASE someone help. This is what I have wanted to do my whole life and I am such a plan-in-advance type person. I feel thrown for a loop and a little distressed at the thought of something messing up my life goals. Thanks so much. [email protected]

December 23 at 11:18 pm

Please help and tell me if there is distance education for art therapy. I have completed my masters in clinical psychology and i live in India. I teach drawing and painting. I love art therapy and want to practice it in future. Please let me know if i learn art therapy by any means staying in India.

May 13 at 10:19 pm

I’m graduating with a BFA illustration. Planning on getting a master degree in art therapy. However, I have no experience with art therapy. By verbally understanding, I think it fits me. But how do I know if art therapy really fits me?

July 9 at 4:09 pm

Is it possible to become an art therapist if you get a master’s in occupational therapy? I was an art major for 3 years, so I would have some art experience, but would I have to figure out a way to take some art classes along with an OT degree?

August 18 at 4:44 am

Hello, so I’ve got one really important question. Is there a chance to study Art Therapy if I only have a bachelors degree of Art and Visual Arts? I do not have any bachelor degree on psychology. What do you recommend me to do? Thank you.

August 18 at 4:46 am

One more thing I forgot to add… Is it possible to learn the psychology needed to take the masters courses throughout living? Or does it need to be a degree?

October 25 at 9:58 am

hi I’m currently studying at University of Haifa getting my masters in Art Therapy and was wondering if anyone would know if I would be licensed to practice in the U.S.?

November 11 at 12:31 am

Hello , I have completed my bachelors in bio-engineering. I am very much interested in taking up Masters in Art therapy. Is it possible? What are the requirements? I draw/paint well and very passionate about teaching. I believe in the fact that art and craft can heal or used as therapy. Please advice.

May 5 at 9:34 pm

Hello, I have a bachelors degree in Psychology, I have some experience from internships as well. I want to do a masters in art therapy abroad but first I found this training program called foundation course in expressive and creative art therapy in my country, India. So, I wish to know if this will be useful and meet my requirements for PG abroad as I plan to this this for one year before i head out for Masters. The program consists of 40 internship hours plus trains the participants holistically in drama, movement and art therapy in a variety of settings – ngos, schools, hospitals etc. I would like some advice please! 🙂

May 27 at 9:46 am

Hi there, thanks for the informative article!

I’m from Singapore and am studying nothing related to psychology and art currently, but have an interest. Does a 2nd major in psychology suffice as the bachelor courses needed to enrol in the masters programme in Laselle?

November 2 at 5:43 pm

I am currently working on my undergraduate degree in Social Work and minoring(once I get the paperwork in) in Art and psychology. Once I finish my undergrad I plan to get my masters in Art Therapy, hopefully at Lesley. I live in Massachusetts. Does this seem like a good plan? I couldn’t afford to do my undergrad and masters at the schools close by with Art therapy programs. I also saw that University of New England has a Applied Arts and Social Justice Certificate. would that be worth it instead of the masters?

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So You Want to be an Art Therapist, Part Two: Art Therapy Education

The good, the bad and the "challenging" of art therapy education.

Posted January 31, 2011

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There is no question in my mind that choosing to become an art therapist has been one of the best decisions of my life. I started out as an artist with a strong interest in working with people and using art therapy in my work continues to be the perfect fit for me. But since the time I entered the field 25 years ago, it takes quite a bit of effort now to plan your education and understand the job market. So beginning with this post, I am going to tell you all about the good, the bad, and the "challenging" about being an art therapist in the 21st century, starting with art therapy education.

On any day of the week, the question I am asked most is, "What kind of degree do I need to become an art therapist?" And "do I need to go to an art therapy school to become an art therapist?" There are no "art therapy schools" as promoted on various websites and amateur blogs, but there are colleges and universities that either provide master's degrees in art therapy and related fields or at the very least, coursework in art therapy at the bachelor's and master's level. And of course all of this depends on what country you live in, if you are an international reader. I am going to try to briefly explain art therapy education in the US (in a future post, I'll address some of the ins and outs of the international art therapy education scene).

Art therapy education involves a master's degree although you might encounter many bachelor degree programs that offer either a major or specialization in art therapy. Bachelor's education is considered to be preparatory for graduate work in the US (unlike music therapists who enter their field with a bachelor's degree). Most art therapy education follows a prescribed set of prerequisites in art and psychology and master's level art therapy competencies, required semester units, and practicum experiences that lead to eligibility, post-graduation, for the following credentials: Art Therapist Registered (ATR) and Board Certified Art Therapy (ATR-BC) as provided by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) .

In deciding if an art therapy masters degree is for you, there are a couple of challenges you'll face. The first hurdle is cost. The vast majority of art therapy education programs are in private colleges and universities rather than state-funded ones. This equates to higher tuitions and fewer scholarship opportunities for those in need of financial support. Two decades ago, there were at least ten graduate programs in state universities; now there are only four or five, making it difficult for those with limited means to afford the cost of a degree.

The second challenge you will encounter is the confusing variety in degree titles. Most prospective students expect that they will be undertaking a master's degree in art therapy; if it only were that simple. Here is a partial list of degree titles housed in the more popular masters degree programs in the US:

Art Education Art Therapy Art Therapy and Counseling Art Therapy and Creativity Development Art Therapy and Special Education Art Therapy Counseling Counseling and Personal Services Counseling Psychology Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy Creative Arts Therapies Expressive Therapies Marital and Family Counseling Psychology Transpersonal Counseling

Many of these degrees come with a "specialization" that will not necessarily appear on your diploma, but is advertised as part of your educational program. For example, a counseling degree may include a "specialization in expressive therapies" or an art education degree may say "specialization in art therapy." Or vice versa-- an art therapy masters might have a "specialization in counseling."

To complicate your planning even more, undertaking one of the degree options listed above is not the only route to obtaining an ATR or ATR-BC in the US. Recently, the ATCB revised its credentialing standards, now allowing those with a master's degree in certain licensed mental health professions like counseling and social work to take the requisite courses in art therapy. Whether or not this will be a popular option is not yet known because many counselors, for example, already utilize the "creative arts in counseling" (another topic for a future post in this series) in their practices; more counseling degrees are offering courses in art therapy, play therapy, and other expressive arts therapies in their programs for those who interested in integrating creativity in their practices.

Does the degree title you obtain really matter? It depends on where you want to end up, post-graduation. For some graduates, a master's degree in art therapy can be just fine; for others, it does not meet their needs nor the current job market that demands a mental health license to be reimbursed [aka, paid]. Most art therapy master's degrees now provide courses necessary for graduates to become eligible for a professional counseling, mental health counseling or marriage and family therapy license. However, the degree title "art therapy" could get in your way in becoming licensed as a counselor in an increasing number of states where you must have a degree in "counseling" to apply for a counseling license.

Also be advised that if you decide on a degree titled "art therapy" (as opposed to counseling or psychology), it may not be acceptable as a prerequisite to a brick and mortar professional psychology school or university psychology or counseling doctoral program later on. You may be told that you need to obtain a master's degree in counseling, psychology or some other mental health field in order to qualify for entrance. Yes, it's difficult to know what your needs will be five to ten years from now, but it is worth investigating now so that you do not make a costly investment that does not meet your eventual career goals . Ask your academic adviser or career counselor plenty of questions.

So what about credentials, certifications, and licenses? What are your options and how important is it to have one of these designations? That is the topic of the next post. Until then...

Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPAT, LPCC

www.cathymalchiodi.com

www.atwb.org

Follow my Twitter at arttherapynews!

Cathy Malchiodi, Ph.D. , is a psychologist, expressive arts therapist, trauma specialist, and author of 20 books, including Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy: Brain, Body, and Imagination in the Healing Process.

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What Is Art Therapy?

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Effectiveness

Things to consider, how to get started.

The use of artistic methods to treat psychological disorders and enhance mental health is known as art therapy. Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being.

People have been relying on the arts for communication, self-expression, and healing for thousands of years. But art therapy didn't start to become a formal program until the 1940s.

Doctors noted that individuals living with mental illness often expressed themselves in drawings and other artworks, which led many to explore the use of art as a healing strategy. Since then, art has become an important part of the therapeutic field and is used in some assessment and treatment techniques.

Types of Creative Therapies

Art therapy is not the only type of creative art used in the treatment of mental illness. Other types of creative therapies include:

• Dance therapy
• Drama therapy
• Expressive therapy
• Music therapy
• Writing therapy

The goal of art therapy is to utilize the creative process to help people explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills.

The creation or appreciation of art is used to help people explore emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem, and work on social skills.

Techniques used in art therapy can include:

• Doodling and scribbling
• Finger painting
• Photography
• Working with clay

As clients create art, they may analyze what they have made and how it makes them feel. Through exploring their art, people can look for themes and conflicts that may be affecting their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

What Art Therapy Can Help With

Art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental disorders and psychological distress . In many cases, it might be used in conjunction with other psychotherapy techniques such as group therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) .

Some conditions that art therapy may be used to treat include:

• Aging-related issues
• Eating disorders
• Emotional difficulties
• Family or relationship problems
• Medical conditions
• Psychological symptoms associated with other medical issues
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosocial issues
• Substance use disorder

Benefits of Art Therapy

According to a 2016 study published in the  Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, less than an hour of creative activity can reduce your stress and have a positive effect on your mental health, regardless of artistic experience or talent.

An art therapist may use a variety of art methods, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage with clients ranging from young children to older adults.

Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively.

Some situations in which art therapy might be utilized include:

• Adults experiencing severe stress
• Children experiencing behavioral or social problems at school or at home
• Children or adults who have experienced a traumatic event
• Children with learning disabilities
• Individuals living with a brain injury
• People experiencing mental health problems

While research suggests that art therapy may be beneficial, some of the findings on its effectiveness are mixed. Studies are often small and inconclusive, so further research is needed to explore how and when art therapy may be most beneficial.  

• In studies of adults who experienced trauma, art therapy was found to significantly reduce trauma symptoms and decrease levels of depression.
• One review of the effectiveness of art therapy found that this technique helped patients undergoing medical treatment for cancer improve their quality of life and alleviated a variety of psychological symptoms.
• One study found that art therapy reduced depression and increased self-esteem in older adults living in nursing homes.

If you or someone you love is thinking about art therapy, there are some common misconceptions and facts you should know.

You Don't Have to Be Artistic

People do not need to have artistic ability or special talent to participate in art therapy, and people of all ages including children, teens , and adults can benefit from it. Some research suggests that just the presence of art can play a part in boosting mental health.

A 2017 study found that art displayed in hospital settings contributed to an environment where patients felt safe. It also played a role in improving socialization and maintaining an identity outside of the hospital.

It's Not the Same as an Art Class

People often wonder how an art therapy session differs from an art class. Where an art class is focused on teaching technique or creating a specific finished product, art therapy is more about letting clients focus on their inner experience.

In creating art, people are able to focus on their own perceptions, imagination, and feelings. Clients are encouraged to create art that expresses their inner world more than making something that is an expression of the outer world.

Art Therapy Can Take Place in a Variety of Settings

Inpatient offices, private mental health offices, schools, and community organizations are all possible settings for art therapy services. Additionally, art therapy may be available in other settings such as:

• Art studios
• Colleges and universities
• Community centers
• Correctional facilities
• Elementary schools and high schools
• Group homes
• Homeless shelters
• Private therapy offices
• Residential treatment centers
• Senior centers
• Wellness center
• Women's shelters

If specialized media or equipment is required, however, finding a suitable setting may become challenging.

Art Therapy Is Not for Everyone

Art therapy isn’t for everyone. While high levels of creativity or artistic ability aren't necessary for art therapy to be successful, many adults who believe they are not creative or artistic might be resistant or skeptical of the process.

In addition, art therapy has not been found effective for all types of mental health conditions. For example, one meta-analysis found that art therapy is not effective in reducing positive or negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

If you think you or someone you love would benefit from art therapy, consider the following steps:

• Seek out a trained professional . Qualified art therapists will hold at least a master’s degree in psychotherapy with an additional art therapy credential. To find a qualified art therapist, consider searching the Art Therapy Credentials Board website .
• Call your health insurance . While art therapy may not be covered by your health insurance, there may be certain medical waivers to help fund part of the sessions. Your insurance may also be more likely to cover the sessions if your therapist is a certified psychologist or psychiatrist who offers creative therapies.
• Ask about their specialty . Not all art therapists specialize in all mental health conditions. Many specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma or individuals with substance use disorders, for example.
• Know what to expect . During the first few sessions, your art therapist will likely ask you about your health background as well as your current concerns and goals. They may also suggest a few themes to begin exploring via drawing, painting, sculpting, or another medium.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your art-making process . As the sessions progress, you'll likely be expected to answer questions about your art and how it makes you feel. For example: What were you thinking while doing the art? Did you notice a change of mood from when you started to when you finished? Did the artwork stir any memories?

Becoming an Art Therapist

If you are interested in becoming an art therapist, start by checking with your state to learn more about the education, training, and professional credentials you will need to practice. In most cases, you may need to first become a licensed clinical psychologist , professional counselor, or social worker in order to offer psychotherapy services.

In the United States, the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB) offers credentialing programs that allow art therapists to become registered, board-certified, or licensed depending upon the state in which they live and work.

According to the American Art Therapy Association, the minimum requirements:

• A master's degree in art therapy, or
• A master's degree in counseling or a related field with additional coursework in art therapy

Additional post-graduate supervised experience is also required. You can learn more about the training and educational requirements to become an art therapist on the AATA website .

Van Lith T. Art therapy in mental health: A systematic review of approaches and practices . The Arts in Psychotherapy . 2016;47:9-22. doi:10.1016/j.aip.2015.09.003

Junge MB. History of Art Therapy . The Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy . Published online November 6, 2015:7-16. doi:10.1002/9781118306543.ch1

Farokhi M. Art therapy in humanistic psychiatry . Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences . 2011;30:2088-2092. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.10.406

Haen C, Nancy Boyd Webb. Creative Arts-Based Group Therapy with Adolescents: Theory and Practice . 1st ed. (Haen C, Webb NB, eds.). Routledge; 2019. doi:10.4324/9780203702000

Schouten KA, de Niet GJ, Knipscheer JW, Kleber RJ, Hutschemaekers GJM. The effectiveness of art therapy in the treatment of traumatized adults . Trauma, Violence, & Abuse . 2014;16(2):220-228. doi:10.1177/1524838014555032

Gall DJ, Jordan Z, Stern C. Effectiveness and meaningfulness of art therapy as a tool for healthy aging: a comprehensive systematic review protocol . JBI Evidence Synthesis . 2015;13(3):3-17. doi:10.11124/jbisrir-2015-1840

Lefèvre C, Ledoux M, Filbet M. Art therapy among palliative cancer patients: Aesthetic dimensions and impacts on symptoms . Palliative and Supportive Care . 2015;14(4):376-380. doi:10.1017/s1478951515001017

Hunter M. Art therapy and eating disorders . In: Gussak DE, Rosal ML, eds.  The Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy . John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2015:387-396. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118306543.ch37

Schmanke L. Art therapy and substance abuse . The Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy . Published online November 6, 2015:361-374. doi:10.1002/9781118306543.ch35

Kaimal G, Ray K, Muniz J. Reduction of cortisol levels and participants’ responses following art making . Art Therapy . 2016;33(2):74-80. doi:10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832

Gussak DE, Rosal ML, eds. The Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy . 1st ed. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2015. doi:10.1002/9781118306543

Regev D, Cohen-Yatziv L. Effectiveness of art therapy with adult clients in 2018—what progress has been made?   Front Psychol . 2018;9. doi:10.3389%2Ffpsyg.2018.01531

Regev D, Cohen-Yatziv L. Effectiveness of art therapy with adult clients in 2018—what progress has been made? .  Front Psychol . 2018;9:1531. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01531

Ching-Teng Y, Ya-Ping Y, Yu-Chia C. Positive effects of art therapy on depression and self-esteem of older adults in nursing homes .  Social Work in Health Care . 2019;58(3):324-338. doi:10.1080/00981389.2018.1564108

Nielsen SL, Fich LB, Roessler KK, Mullins MF. How do patients actually experience and use art in hospitals? The significance of interaction: a user-oriented experimental case study .  International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being . 2017;12(1):1267343. doi:10.1080/17482631.2016.1267343

Gussak DE. Art therapy in the prison milieu . In: Gussak DE, Rosal ML, eds.  The Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy . John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2015:478-486. doi:10.1002/9781118306543.ch46

Stuckey HL, Nobel J. The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature . Am J Public Health . 2010;100(2):254-63. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

Bird J. Art therapy, arts-based research and transitional stories of domestic violence and abuse . International Journal of Art Therapy . 2018;23(1):14-24.  doi:10.1080/17454832.2017.1317004

Laws KR, Conway W. Do adjunctive art therapies reduce symptomatology in schizophrenia? A meta-analysis .  WJP . 2019;9(8):107-120. doi:10.5498/wjp.v9.i8.107

About The Credentials | Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. ATCB. https://www.atcb.org/about-the-credentials/

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2018: 29-1125 Recreational Therapists .

Nielsen SL, Fich LB, Roessler KK, Mullins MF. How do patients actually experience and use art in hospitals? The significance of interaction: a user-oriented experimental case study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2017;12(1):1267343. doi:10.1080/17482631.2016.1267343

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Art Therapy

Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education Eliza Homer, PhD, ATR-BC, LCPC, NCC, Director For questions, contact: PO Box 804 ‍Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679 Email: [email protected]

Use this link to Find an Accredited Art Therapy Program

To search for an Art Therapy program, click on "Find an accredited program" then from there click on the "Profession" button option.  Next, select "Art Therapy" as the profession you are looking for and then scroll down to choose "Search" at the very bottom of the profession list. This will take you to the directory of Art Therapy programs, which are listed alphabetically by state. There is more than one page of accredited programs. To view all of the programs click "load more" at the bottom of the page. To view a program's information, click on the name of the program to open the record.  

Learn More about Becoming an Art Therapist - Check out the Art Therapist FAQ Sheet

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) cooperate with the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) to establish, maintain and promote appropriate standards of quality for educational programs that meet or exceed the minimum standards.

COVID-19 Response

Important information.

‍ CURRENT ART THERAPY PROGRAM STUDENTS:  Have you been hearing about the transition of Art Therapy program from being approved to being accredited and have questions? Review this PAMPHLET on these import changes occurring to understand this time of transition.

Benefits of Accreditation

CAAHEP accreditation attests to the quality of an educational program that prepares for entry into the art therapy profession.

• For the public, accreditation promotes the health, safety and welfare of the public by assuring competent mental health professionals
• For prospective students, accreditation serves a consumer protection purpose.  It provides assurance the program has been evaluated and has met accepted standards established by and with the art therapy profession.
• For prospective employers, it provides assurance that the curriculum covers essential skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for today's job market in mental health care.
• For graduates, it offers assurance to employers of competency in the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for entry level art therapy practice.
• For art therapists, it involves practitioners in the establishment of standards and assures that educational requirements reflect the current training needs of the profession.
• For the profession, it advances the field by promoting standards of practice and advocating rigorous preparation.
• For public and private finding sources, it represents a highly desirable indicator of a program's quality and viability.
• For the faculty and administrators, it promotes ongoing self-evaluation and continuous improvement and provides an effective system for accountability.
• For the school or program, accreditation represents peer recognition.

Board Members

Council Member Roster (PDF)

Accreditation Documents

For program directors and faculty:, how do i get started.

Art Therapy programs interested in achieving CAAHEP accreditation must review the following documents to understand what is required before beginning the process:

1) Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Art Therapy

2) Initial Self-Study Report Handbook  

3) Initial Self-Study Report Template

Once these materials are reviewed, to begin the accreditation process complete the Request for Accreditation Services Form (RAS) at the link below:

Request for Accreditation Services Form

Helpful documents, ‍ for program directors.

1. Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Art Therapy.  (Approved Nov. 2016)

2. Initial Self-Study Report Handbook

3. Request for Accreditation Services Form

4. Initial Self-Study Report Template (Word)

5. ACATE Fee Structure

6. Fillable Forms, charts and surveys

7. Site Evaluators are Coming! - A guide for Program Directors

8. FAQ Sheet for Newly Accredited Programs

9. Guidance for Art Therapy Program Directors on Outcomes Standards

10. Annual Report (2024) Portal Instructions - provided for example of annual processes once accredited. Related webinar and Word version of these materials may also be requested from ACATE.

11. ACATE Policies and Procedures Manual

12. Post-Graduate master's degrees also offered by art therapy programs

‍ 13. Complaint Policy

14. Student Brochure About ACATE and Accreditation

‍ Substantive  Change Forms

1. Adding a Degree Form (Word)

2. Change in Mission or Goals Form (Word)

3. Change of Curriculum Form (Word)

4. Change or Addition of Instructional Delivery Method Form (Word)

‍ 5. Program Personnel Change Form (Word)

6. Change in Program Sponsorship- Substantive Change Report Form (Word)

7. Change in Sponsoring Institution Name Form (Word)

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Council Meetings: March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 5/6, 2024

Newsletters

ACATE CANVAS - July 2024

ACATE CANVAS - January 2024

ACATE CANVAS - July 2023

ACATE CANVAS - January 2023

ACATE CANVAS -July 2022

ACATE CANVAS - January 2022

ACATE CANVAS - July 2021

Survey Templates Referenced in Self Study and Annual Report process:

• Overview of Surveys Used for ACATE Reporting
• Personnel Survey of Program Resources
• Faculty Advisory Committee Survey on Program Effectiveness
• Student Survey Program Resources
• Employer Survey
• Graduate Placement Survey
• Graduate Feedback Survey ‍

Additional Resources

ACATE Webinar Series

Using SLOs as Outcomes Summative Measures May 16, 2023 (No passcode needed to access recording)

Graduate, Employment, and Employer Surveys May 31, 2023 (Passcode to access recording: ^cz7+6V5)

De-mystifying the Role of the Advisory Committee July 7, 2023 (No passcode needed to access recording)

Consider becoming an ACATE Site Visitor

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Therapeutic Approaches to Art Education

As all art educators know, many of our students across the country in all grades and in all settings—urban, suburban, and rural—have experienced psychological traumas and loss that affect them academically, cognitively, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. In today’s COVID-19 crisis, this trauma is extending to hundreds of thousands of students who are struggling—along with their family members and caregivers—with the sudden and dramatic disruption of their daily lives.

Whether you are still actively teaching in the classroom or supporting your students through virtual learning, your expertise as an art educator is an important tool in helping your students address trauma, anxiety, loss, and fear. While some students can express their trauma through writing, many students are too young to write their feelings articulately or not skilled or confident as writers. But all of our students can express their thoughts through some form of art.

The art room has always been an important, safe place for our students to express themselves and their concerns through visual language. As an art educator, you have seen how art making can create powerful ways for students to address trauma and loss and to express difficult feelings.

In our effort to provide art educators with the most cutting-edge, relevant, and evidence-based curriculum ideas and information, Davis established the Art Education in Practice Series, a series of books that translates current research in art education into practical, meaningful strategies in the art room. The latest addition to this acclaimed series is Therapeutic Approaches in Art Education by Dr. Lisa Kay. (See a complete list of our titles here .)

Dr. Kay is a leading expert in therapeutic approaches in art education. She is an artist, educator, board-certified art therapist, and researcher with a focus on art as resilience and healing. Dr. Kay is an associate professor and the department chair of art education and community arts practices and program head of art therapy at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University.

In this latest book in the Art Education in Practice Series, Dr. Kay provides you with research on art therapy and how it is similar to and distinct from art education. She offers practical strategies to help all students address hidden pressures, stressors, and trauma through art making and exploration. Therapeutic Approaches in Art Education contains a wealth of practical ideas and strategies for helping your students deal with childhood traumas and challenges.

In addition to her new book, Dr. Kay has partnered with Davis Professional Development to offer a free webinar on therapeutic approaches in art education. You can find the first of this series and other complimentary sessions here . This first webinar introduces the foundations and intersections of art therapy and art education. What are the foundations of art therapy? How are art therapy and art education the same and how are they different? Here are just a few topics covered in Dr. Kay’s new book and Professional Development sessions about therapeutic approaches in art education:

• Therapeutic art strategies can help support and enhance your art teaching. The goals of these strategies are not to make art educators into art therapists (though you could certainly pursue a master’s degree to become certified as an art therapist). Rather, the goals of Dr. Kay’s book and webinars are to help you identify practical ways to support your students in their communication, self-expression, healing, and rehabilitation through art.
• Therapeutic art strategies can support all of your students in thoughtful and holistic ways.
• Art educators can create a safe place for personal inquiry and reflection with both individual and social content.
• Therapeutic approaches in art education can help students communicate their ideas, express their emotions, and learn to self-regulate.
• Art educators can help students explore important themes that relate to self, identity, and society.
• Artworks created in art education and art therapy are visual forms of language that can be used for viewing, organizing, and understanding personal phenomena.
• Both art education and art therapy encourage a sense of play, spontaneity, an increased range of expression, and promote a sense of self-worth and autonomy.
• Therapeutic approaches in art can help you connect with your students by drawing upon the therapeutic aspect of art and art therapy.
• Therapeutic approaches in art can contribute to your school’s social-emotional learning curriculum and learning objectives.
• The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) supports school districts nationwide ( Casel.org ). According to CASEL, Social-Emotional Learning includes five core components: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness.

As you review this list, think of the many strategies you currently use to support therapeutic approaches in your classroom. Then check out Dr. Kay’s free webinar and/or her new book  for more ideas to enhance your teaching.

Interested in learning more about art therapy and therapeutic approaches in art? Dr. Kay recommends these three books as a primer to give you some ideas and inspiration:

Creative and Mental Growth by Viktor Lowenfeld “Children are the essence of this book, but more than that, they are the essence of society. Creative and intellectual growth are the basis of any educational system, and it is the hope that this book can contribute to an understanding of the importance of this area so as to make the education of children a joyful and meaningful experience. The content is aimed at an understanding and appreciation of children and their art products.”  —The Publisher

I Never Saw Another Butterfly: Children’s Drawings and Poems from the Terezin Concentration Camp, 1942–1944 by Hana Volavkova “A total of 15,000 children under the age of fifteen passed through the Terezin Concentration Camp between the years 1942–1944; less than 100 survived. In these poems and pictures drawn by the young inmates of Terezin, we see the daily misery of these uprooted children, as well as their courage and optimism, their hopes and fears. The children’s poems and drawings, revealing maturity beyond their years, are haunting reminders of what no child should ever have to see.”  —The Publisher

The Artist in Each of Us by Florence Cane Practical, step-by-step strategies and case studies. “Originally published in 1951, this book represents 25 years of the practical experience of a pioneer whose new methods bridge art education and art therapy. Cane considers both the psychological and technical factors of learning and personality growth. She gives us a careful step-by-step account of her teaching methods with a number of fascinating case studies.”  —The Publisher

Dr. Kay also recommends that you check out this website: American Art Therapy Association

As art educators, you have the ability to help your students find new and creative ways to express themselves and address trauma. Please share any of your ideas here, or address questions to Dr. Kay. We will post Dr. Kay’s responses on this blog. And, consider submitting your ideas or lesson plans to SchoolArts magazine as an article.

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What Is Art Therapy? Types, Benefits And More

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Table of Contents

What is art therapy, how is art therapy used, who can benefit from art therapy, what are types of art therapy, how effective is art therapy, how to find an art therapist.

Talk therapy can be immensely beneficial for many people, but it isn’t always easy to verbally communicate feelings. Maybe you struggle to put into words how you feel or you find sitting across from a therapist intimidating. Or perhaps you haven’t even allowed yourself to contemplate a traumatic experience that’s happened to you, choosing instead to bury it deep inside as you do your best to ignore it.

In all these cases—and many more—art therapy can serve as a way to process emotions and facilitate healing. Art therapy is different from attending an art class or doing an art project on your own; it’s done in the presence of an art therapist who is specifically trained in using art as a way to interpret feelings and behaviors and help resolve mental health issues . Often, it is done in conjunction with talk therapy. To decide if it’s right for you, it’s important to know what it entails, who can benefit from it and how effective it is.

• Prices vary and start at $65/week
• Professional therapy for teens between ages 13-19
• Therapists help clients work on developing coping skills
• Provides teens with a resource that is available to help them when they need guidance and support

“Art therapy is a practice that uses art as a tool to facilitate healing,” says Shaye Mueller, LPC, a registered art therapist based in Chicago. Art therapy provides an opportunity for people to express their internal feelings and experiences in a physical way, she explains. “[Someone] may find that describing an emotion becomes easier when expressed by assigning it artistic qualities,” says Mueller. “This is because language processing, creative thinking and emotional processing all involve different parts of the brain. Art therapy helps integrate these brain structures to help bridge the gaps between these processes, leading to what some art therapists believe is a more intuitive and holistic outcome.”

Art therapy has a different goal than taking an art class, says Emily Davenport, MA,, a board-certified art therapist and the founder and clinical director of Davenport Creative Arts Therapy, located in New York City. “With an art class, the focus is on technique. With art therapy, the purpose is not to create a perfect art product. It’s to explore how the art relates to oneself, what someone is feeling and what they want to heal,” she explains.

In terms of what to expect during an art therapy session, typically, the client creates their art in the presence of the therapist, but the therapist asks minimal questions while the art is being created, says Davenport. Instead, they are using this time to observe. “As an art therapist, I observe what their body language is like when creating their art. I look to see if they are pressing down really hard on the art materials or if they are holding them lightly. I observe if they are using colors and if so, what colors they choose. All of these things can communicate something deeper about the client,” she says.

After the art is completed, the therapist and the client will have a conversation about it, gently exploring what the art communicates about what the client may be feeling. “The art provides a non-confrontational way to communicate about an experience or what someone is feeling,” she says.

There are several ways art therapy is used. Often, says Davenport, it is combined with other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy . For example, one session may primarily focus on creating art while another session does not include any art creation at all.

“Memories and trauma are stored in a different part of the brain than [verbal language],” says Davenport, adding that this is why talk therapy on its own may not be as beneficial for people who have experienced trauma as when it’s combined with art therapy. If someone is in therapy with the goal of healing from past trauma, creating art can help them tap into the part of the brain where these memories are stored, she says.

Art therapy can be used as a way for people to express their feelings and experiences who do not communicate well verbally. Children, for example, may not yet have the skills to put their experiences or feelings into words, but they can use art as a form of expression. On the other end of the spectrum, art therapy can also be used in elderly populations to promote healthy aging. The problem solving involved in creating art (such as choosing colors and compositional elements) keeps the brain active.

• Thousands of licensed therapists, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners across all 50 states
• In network with most major insurers
• Live chat, video, and text sessions available
• Offer care for individuals, teens and couples, across a wide range of specialties
• Therapy help is available to you 24/7

Anyone can benefit from art therapy, according to Mueller and Davenport, and you don’t have to have any artistic skill to do it. “A common misconception is that art therapy is [only] for ‘creatives’ or children. That could not be farther from the truth. It is for all, regardless of age, ability or demographic,” says Mueller.

Art therapy has been shown to be effective for people experiencing depression or anxiety . According to researchers, the process of creating art helps with emotion regulation, which in turn can help lower anxiety.

Art therapy can be especially beneficial for people who have experienced trauma, including individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , Davenport emphasizes. One study found that people with PTSD who participated in art therapy were better able to relax, externally communicate their memories and emotions through their art, had less intrusive thoughts and felt more confident about their futures [1] Schouten KA, van Hooren S, Knipscheer JW, et al. Trauma-Focused Art Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study . Journal of Trauma and Dissociation. 2019;20(1):114-130. .

Art therapy can also be beneficial for people with cancer. In one study, art therapy helped people with cancer feel less anxious, less depressed and even less physical pain [2] Lefèvre C, Ledoux M, Filbet M. Art therapy among palliative cancer patients: Aesthetic dimensions and impacts on symptoms . Palliative & Supportive Care. 2015. . The reason why it may help with alleviating physical pain is because it moves one’s focus away from their pain and to their art. Art therapy can also be relaxing, which also may help with pain relief.

As previously mentioned, art therapy can also be beneficial for children, especially young children who may lack the language skills to communicate their feelings or experiences verbally. Art therapy has been found to have positive mental health benefits on children, including helping them with self-expression, feeling safe, feeling empowered, having hope and optimism for the future. It also helps them express complex feelings.

Since art therapy is tailored to meet an individual’s needs, it can take many forms and approaches, including both the type of art that is used and how it is woven into one’s therapy experience as a whole. “Art therapy falls under the umbrella of the expressive therapies and can be differentiated into two categories,” says Mueller. “The first is art as therapy, meaning that the act of artistic self-expression is inherently therapeutic and can act as a vehicle for catharsis and mindfulness. The other category is art with psychotherapy where art is used in conjunction with traditional therapy methods to facilitate healing.”

Below are the most common types of modalities used in art therapy:

1. Painting, Drawing, Coloring or Finger Painting

With this type of art therapy, clients can use different types of paints, colored pencils, markers, pens or pencils as a form of expression. Davenport says that, typically, a client is given a prompt and then given the freedom to create using the materials provided by the therapist.

With collage art therapy, clients use photos to create art that reflects their emotions or life experiences. The collages are made out of magazine images, textured papers and other materials provided by the therapist and clients piece these elements together with glue or tape to create their art.

3. Photography

An art therapist may ask their client to take photos that reflect their emotions or experiences. For example, in one study, trans-identifying individuals were asked to photograph their gender stories, which were then used as a way to spark discussions about their experiences [3] Barbee M. A Visual-Narrative Approach to Understanding Transsexual Identity . Art Therapy. 2011. . In another study, people with a chemical dependency used photography as part of an outpatient treatment program [4] Glover-Graf NM and Miller E. The Use of Photography in Group Treatment for Persons Who Are Chemically Dependent . Sage Journals. 2016;49(3). .

4. Sculpting and Working With Clay

Clay is another medium that can be used in art therapy. In one study, people with dementia used clay to make art representing what it was like to live with dementia [5] Seifert K, Spottke A, Fliessbach K. Effects of sculpture based art therapy in dementia patients—A pilot study . Heliyon. 2017;3(11):e00460. .

Because art therapy is so individualized and is often used in conjunction with other types of therapy, there isn’t a wealth of data devoted to how effective it is compared to other types of therapy, explains Davenport. However, she does note the mounting scientific evidence showing its benefits. “There is research showing that art therapy can help reduce cortisol levels, which then lessen feelings of stress and anxiety,” she says.

As mentioned previously, there is also evidence that art therapy can help people who have experienced trauma, including children who have been sexually abused and people with combat-related PTSD. It has also been shown to help people who experience depression or anxiety .

However, to experience the benefits of art therapy, it’s important to work with a credible art therapist.

If art therapy does not resonate with someone, there are other expressive therapies they could explore, including writing therapy or dance and music therapy. The goal is to express and process one’s emotions and inner world through the creative medium, and that can look different from one person to the next. Therapy using writing prompts or journaling, dance as a way to express how one feels and music therapy, which is when music is used specifically to lower anxiety, depression or physical pain can all be beneficial.

• Users can be matched with one of over 35,000 licensed therapists in as little as 24 hours
• Over 4 million people have received support through BetterHelp
• Subscription includes a weekly one-on-one session and optional group session, journaling, worksheets, goal setting, and more
• Ability to switch therapists or cancel at any time

To find a credible art therapist, both Davenport and Mueller say to look for someone with the credentials to back up their expertise—just as you would any other type of therapist. “Art therapists are master level psychotherapists trained in art therapy and psychotherapy,” explains Davenport, adding that they go through rigorous training to attain their credentials.

Look for a therapist with the credentials ATR (art therapist registered) or ATR-BC (board-certified art therapist registered). There are many local chapters of art therapy organizations, says Davenport, so you can search online for a trained professional in your area. Not sure where to start? The Art Therapy Association has an online database of art therapists across the U.S.

“Among many things, art therapy can help individuals problem solve, improve relationships, find deeper meaning in life, feel a sense of accomplishment and increase insight into their problems,” Mueller says. Like art itself, these benefits can last a lifetime.

• Schouten KA, van Hooren S, Knipscheer JW, et al. Trauma-Focused Art Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation. 2019;20(1):114-130.
• Lefèvre C, Ledoux M, Filbet M. Art therapy among palliative cancer patients: Aesthetic dimensions and impacts on symptoms. Palliative & Supportive Care. 2015.
• Barbee M. A Visual-Narrative Approach to Understanding Transsexual Identity. Art Therapy. 2011.
• Glover-Graf NM and Miller E. The Use of Photography in Group Treatment for Persons Who Are Chemically Dependent. Sage Journals. 2016;49(3).
• Seifert K, Spottke A, Fliessbach K. Effects of sculpture based art therapy in dementia patients—A pilot study. Heliyon. 2017;3(11):e00460.
• Hu J, Zhang J, Hu L, et al. Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders. Frontiers in Psychology. 2021;12:686005.
• Campbell M, Decker K, Kruk K, et al. Art Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Combat-Related PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Art Therapy. 2016;33(4):169-177.
• Bosgraaf L, Spreen M, Pattiselanno K, et al. Art Therapy for Psychological Problems in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review on Art Therapeutic Means and Form of Expression, Therapist Behavior, and Supposed Mechanisms of Change. Frontiers in Psychology. 2020;11:584685.
• Galassi F, Merizzi A, D’Amen B, et al. Creativity and art therapies to promote healthy aging: A scoping review. Frontiers in Psychology. 2022;13:906191.
• Shukla A, Choudhari SG, Gaidhane AM, et al. Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review. Cureus. 2022;14(8):e28026.
• Art therapy: Another way to help manage pain. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. Accessed 1/25/2023.
• Moula Z, Powell J, Karkou V. Qualitative and Arts-Based Evidence from Children Participating in Pilot Randomized Controlled Study of School-Based Art Therapies. Children. 2022;9(6):890.
• Chilton G and Scotti V. Snipping, Gluing, Writing: The Properties of Collage as an Arts-Based Research Practice in Art Therapy. Art Therapy. 2015;31(4):163-171.
• Sohal M, Singh P, Dhillon BS, et al. Efficacy of journaling in the management of mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Family Medicine and Community Health. 2022;10(1):e001154.
• Koch SC, Riege RFF, Tisborn K, et al. Effects of Dance Movement Therapy and Dance on Health-Related Psychological Outcomes. A Meta-Analysis Update. Frontiers in Psychology. 2019;10:1806.
• Lu G, Jia R, Liang D, et al. Effects of music therapy on anxiety: A meta-analysis or randomized controlled trials. Psychiatry Research. 2021.
• Aalbers S, Fusar-Poli L, Freeman RE, et al. Music therapy for depression. Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews. 2017;11(11):CD004517.
• Redding J, Plaugher S, Cole J, et al. “Where’s the Music?” Using Music Therapy for Pain Management. Federal Practitioner. 2016; 33(12):46-49.
• Kaimal G, Ray K, Muniz J. Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Art Therapy. 2016;33(2):74-80.
• Pifalo T. Art Therapy with Sexually Abused Children and Adolescents: Extended Research Study. Art Therapy. 2006.
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Emily Laurence is a journalist, freelance writer and certified health coach living in Raleigh, North Carolina. She specializes in writing about mental health, healthy aging and overall wellness. For six years, she was an editor and senior writer at Well+Good, covering everything from food trends to public health issues like the opioid epidemic. She graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism. Find her on Instagram at @EmLaurence.

Deborah Courtney is a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice in New York. She integrates evidence-based, trauma-informed treatments with spiritual healing approaches to honor the connection between mind, body and spirit. Specifically, she utilizes eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), somatic experiencing (SE), ego state therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and reiki. She’s featured in various media forms promoting holistic mental health and wellness and is a speaker on the topics of trauma, holistic mental health treatment, self-care and mindfulness. Courtney’s other endeavors include creating the EMDR Journey Game, an internationally sold trauma treatment tool, and running her socially- and emotionally-minded day school for children in upstate New York. She’s excited to soon release an online learning platform to make holistic mental health education accessible to a mass audience.

Things to Do in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia - Krasnaya Polyana Attractions

Things to do in krasnaya polyana.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

1. Tirol Club

3. Velvet Theater

4. Keyvu Waterfall

5. Yarmarka Gorki Gorod 960

7. Children's Amusement Park Roza Land

8. Friends Museum

9. pseashkho.

10. Olga Kosenchuk's Private Apiary

11. Museum of Soccer Ball Evolyutsiya

12. maiden's tears waterfall.

13. Beegarden Medovy Rai

14. achipsa falls, 15. apiary two bears, 16. mineral source chvizhepse, 17. chugush, 18. achishko.

19. Suspension bridge

20. SPA Complex Velya

21. Laura Sauna Complex

22. DJ Bar Shishka

23. DetiLand

24. Banya-Land

25. Lakshmi Baths

27. Art-Studio Colour Mountains

28. Face and Body Aesthetics Studio Schastye Vnutri

29. Mikhailovskiye Movnitsy Bath and Spa

30. Spa Bridge Mountain