To become an art therapist is a deeply fulfilling career option for those who seek to marry their creative impulses with psychological theory and practice to bring about healing and transformation for clients. 

Described by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) as a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well‑being of individuals of all ages, clinical art therapy practitioners create a safe space for people to express themselves and resolve their psychological issues by creating art.

What Are the Main Types of Art Therapists?

Role and Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Art Therapists: Clinical art therapists are medical professionals who practise predominantly in healthcare settings including hospitals, mental health clinics and rehabilitation facilities. Their clinical work may include providing therapeutic services to those with a variety of mental health disturbances.

School Art Therapists: School art therapists work in educational settings to help students ages four to 21 manage their emotional, behavioural and academic challenges in regular educational settings. They consult with teachers and school counsellors to support students’ mental health and wellness.

Community Art Therapists: Community art therapists practise within the context of community centres, non-profit organisations and social service agencies; typically, their client base is broad and includes underserved populations such as at-risk youth and the elderly, as well as people suffering from trauma, abuse and social disadvantage.

Private Practice Art Therapists: Private practice art therapists are individuals who operate a private therapy practice for clients who are interested in working one-on-one in addressing a wide range of issues that can more specifically include stress, anxiety, depression, creativity, and self-expression using personalised art therapy sessions.

What Does an Art Therapist Do?

Conducting Individual and Group Art Therapy Sessions

In an art therapy session, a client can use art materials to express inner thoughts and feelings. Each session can be individual (one client working on their own), or group-based. These interactions depend on what the client needs and the therapy goal.

Assessing Clients’ Needs and Developing Treatment Plans

While working with her clients, art therapists determine their needs regarding their mental health and develop treatment plans accordingly. To understand what the problems are and what kind of therapeutic measures should be taken, art therapists use different assessment tools and techniques.

Utilising Various Art Techniques to Facilitate Self-Expression and Healing

Using a variety of art mediums including drawing, painting, sculpting and collage, art therapists help clients explore underlying issues in their lives, build self-esteem, and reduce stress. The therapy methodology varies according to the client’s goals and personal preferences.

Collaborating with Other Healthcare Professionals

Indeed, art therapists tend to be employed in multidisciplinary teams that include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other support staff caring for a common set of clients.

Documenting and Evaluating Client Progress

These notes might include documented behavioural objectives, progress of the client, and assessment of treatment effectiveness – data that can be used to adjust treatment planning, inform team-wide care activities, and evaluate the course of therapy that’s carried out. In addition to maintaining records, art therapists also observe and gather information about their clients. They might, for example, observe a child playing basketball in the lunchroom multiple times and start to conclude how to harness this seemingly benign interest into meaningful internal dialogue.

Average Art Therapist Salary

Salary Ranges Based on Experience and Location

Salary for art therapists depend on how long the person has been practising, where they work, and in what setting, so those looking to become art therapists should bear in mind that large differences between the figures that follow will exist. In the UK, entry-level art therapists can expect to earn between £25,000 and £35,000 a year while mid-level art therapists can expect to earn between £35,000 and £50,000 a year. In the US, entry-level art therapists and mid-level art therapists can expect to earn $40,000 to $60,000 a year, with salary increases between $10,000 to $15,000. Senior art therapists or those art therapists occupying specialised roles can expect to earn £50,000 to £70,000 (£70,000 to £100,000 in the US) or more annually.

Comparison of Salaries in Different Settings

Those who work in a hospital or other healthcare setting tend to earn higher employment salaries than those working in schools or community organisations. Private practice art therapists can also earn well, depending on the client base and fee structure.

Factors Influencing Art Therapist Salaries

Several factors can influence the salaries of art therapists:

• Experience: As an experienced therapist makes more accurate diagnoses and more capable treatment recommendations, they earn a higher salary.
• Education and Certifications: Other factors can impact an art therapist’s earning potential. Education and professional certifications, for example.
• Situation: geographical location is a crucial element when it comes to the amount of salary. In general, art therapists in overcrowded places or with higher cost of living will earn much higher salaries.
• Environment: The work environment can also affect your salary. Therapists who work in hospitals or private practice might make more money than those who work in schools or community organisations.

Art Therapist Skills

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in All Forms of Art Media and Techniques: Art therapists must be knowledgeable about using all forms of art media and techniques to facilitate therapy sessions.
• Knowledge of Consulting Skills: Knowledge of consulting skills is important as it aids in the development of evidence-based clinical plans and interventions. The majority of the items were included in the beta version of a 12-factor model.

Soft Skills

• Empathy and Compassion: The therapist is often referred to as the ‘holder of the space’ and, to do this, capacities for empathy and compassion are crucial, as clients will only venture into parts of themselves or experiences they’ve had if they trust that the therapist is being with them in this empathic and unhurried way.
• Communication: You’ll need strong communication skills that will help you explain what a particular therapeutic concept means, instruct your clients on how to accomplish certain goals, or discuss progress with your colleagues at work.
• Creativity: The ability to think outside the box is essential for creating novel and useful treatment approaches based on clients’ strengths. 
• Analytical Thinking: Analytical thinking is required to evaluate the needs of clients, and their successes, and to change the course of treatment accordingly.

Art Therapist Tips

Keeps up with Recent Advances in Art Therapy and Psychology: Ensures that you’re aware of cutting-edge research, techniques and best practices in the art therapy and psychology fields.

Networking Through Professional Organisations: Joining a professional organisation allows access to art therapists and also to resources, for example, The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) or the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). 

Building a Strong Portfolio of Work and Case Studies: A strong portfolio showcasing your work and case studies can demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers or clients.

Gaining Experience Through Internships and Volunteer Opportunities: Internships and volunteer opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience and help build your professional network.

Art Therapist Requirements

Educational Requirements

• Degree in Art Therapy or a Related Field: A master’s degree is a requirement for most posts although some posts will accept a bachelor’s degree in a related field, equivalent to a master’s degree in the UK.
• Relevant Coursework: Courses in psychology, art techniques and therapies are helpful. Programmes will often involve supervised clinical practice. 

Certification Requirements

• Board Certification Through the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB): Board certification through the ATCB (in the US) or board certification in other countries can be required (though not always) to show that you have met competency standards and are committed to professional standards.
• State Licensure: Always check with the licensing board in your state or the area where you intend to practise for information about required education, supervised experience and/or licensing exam. Requirements vary by state.

Experience Requirements

• Internships and Supervised Clinical Experience: You need experience – the more the better. If you are seeking an accredited graduate degree and training programme, completing an internship or supervised clinical practice is part of the degree process and helps to prepare you for professional practice.

How to Become an Art Therapist

Completing Relevant Education

• LPC or LMFT license: The next step is to obtain a license; this is typically accomplished by completing a master’s degree or a PhD. For those people who already have a degree in art therapy, you can move on to the third step. If you already have a degree in psychology – one that doesn’t include art therapy – you still have several pathways to take.
• Advanced Courses and Workshops: In addition to your formal training, advanced courses and workshops in specific art therapy modalities or specific populations can further your competence. 

Gaining Practical Experience

• Experience through internships and clinical supervision: An important part of obtaining the necessary skills for art therapy is the experience of practising this art under the supervision of a registered art therapist. This experience must be carefully crafted to integrate the concepts and techniques learned in basic training with the real world of actual clients who may be asking for assistance while suffering from severe psychological crises.

Continuing Professional Development

• Workshops, Seminars, Webinars: Enrol in workshops, seminars and webinars to participate in continual professional growth. Engage with others, in turn, who are invested in learning, networking and keeping current with methodologies and trends in art therapy.

• Advanced Degrees and Concentrations: Seeking additional degrees, such as a doctorate in Art Therapy or appropriate fields, also offers an opportunity to advance your career towards higher levels of responsibility, and can help you with the development of your research and clinical skills.

Networking

• Joining Professional Organizations: Joining professional organizations such as the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) or the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) provides valuable networking opportunities. These organizations offer access to industry events, resources, and a community of peers, which can support career growth and professional development.
• Attending Conferences and Events: Participating in conferences, workshops, and seminars is an excellent way to network with professionals in the field. Networking helps build relationships, gain insights from experienced professionals, and discover job opportunities. It also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and staying informed about the latest trends and developments in art therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why should you become an Art Therapist?

This can provide individuals with a rewarding career as an art therapist, as they get to help people resolve psychological problems and reach the healing stages of their lives through the creation and exploration of art. It comes with great social standing, as it would offer you great job security and substantial competitive salaries. Further, personal fulfilment is gained from being able to provide meaningful positive impacts on the lives of clients.

2. Is Art Therapy a Good Career Choice for You?

If you are an artistic individual who enjoys helping others, art therapy could be the best career for you: empathy, creativity and strong communication skills go hand in hand. If you like the thought of working with individuals and groups from all walks of life and have a dedication to improving mental wellness and striving for happiness, you can find great joy and fulfilment in this career. 

3. Art Therapist Salaries

Salaries for art therapists depend upon years of experience, geographic location and the setting in which they work. In the UK, entry-level art therapists earn between £25,000 and £35,000 per year. Those in the US make between £40,000 and $60,000. Once a few years are gained, midlevel art therapists can expect to make between £35,000 and £50,000 (UK), and between $60,000 and $80,000 in the US. Those who are working as senior art therapists, or have obtained specialty (certified) positions, will generate £50,000 to £70,000 or more per year here in the UK, and $80,000 to $100,000 or more per year for those in the US. 

4. Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career in Art Therapy?

To practise as an art therapist, you will need to earn a degree in art therapy, psychology or a related field. Most jobs require the candidate to have at least a master’s degree in art therapy or another related discipline. Courses that cover the therapeutic use of art, Earth-centred art, psychology, and art techniques are helpful background studies. Certification is available through such organisations as the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), and being certified increases your chances of finding work. 

5. Do I Need to Be an Experienced Therapist to Get Started?

No, that’s not required. Most art therapy programmes with clinical training give new students a strong grounding in psychotherapy basics while also requiring a clinically supervised internship and clinical practicum components. The teaching of art therapy integrates these two areas of learning so that you will develop your foundational skills across your art programme, guided by both artists and therapists.

6. Art Therapist Career Outlook

This is a wonderful profession to keep: currently, it is in a growth phase, emerging mental health and wellness institutions are increasingly taking advantage of the benefits of art therapy, and as people become more aware of it as a modality of care or preventative practice, the demand for qualified art therapists will continue to grow. It is currently a top-five career to get into (job security, great salary/career opportunities to move up, etc).

7. Art Therapist Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

The general career pathway of art therapists begins with entry-level positions such as therapist. With more proficiency and advanced training, therapists can move into mid-level careers such as senior therapist or clinical supervisor. With background experience and an advanced degree can move into an advanced role such as program director or educator.

8. Art Therapist Exit Options and Opportunities

Art therapists have many exit ramps that move them away from therapy into roles that allow them to use their core skills of facilitating expression, self-reflection and problem-solving. These roles include teaching or research, as well as consultancy and programme-developer positions. Seasoned art therapists can switch into academic teaching, research or programme coordinator roles for undergraduate or graduate courses. They also have the opportunity to pursue graduate degrees to become educators or researchers in the art therapy field, providing them with further growth opportunities.