Is an Online MA in Art Therapy & Counseling Worth It?

As interest in mental wellness continues to grow, more people are turning to holistic approaches that treat the person as a whole—mind, body, and spirit. This comprehensive perspective goes beyond surface-level symptoms, aiming instead to understand and heal the deeper connections that influence overall well-being. By embracing diverse and integrative techniques, holistic practices offer a more balanced approach to long-term mental and emotional health.

In this context, candidates seeking to work in the field of art therapy and counseling often wonder whether pursuing an online Master of Arts (MA) program will offer them both professional and personal value. As such, they should know that the average annual base salary of art therapists and counselors in the United States (US) is $149,402.

This blog will explore whether an MA in art therapy and counseling is worthwhile and highlight the careers that students can pursue with such a degree, as well as the latest trends in this field of education.

Take your skills to the next level — Explore Master of Arts in Art Therapy & Counseling Online

Is an MA in Art Therapy & Counseling Worth It in 2025? 

In 2025, the global demand for mental health professionals is expected to continue growing. This situation has also made alternative therapeutic approaches, such as art therapy and counseling, even more critical, affirming that an MA in art therapy and counseling is indeed worthwhile.

Increasing Demand for Mental Health Services

The World Health Organization says that anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and depression are still widespread, and this has increased, especially after the pandemic. This surge is opening up space for alternative therapies, such as art therapy and counseling, and helping them gain mainstream attention.

Varied Career Opportunities across Sectors

Graduates of an MA program in art therapy and counseling can explore a diverse range of work environments. The areas for applying their knowledge, skills, and training are vast and include the following types of establishments:

• Hospitals.
• Mental Health Clinics.
• Schools.
• Community Centers.
• Private Practice.

Focus on Creativity in a Healing Profession

Art therapy and counseling programs offer artistically inclined individuals a rare opportunity to fuse their artistic passion with a career where they can make a palpable difference in the lives of people. In contrast to conventional talk therapy, art therapy and counseling enable individuals to express themselves visually through various media, including drawing, sculpture, and painting. This practice can be rather beneficial for people with trauma, developmental conditions, and speech barriers.

Online Learning Options for Flexibility

Many colleges and universities in 2025 offer hybrid and online MA programs in art therapy and counseling, allowing students to learn anywhere they want without sacrificing academic quality. This scenario is ideal for working professionals as well as those who are unable to relocate for educational purposes.

Professional Growth and Path to Licensure

An MA in art therapy and counseling equips students with in-depth artistic and therapeutic competencies, qualifying them to obtain professional licenses in various regions worldwide. In the US and Canada, for example, graduates of these programs can pursue designations such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Registered Art Therapist, depending on the state or provincial requirements.

Also Read: Art Therapy Careers in the U.S: Education, Certification, and What to Expect

Careers and Educational Trends in Art Therapy 

These days, MA programs in art therapy and counseling focus more on combining therapeutic interventions with creative expressions to improve mental health and well-being, especially for individuals with special needs, as well as in educational settings. They are also using art therapy at an increasing rate in special education, developing group painting therapy techniques, and exploring expressive arts therapy for university students.

Job Role	Salary
Child Life Specialist	$97,769
Art Therapy Educator	$90,525
Rehabilitation Therapist	$90,938
Mental Health Counselor	$71,602
Art Therapy Consultant	$67,299
Registered Art Therapist	$50,758
Art Therapy Private Practice	$50,758

Also Read: High-Demand Careers for MA Graduates in Art Therapy & Counseling

How Edgewood University’s Online MA in Art Therapy Makes the Journey Worthwhile 

The Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Online program at Edgewood University is an excellent option for students seeking the best MA in counseling and art therapy program. The program makes the entire journey worthwhile for students by integrating art-making, a holistic approach to healing, and counseling skills in the most effective way possible. The program’s structure combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences to provide aspiring art therapists and counselors with a practical and comprehensive education.

FAQs on Online MA in Art Therapy & Counseling Worth It

Q: What job titles can I pursue after an MA in art therapy?
Ans: The most prominent job titles that a candidate can pursue with an MA in art therapy and counseling are art therapist, registered art therapist, and art psychotherapist.

Q: Are internships or practicums part of online art therapy programs?
Ans: Yes, most online art therapy programs these days include practicums and internships as integral components. The online programs recognize the importance of supervised and practical experience in real-world settings.

Q: How does art therapy differ from general counseling?
Ans: Art therapy utilizes creative processes, such as art-making, to facilitate self-exploration and expression, thereby gaining insights into how people process emotions. In contrast, general counseling relies more heavily on talk therapy and verbal communication to facilitate problem-solving and behavioral changes.

Q: Is prior experience in psychology or art required for art therapy?
Ans: No, candidates do not need previous experience in art or psychology to start practicing art therapy, but a master’s degree is necessary in such cases.

Q: What accrediting bodies should I look for in a quality art therapy program?
Ans: Students looking for the best-accredited art therapy programs should consider the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the US.