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How To Become An Art Therapist
Thinking about becoming an art therapist? First, make sure you understand what art therapy is. We use the term “art therapy” more loosely on this site than some other sites, but we also have a different mission and like the play on words. If you’re familiar with art therapy as a career and are seriously considering becoming an art therapist, then here are some good general guidelines to becoming one.
Self Assessment
Before you go down the path of becoming an art therapist (becoming educated, trained, licensed, certified and registered), it’s important to understand the demands of the profession and to consider whether you are not only capable of meeting those demands, but that you are also likely to enjoy being an art therapist. As an art therapist, you may or may not be lucky enough to pick which age group you work with. This age group can range anywhere from kids to seniors.
Since this is a therapy-related profession, it helps to have most or all of these qualities: good listener, empathetic, patience, communication skills, understanding of art and creative media. Ultimately, it’s best if you are passionate about helping people through creativity.
Location Matters
It’s important to understand the standards and requirements for your particular region. For example, some countries do not identify an “art therapist” as a true profession, and therefore have no regulation around it. So, guess what? It’s pretty easy to call yourself an art therapist and therefore work as one. However, as examples, in the United States and the United Kingdom, these standards and requirements are dictated by the American Art Therapy Association and British Association of Art Therapists, respectively.
Education
An art therapy education is the first big step in becoming an art therapist. In countires where the art therapist profession is regulated, you are almost certainly going to need a Master’s Degree from an accredited school offering an art therapy program. Check with your local/national art therapy organization for the most current list of accredited schools. It’s probably also ideal, and may even be required, for you to participate in an art therapy internship. Not only will this help you gain some experience, but interning in different settings is likely to help you decide with whome and where you might like to work.
Tip: It’s also a good idea to check with your local art therapy organization for any potential grants and/or scholarships.
Art Therapist Certification & Licensing
Art therapy is still pretty young as a profession, so it’s important to check with your local art therapy organization for proper certification requirements. Not all locations require certification to legally practice art therapy, so it’s beneficial to understand exactly what these requirements are. In the U.S., the Art Therapy Certifications Board (ATCB) is a good place to start. Even if it’s not required, it’s usually a good idea to be come registered and board certified (ATR-BC).
Searching for Art Therapist Jobs
There are various places online to find art therapist jobs. The more places you search and apply, the better your chances. If location is vital, then you can typically narrow your search to where you’d like to work. It’s important to remember that some areas will have more opportunities than others, some will have more competition, etc.
It’s also important to realize that an art therapist’s salary may not be what you’d like it to be. This is another reason to understand the importance of loving what you do. Stay tuned for more information and, if you’re an art therapist, leave your suggestions in the comments below. You can also see what Featured Artist / Art Therapist Sara Roizen had to say about becoming an art therapist.
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Filed as Career | Comments (12)12 Responses to “How To Become An Art Therapist”
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I would like to just assist an art therapist
as a volunteer for helping kids with arts and
crafts, but not become a therapist. Any thoughts
on this. I live in North Ridgeville, Ohio, and
this area of Cleveland would be great or in the area hospitals.
Thanks, Shirley Nikiforow
I am an artist and have a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have used art therapy for 14 years in my practise. What would be the next step in becoming certified and registered?
I started Tutoring Art at one of our local Neighbourhood Learning Centres last year, and two of our students attend because it gives them relaxation and assists with motor skills. This week we practiced some line drawings and it was so satisfying observing one of our students who suffered brain injury, really draw a horse, then towards the end of the session he used his imagination to draw the rider, profile, and stirrups. After he had finished the drawing he spoke about his well loved horse he use to ride as a boy, and remembered its name. Even though he has suffered short memory loss, he can draw, and use his imagination, and he says he loves participating with the group. It has been suggested to maybe look into becoming an Art Therapist, but presently I do love Tutoring, and offering a venue to assist people with a disability in Drawing, Painting, and Art discussion. Presently this is a voluntary work, but maybe later I may offer Art Tuition to people either in Nursing Homes, or at their own home.It is so wonderful to see people developing their skills and creating some wonderful Art.I would be happy enough just studying for a certificate within The Art Therapy Field, I can Tutor and its nice to offer colour experimenting and pen and ink line drawings, to create pictures.Nice to hear about Art Therapy training suggestions today, may consider some course at a later stage.
I live in Houston, TX and I would love to obtain a Masters in Art Therapy. My bachelors degree is in Art, I have worked in the Arts for 10 years and I am pursuing my certification as a Special Education teacher. I would like to work with children with special needs through art therapy. I have overcome my tragedies and personal struggles in life. I attribute my passion for art getting me through them to recovery. I cant seem to find any programs in Texas. And recommendations? Thanks!
To obtain a Masters in Art Therapy you have to obtain a bachelors degree in psychology first.
No. You do not have to receive a bachelors in psychology to get a Masters in Art Therapy. That information is not accurate. Everyone needs to refer to AATA for an official list of accredited AT programs in the US. If you wish to get a Masters in AT – it is usually at least a two to two and a half year commitment requiring practicum and internship experience with documented supervision.
I am an Activity Director at a retirement center. One of the activities I do with the residents is called Art Therapy. They enjoy it so much some call me the art administrator, while others call me the art therapist where that came from I don’t know. I clearly have been motivated to become and art therapist. Where do I begin I don’t know.
Gerene
I enjoy doing different types of art with the residents I work with as an Activity Director.
I need guidance on becoming an art therapist.
Thanks,
Gerene
I’m a little confused as to what I should major in for college if I want to become an art therapist. Would art education or psychology be a better choice?
Hello, I am an artist with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts. At the moment, im not finding many specifics on what it takes to become an official Art Therapist in Brooklyn, New York. Do I need a Masters Degree ( and if so, in what field? ) Psychology courses? And then what? Can it be a steady job? Could really appreciate a little help. Thanks.
my name is larissa mora im 19 currently a tattoo artist in the Los Angeles area and would like to expand my artistic abilities into art therapy. If anybody is interested in having an intern or an assistant etc. please contact me at lmora92@rocketmail.com
I am a student interested in becoming an art therapist. I would like to have some advice on what course or major I should take at the graduate level in order to pursue the profession later. I live in Bangalore,India and would like to know if there are any colleges here that offer the required subjects or course. Thank you.
Emunah Cornelius