Art Therapy
Overview
Art therapy programs teach students how to use art to promote the physical, mental, and emotional health of patients.Art therapy programs include topics such as:
- Assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental, emotional, and development disorders using art
- Psychology and counseling techniques
- Art, art history, and theory of art therapy
- Cultural diversity issues
- Legal and ethical issues
Art therapy programs prepare people to work in:
- Private practice
- Hospitals
- Community centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in art therapy. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in art therapy. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many colleges and universities offer graduate degrees in art therapy. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Art and Fine Arts, General
- Ceramic Art and Design
- Crafts
- Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts
- Human Services
- Mental Health Counseling
- Metal and Jewelry Arts
- Music Therapy
- Painting and Drawing
- Printmaking
- Psychology, General
- Recreation Therapy
- Sculpture
- Social Work
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Art
- Art History
- Psychology
- Sociology
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Undergraduate major or significant course work in psychology and art
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Art History and Appreciation
- Art Therapy
- Assessment
- Group Dynamics
- Human Development
- Mental Illness and Disorders
- Models of Therapy
- Psychopathology
- Research Methods
- Theories of Creativity
In addition, depending on your artistic preferences, you take studio art courses in:
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Fiber Arts
- Painting
- Sculpture
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in art therapy typically includes:
- Required courses
- Practicum
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Most art therapists decide to become registered or certified.
To register you must graduate from an accredited art therapy program and accumulate 1,000 hours of direct client contact.
To become certified, you must have at least a master's degree and pass a national exam in addition to being registered.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Antioch University
- Counseling--Couple & Family Therapy (Art or Drama Therapy options)
- Creative Arts Counselor Education & Supervision