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

Art Therapy can be described as a blend of art and psychology, aimed at helping people dealing with emotional and psychological challenges achieve personal wellness. It is used to address a wide range of mental issues, including anxiety, trauma, depression, addiction, etc., through the development of self-awareness and the resolution of emotional conflicts.

The demand for mental health services is on the rise in the U.S. Art Therapy, as such, has also emerged as a fulfilling career path. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4% increase in the job growth rate between 2023 and 2033.

As an Art Therapist, you need to work with individuals and groups of all ages to facilitate therapeutic processes through art. If you are exploring an Art Therapy career, read this article to discover what it involves – education, practice, and certification.

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What an Art Therapy Career Involves — Education, Practice, and Pathways

As an art therapist, you can explore various job roles depending on your work setting. Here’s a tabular representation of the same:

Careers	Work Settings	Key Responsibilities
Art Therapists	Hospitals, Schools, Treatment Programs, Mental Health Clinics	Use expressive therapy approaches to help patients achieve personal well-being
Occupational Therapists	Homes, schools, and nursing homes	Share advice on daily living, functional cognition, and caregiving
Special Education Teacher	Schools	Work with children with special needs to ensure they complete their art education
Speech Language Pathologist	Hospitals, schools, and private clinics	Diagnose and treat speech and swallowing issues
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	Schools, correctional facilities, private practices, and community centers	Provide advice and support to individuals with mental health and behavioral issues

Also Read: Top Careers to Pursue with a Doctorate in Business Administration.

What Does an Art Therapist Do Day to Day?

As an Art Therapist, you’re expected to perform several activities daily to help patients. These activities may differ based on your exact job role, but here is an overview:

• Deploy expressive therapy approaches like art, painting, etc, to ensure patients’ emotional well-being
• Offer functional cognition support to people dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, etc
• Help specially-abled children in their art education through enhanced focus and emotional regulation

Educational Requirements for Becoming an Art Therapist

You can obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy for entry-level positions in the market. A Master’s Degree, of course, will equip you with advanced skills and expertise designed for top positions. The Art Therapy jobs listed below require a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy:

• Art Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Special Education Teacher
• Speech Language Pathologist

Certification and Licensing Requirements in the U.S.

Once you complete your master’s degree program, you’ll be eligible for:

• Provisional Art Therapy Registration (ATR-P)
• The next step would be to qualify for Art Therapy Registration (ATR-BC)
• ATR-BC sets you apart as a knowledgeable professional in your field

Soft Skills and Personality Traits for Success

Besides your degrees, you must work on a set of soft skills to ace top Art Therapy careers. Here is a look at the soft skills art therapists should nurture:

• Communication
• Empathy
• Non-judgmental attitude
• Patience

Career Outlook and Job Settings for Art Therapists

A Recreational Therapist can earn USD 57,120 on average. Get to work across diverse job settings spanning:

• Schools
• Correctional Homes
• Mental Health Clinics
• Hospitals
• Treatment Programs

Comparing Art Therapy to Other Mental Health Careers 

How does Art Therapy differ from other mental health careers? Here is a comparative analysis:

Jobs	Core Focus	Ideal For
Art Therapist	Deploying creative tools like drawing, sculpting, etc, to bring about deep emotional healing	Children and trauma survivors struggling with expressing
Psychiatrist	Addressing mental health issues through medication	Individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc
Counselor	Deploying talk therapy to help clients deal with emotional issues	Individuals who don’t want to undergo serious medication to treat emotional issues
Psychologist	Deploying talk therapy, testing, and diagnosis to treat mental issues	Individuals whose mental disorders require deep analysis and serious cognitive strategies
Social Worker	Addressing both psychological and social needs to bring about emotional well-being	Individuals who have faced trauma

Art Therapy Education Opportunities at Edgewood University

Explore a seamless path to earning both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art Therapy from Edgewood University. As an Art Therapy major, you get a chance to access the expertise of an award-winning faculty, actively involved in groundbreaking field research.

A quick look at the program highlights:

• State-of-the-art LEED-certified facilities
• A curriculum focused on both theoretical and practical aspects of art therapy
• Two in-person residencies every summer

FAQs on Art Therapy Careers in the U.S._ Education, Certification

Q: What degree do I need for a career in art therapy?
Ans: You need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy for entry-level positions across the U.S. A Master’s Degree in Art Therapy will prepare you with advanced skills and expertise designed for top positions in the field.

Q: Is art therapy a licensed profession in all states?
Ans: Not all U.S. states have specific licenses for art therapists. While a few of them do have them, some of them cover Art Therapy under broader mental health licenses. A few states, in fact, have no license at all.

Q: How do I become a registered or board-certified art therapist?
Ans: Complete your Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from a reputed institution like Edgewood University (with proper accreditation). The next step is to fulfill your supervised clinical requirements and then pass the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) exam.

Q: Can I become an art therapist with a background in fine arts?
Ans: Yes, it can serve as a great starting point for a career in Art Therapy. While a Master’s degree is still a prerequisite for key roles, a background in fine arts is considered an excellent foundation for understanding the therapeutic capacity of art.

Q: What are the job prospects like for art therapists?
Ans: Top job roles you can land with a Master’s in Art Therapy are Art Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Special Education Teacher, and Speech Language Pathologist. Make sure you’re obtaining your degree from a reputable institution to maximize career opportunities.