Are you interested in a career as an art therapist? If so, you’ve found the right place. If you’re ready to see what’s currently available you can search for jobs below or you can click here.
Navigating a potential career as an art therapist is not easy right now. There are lots of questions and confusion both inside and outside of the industry. There are also many varying opinions on whether art therapy will stand on its own, much like music and speech therapy, or whether it will continue down the path of being considered a part of the counseling arena. Depending on what you believe, there are advantages and disadvantages to all sides and its good to research this and form your own opinion.
We have a variety of art therapy career articles including: Career Outlook, How to Become an Art Therapist, Certification (U.S. and International), Salary Trends and an example of art therapy in practice.
An Art Therapist’s Job Description
What is a Professional Art Therapist and What Do They Do?
A professional art therapist works in the mental health field. He or she is dedicated to helping both adults and children of all ages with their mental, physical, and emotional health by incorporating art making into the patient’s counseling sessions. Art therapy is used to treat stress, depression, low self-esteem, behavioral problems, and to resolve conflict.
Other Problems Treated with Art Therapy
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Family and relationship problems
- Mental illness
- Domestic violence and sexual abuse
- Disability and illness related to emotional and social difficulties
- Trauma
- Cognitive, physical, and neurological issues
Professional Art Therapists Work in the Following Settings:
- Medical and psychiatric hospitals and clinics
- Mental health agencies
- Halfway houses
- Homeless shelters
- Domestic violence shelters
- Schools and colleges
- Correctional facilities
- Nursing homes
Art therapists need to be compassionate towards their patients, great listeners and even better observers. They are generally emotionally stable, empathetic, patient, kind, have an understanding of artistic media, great interpersonal skills, and a good insight into human behavior.
Education and Salary
Professional art therapists typically must have a minimum of a master’s degree and a post-education supervised experience. The art therapist’s career has an average job growth outlook and the salary will differ depending on location, field of work, and experience.
School Art Therapists
School art therapists help students enhance their abilities in a school setting by working with teachers, parents, school counselors, and school psychologists in order to obtain referrals for students to receive art therapy. Once treatment is approved, the art therapist will work with the students to establish goals and objectives.
Medical Art Therapists
Medical art therapists work with teams to help patients suffering from a variety of illnesses or issues. These teams typically include psychiatrists, doctors, psychologists, physical therapists, and nurses. They work together to ensure that the patients get the best possible treatments for their specific needs.
Working With Children vs. Adults
When working with children, art therapists usually need to be a bit more patient than they do with adults. Children aren’t as mature as adults and can sometimes have a more difficult time expressing themselves. A sweeter, more playful approach may work better with children, who are often more open to trying new things.
On the other hand, adults have had more time to develop than children. In most cases, adults know how to express their feelings better than young children – however, adults can sometimes be more closed-minded than children.
U.S. vs U.K. Art Therapists
In order for art therapists to practice legally in the UK, they must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. They also must have taken an approved postgraduate level training course. In some cases, the trainee must provide a portfolio of his or her artwork.
Although the requirements of becoming an art therapist differ in the US and the UK, the job responsibilities are typically the same. Art therapists are there to help all types of people with many different problems. They are patient, kind, and compassionate. The salary ranges are different from location to location, but art therapists are typically in the business because they love to help others.
Current Job Opportunities
Find recent U.S. art therapist job opportunities below (We’ve also added UK art therapy jobs here). You can also search for any job opportunity in any location by changing the search terms. If you’re not familiar with what an art therapist does, then you can see an art therapist job description example. Feel free to post comments below about any other opportunities or post a job here.
Related UK Job Opportunities
Related Topics:
What's an art therapist's salary?
The Art Therapist Salary Survey
I just want to say what a fantastic blog you have that is quite informative and helpful to others. I’m really glad to stumble upon this site and be more connected to other forms of art therapy. Will certainly be bookmarking and following on Facebook. Thanks. 🙂
Hi there! Thank you so much for posting such wonderful material. I have a question about a few of the jobs that you have posted as “art therapy” jobs. There are a few jobs listed for Occupational Therapists. Doesn’t this field require completely different training/education? Or can art therapists apply for these positions? Thanks!
I’m looking for work as an art therapist. Here is my resume:
Art Therapist
David Robbins
5901 Aldea Ave.
Encino, Ca 91316
818-605-3169
davidrobbins100@yahoo.com
EDUCATION
MA Art Therapy Hofstra University 1993
Completing the art therapy program gave me the understanding of the healing journey which I incorporated throughout many years of writing.
In the years I spent as a caregiver, I learned greater understanding of people, their illnesses and their needs. Through these and other life experiences I expanded my divine qualities of patience, compassion and love, which now enables me to be a better therapist. I also continue to read self help and metaphysical material to broaden my wisdom. I feel I am fully equipped to return to the field and continue the work of helping people- the main reason why I took up the study of art therapy.
WORK HISTORY
2011-2012 Caregiver for woman with dementia and bipolar disorder
2006-2011 Caregiver for geriatric male
2004-2006 Caregiver for senior citizen suffering from depression.
References provided upon request.
check out my you tube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME5RQbuNJEg
Dates 09/05/2008 – 05/12/2009
Title of qualification Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic Art
By the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera (Milan)
Coalinga State Hospital in central CA is hiring full time Art Therapists. It is a forensic-psychiatric facility treating sex offenders and mentally ill offenders. Starting salary is $64,000 up to $76,000 with good medical benefits and retirement. See http://www.spb.ca.gov for application and http://www.dsh.ca.gov for more info about CSH.
I am a ninth grader in high school and am required to pick a career of my choice to look into and maybe ever pursue. I found this website and am so intrigued in the idea of helping others through art(two of my most favorite things)! Thank you for the great information and even finding me my goal to become an art therapist!
Hi, it would be good to add the Australian market to your viewpoint here & other countries for a more global perspective. I’ve recently completed a post-graduate advanced diploma in Art Therapy in Sydney, my insurance covers me for 6 weeks of overseas work & I still consider myself a professional, without an MA, given my years of ‘life’ experience. Whilst the academic & theoretical foundations are essential for ethical practice, I also feel there’s a human element around compassion & unconditional positive regard for our clients, which cannot be ignored. When working with children, depending on the country, you may need a certificate in children’s services or the appropriate NVQ conversion qualification, plus the relevant checks. Might also be worth adding in definitions of Art vs. Play, vs Expressive Arts Therapy into the discussion.
Cottey College, a leading private liberal arts college for women, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Expressive Arts Therapy, starting August 2015. The successful candidate will have a graduate counseling/therapy degree (PhD preferred) and experience in teaching courses in expressive/creative arts therapy or related fields. The candidate should demonstrate a strong interest in undergraduate education, teaching and advising, and a desire to participate in the growth and development of the Expressive Arts Therapy program at Cottey. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Further information about Cottey is available at http://www.cottey.edu. Review of applications begins November 21, 2014, and continues until the position is filled. Send cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, and contact information for three references to Dr. Cathryn Pridal, VPAA, Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO 64772. E-mail: dkerbs@cottey.edu; Fax 417-448-1030; Phone: 417-667-8181. EOE
I am a licensed Art Therapist, Fine Artist and Art Educator. I have a BFA from School of Visual Arts and a MA (Clinical Art Therapy) from Long Island University. I am located in NYC. I am currently employed but feel ready to embark on a new career adventure as I have been working at a nonprofit servicing the homeless for over three years now. I also have my own personal fine art studio and I teach and lecture on the graduate level through out many organizations.
Please feel free to contact me for more information or learn more about my background, services and fine art at:
http://www.AnnCharlotte.com
Thank you!
AnnCharlotte
Hi, I am a Children’s and young people’s Art Therapist of 20 years, and am having a really hard time right now trying to find work in England… as are all Art Therapists I suspect!. I have a great deal of experience of working with Trauma , Sexual abuse and Attachment disorders. I live in the west Midlands/Shropshire area and would love to hear from anyone who feels that my services would be required, at home and abroad. Thankyou