Schools

*Please note we’re still updating this section and will be adding more schools to the list. If you know of any that should be added, please leave your recommendation in the comments of the appropriate page.

** View art therapy schools by location **

Please feel free to leave any recommendations
or comments about your alma mater or any
other art therapy schools you’ve heard about.

Art Therapy is a growing field, which began by treating children and adults, who were emotionally scarred and/or physically disabled, with art and its creative process. Art therapy has expanded, many different types of people use it, and there are many benefits. Some examples of where an art therapist might work are:

• hospitals
• community mental health centers
• Child Life programs
• shelters
• prisons
• nursing homes
• special schools

What is an Art Therapy School?

Art therapy schools help students develop strong foundational skills that help them interpret art in a way that is more personal & therapeutic to the client. An art therapy school will assist the student in honing their artistic talents as well as their ability to interpret and analyze art and the process of creativity. If you want to become a professional art therapist, you will need to complete the appropriate Bachelor’s requirements in addition to completing the appropriate Masters Degree Requirements.

Art Therapy Schools Are Not Just For Future Art Therapists

The best art therapy schools provide specialized courses for people interested in art therapy. If you want to become a professional & certified art therapist, then you are required to go through the proper schooling. But even if you don’t want to be a certified art therapist, an art therapy school may still be a great choice. If you are a social worker, teacher, psychologist, or anyone with a desire to learn and understand a new discipline and form of communication, then art therapy school can help. A quality art therapy education will help you learn important fundamental methods of art therapy, and how to encourage & foster the creative process in your clients.

Aiding the creative process and encouraging people to communicate their emotions and thoughts in new ways can improve many aspects of a person’s life. The goal of an art therapy school is to provide you with the tools and the knowledge to help improve the quality of life of your patients or clients via the creative process and expression.
Proper art therapy training from schools and colleges can help professionals develop new strategies for overcoming various disabilities in students or clients. Current professionals can gain important knowledge on how to implement various creative arts activities that can assist their current curriculums.

And obviously, if you want to become a professional and certified art therapist, then you are required to complete the proper schooling.

About Art Therapy Curriculums & Programs

Most of the top art therapy schools offer courses that are designed for people in various stages of their life, whether you are a full-time student studying to be an art therapist or you are a working professional looking to enhance your skillset and knowledge. Some examples of working professionals are counselors, social workers, human service workers, and teachers. Art therapy school programs help you explore new ways to incorporate the creative process into your practice.

Some common art therapy classes and courses include:

• Art Therapy Methods
• Art Therapy Foundations
• Understanding & Working with Images
• Art Therapy & Self Image
• Group Art Therapy
• Art Therapy & The Creative Process
• Trauma Treatment
• Materials & Projects
• Transformations

Art Therapy School Certification & Accreditation

Some schools may be branches of certain colleges and accreditation may vary. However, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) regulates the educational, ethical & professional standards for the field in the U.S. The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is responsible for evaluating candidates and granting them registration as a professional art therapist. If you want to become a Board Certified art therapist in the U.S., the ATCB requires you to pass a written exam and maintain their credentials.

U.S. Art Therapy Schools by Location

*Please note we’ll be adding more schools in the U.S. and abroad.

Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Virginia
Washington
Washington, DC
Wisconsin

International Art Therapy Schools & Programs

Art therapy schools and programs in Canada
Art therapy schools and programs in the UK and Europe
Art therapy schools and programs in Australia

Please feel free to leave any recommendations or comments about your alma mater or any other art therapy schools you’ve heard about by leaving a comment below.

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