Art therapy uses creativity to help people heal and grow.
It’s a cool way to mix art with mental health care.
If you want to become an art therapist, you’ll need special training.
To work as an art therapist, you need a master’s degree in art therapy. This takes about two years after college.
You’ll learn about art, psychology, and how to help people through art.
After that, you can get certified to show you’re a pro.
1) Pratt Institute Creative Arts Therapy
Want to become an art therapist? Check out Pratt Institute’s Creative Arts Therapy programs.
They offer two amazing options for you to explore.
First up is the Art Therapy and Creativity Development MPS.
This program mixes creative, aesthetic, and psychotherapy theories to give you a well-rounded education.
If you’re into dance, there’s also a Dance/Movement Therapy MS.
Both programs are 60 credits and prepare you to become a psychotherapist using art or dance as your tools.
At Pratt, you’ll learn through hands-on experiences and real clinical training.
You’ll get to try out different techniques and see how they work in practice.
The best part? Pratt’s program is highly rated.
It’s ranked fourth in the country for Master’s in Art Therapy programs.
That means you’re getting top-notch education and skills.
So if you’re passionate about art and helping others, Pratt’s Creative Arts Therapy programs might be just what you’re looking for.
You’ll graduate ready to make a real difference in people’s lives through art.
2) Adler University Art Therapy Program
Hey there! Looking to become an art therapist? Adler University’s got you covered with their awesome Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy program.
It’s a pretty cool deal that lets you become both a counselor and an art therapist.
You’ll learn how to use creativity to help people feel better mentally and emotionally.
The program focuses on helping folks who don’t always get the support they need in society.
Want to go even further? Adler offers a Ph.D. in Art Therapy too.
It’s online, so you can fit it into your busy life.
One of the neat courses you’ll take is Intermodal Application in Art Therapy.
It teaches you how to mix different art forms in therapy.
Pretty cool, right?
By the time you’re done, you’ll be ready to make a real difference in people’s lives through art.
Plus, you’ll have the skills to work with all sorts of people and help them express themselves creatively.
3) Lesley University’s Expressive Therapies
Looking to blend art and therapy? Lesley University’s got you covered with their cool Expressive Therapies programs.
You can dive into Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Art Therapy specialization.
This program lets you use art to help others while becoming a licensed counselor.
Want to mix it up? Check out the Expressive Arts Therapy specialization.
You’ll learn to use different art forms in your therapy practice.
For the research-minded, there’s the Expressive Therapies PhD.
You’ll get to study art therapy deeply and maybe even teach it someday.
Not ready for a full degree? No worries! Lesley offers a Graduate Certificate in Expressive Therapies Studies.
It’s perfect for dipping your toes into the field.
At Lesley, you’ll learn from experts who’ve been in the game for years.
Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience to prep you for your future career.
4) Drexel University Art Therapy & Counseling
Want to become an art therapist? Drexel University’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program might be perfect for you.
This top-notch program has been around since 1967, giving it a solid reputation.
Drexel’s program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
This means you’ll get a high-quality education that meets industry standards.
The curriculum is packed with 90 quarter-credits of learning.
You can finish it in two years if you study full-time.
If you need more flexibility, part-time options are available too.
At Drexel, you’ll learn about different therapy approaches.
The program teaches you how to use art to help people with various needs.
You’ll get hands-on experience and learn from experts in the field.
The Creative Arts Therapies Department at Drexel offers more than just art therapy.
You can also explore dance/movement therapy and music therapy if you’re interested in other creative approaches.
Drexel’s program prepares you for a career in art therapy.
You’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a difference in people’s lives through art.
5) School of the Art Institute of Chicago Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Want to blend your love of art with helping others? The Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago might be perfect for you.
This program is one of the oldest in Illinois.
It’s been around since the 1970s, starting as a certificate and growing into a full master’s degree by 1985.
You’ll dive into the connection between art-making and life experiences.
The courses help you learn how to use art to help people find clarity and balance in their lives.
The program is 60 credits long.
You’ll take classes that mix art therapy theory with hands-on practice.
Interested in applying? You’ll need to write a 500-700 word statement about your work and why you want to study art therapy.
By the end, you’ll be ready for a career using art to help people express themselves and heal.
Understanding Art Therapy
Art therapy blends creativity and psychology to help people express themselves and heal.
It’s a unique way to deal with tough emotions and grow as a person.
What Art Therapy Involves
Art therapy uses drawing, painting, and other art forms to improve mental health.
You don’t need to be good at art to benefit.
The focus is on the process, not the final product.
In a session, you might paint your feelings or sculpt a symbol of a problem you’re facing.
Your art therapist will guide you and help you understand what your art means.
Art therapy can help with stress, anxiety, and trauma.
It’s great for kids who struggle to express themselves with words.
Adults find it useful too, especially when talk therapy isn’t enough.
History of Art Therapy
Art therapy started in the 1940s.
Doctors noticed that art helped patients express hidden thoughts and feelings.
Margaret Naumburg, often called the “mother of art therapy,” was a key figure.
She believed that art could reveal the unconscious mind.
In the 1950s, Edith Kramer developed the idea of “art as therapy.” She thought the act of creating art was healing by itself.
Art therapy became more official in the 1960s.
The American Art Therapy Association formed in 1969.
This helped set standards for the field.
Today, art therapy is used in hospitals, schools, and private practices.
It’s recognized as a powerful tool for mental health and personal growth.
Benefits of Art Therapy Certification
Getting certified in art therapy can boost your career and help you gain new skills.
It’s a great way to grow as a professional and help more people.
Career Opportunities
Art therapy certification can open doors to new job options.
You’ll be able to work in more places, like hospitals, schools, and mental health centers.
Many employers prefer certified therapists, so you’ll have an edge when job hunting.
You might earn more money too.
Certified therapists often get paid more than those without certification.
Plus, you can start your own practice if you want.
This gives you more control over your work and schedule.
Networking is another perk.
You’ll meet other art therapists and professionals in related fields.
This can lead to new job offers, collaborations, and friendships.
Skill Development
Certification helps you become a better art therapist.
You’ll learn new techniques and stay up-to-date with the latest research.
This means you can help your clients more effectively.
Training programs cover a wide range of topics.
You’ll study different art forms, psychology, and therapy methods.
This broad knowledge base lets you tailor your approach to each client’s needs.
You’ll also improve your people skills.
Certification programs often include practice sessions and supervised work.
This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and refining your therapy style.
Lastly, certification can boost your creativity.
You’ll learn new art techniques and ways to use art in therapy.
This can make your sessions more engaging and effective for your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting an art therapy certification can be confusing.
Let’s clear things up with some common questions about programs, requirements, and career prospects.
What should I look for in a top art therapy certification program?
Look for programs accredited by the American Art Therapy Association.
Check if they offer hands-on clinical experience.
See if the faculty are working art therapists.
Compare course offerings to make sure they match your interests.
How do I become a certified art therapist?
To get certified, you’ll need a master’s degree in art therapy from an accredited program.
Then, you must complete supervised clinical hours.
Finally, you’ll take the Art Therapy Credentials Board exam to earn your credentials.
Can I get an art therapy certification fully online, and if so, which programs are best?
Some programs offer mostly online coursework. Lesley University has a low-residency option. Adler University offers a hybrid program.
But most require some in-person components for hands-on training.
What are the requirements to enroll in a leading art therapy certification program?
A bachelor’s degree is usually needed.
Many programs also require a background in psychology and art.
Some programs may also ask for a portfolio.
Others may require volunteer experience in a helping profession.
How much can I expect to earn as a certified art therapist?
Pay varies based on location and setting.
Starting salaries often range from $35,000 to $50,000 per year.
With experience, you could earn $60,000 to $80,000 or more, especially in private practice.
What’s the difference between an art therapy certification and a degree?
A degree is the education you get, like a master’s in art therapy.
Certification comes after your degree.
It’s a credential that shows you’ve met professional standards.
The Art Therapy Credentials Board handles certification for art therapists.