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

Art therapy offers a non-verbal outlet for individuals to process emotions, reduce stress, and foster self-discovery, making it especially accessible to diverse populations. These benefits are driving its growing popularity among both mental health professionals and the general public. Given the demand, Art therapists and counselors in the United States earn an average annual base salary of $149,402.

This blog will discuss the top art therapy careers for Master of Arts (MA) graduates in 2025, highlighting the qualities and skills that candidates need to thrive in their art therapy careers.

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

Top Art Therapy Careers for MA Graduates in 2025 

In 2025, a master’s in art therapy can open doors to various rewarding careers in the USA and beyond, as the program primarily focuses on utilizing psychology and art for mental wellness and health. They can pursue multiple roles, with the most prominent being those of registered art therapists, educators, counselors, and consultants, who work in various settings such as hospitals, private practices, and schools.

Main Roles

Job Role	Salary
Art Therapy Educator	$90,525
Mental Health Counselor	$71,602
Registered Art Therapist	$50,758
Art Therapy Private Practice	$50,758

Associated Roles

Job Role	Salary
Child Life Specialist	$97,769
Rehabilitation Therapist	$90,938
Art Therapy Consultant	$67,299

Art Therapy Educator

Art therapy educators-cum-researchers can work at universities and colleges, where they shape the future practitioners of this work and contribute to research and development (R&D) in the domain. In these roles, they can also conduct research on the effectiveness of art therapy techniques and explore how professionals can apply them in various settings.

Mental Health Counselor

Art therapists can also specialize as counselors, working with diverse populations and addressing mental health issues through creative expression. These professionals may also work with individuals, groups, and families, tailoring their approach to meet the specific needs of their clients.

Registered Art Therapist

Registered art therapy is a core credential for art therapists, signifying that they possess advanced competency in this domain. They work in clinical settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and mental health clinics, where they utilize art-based interventions to help individuals address psychological and emotional issues. They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide patients with holistic care.

Art Therapy Private Practice

Many art therapists also establish their independent private practices, offering individual, group, or both types of therapy sessions. They may become specialists in working with specific populations or focus on particular mental health issues.

Associated Roles

One of the significant roles that graduates of art therapy and counseling master’s programs can play is that of a child life specialist. These professionals work in hospitals, where they help children cope with hospitalization and illness through creative activities.

In this context, these graduates can also work as rehabilitation therapists, helping people recover from illnesses and injuries by employing art therapy to improve their cognitive and physical function.

Art therapy consultants provide support and guidance to organizations seeking to incorporate art therapy into their programs.

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

Skills and Qualities Needed to Thrive in Art Therapy Careers 

Candidates who want to excel in art therapy jobs require a combination of artistic, clinical, and interpersonal skills, along with essential personal qualities. They require commendable artistic abilities, along with a deep understanding of therapeutic and psychological techniques.

Core Areas	Specific Skills
Artistic Skills	Art Media Proficiency Imagination and Creativity Art Process Understanding
Therapeutic and Clinical Skills	Psychology Knowledge Therapeutic Techniques Evaluation and Assessment
Communication and Interpersonal Skills	Active Listening Compassion and Empathy Patience Adaptability and Flexibility Cultural Sensitivity
Personal Qualities	Emotional Strength Non-Judgmental Attitude Ethics and Professionalism Self-Awareness Commitment to Lifelong Learning

How Edgewood University Prepares You for a Career in Art Therapy 

The Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Online program at Edgewood University prepares students well to be successful art therapy practitioners. It does so through a combination of studio art, art therapy, and psychology coursework, along with supervised field experiences. The program also focuses on hands-on learning, engagement with diverse communities, and creativity, thereby preparing graduates well for post-graduation work in varied community settings. It also offers them benefits such as state-of-the-art facilities and helps them develop the skills essential to succeed in the domains of art therapy and counseling.

FAQs on Careers for MA Graduates in Art Therapy & Counseling

Q: Do I need to be a skilled artist to succeed in this field?
Ans: Candidates seeking success in the fields of art therapy and counseling do not necessarily need to be highly skilled artists.

Q: Are online art therapy programs eligible for certification?
Ans: Yes, specific online art therapy programs indeed qualify for certification, but students must ensure that it is an accredited program that contributes recognized credentials.

Q: What licensure is required after earning an MA in Art Therapy?
Ans: Once a student earns an MA in Art Therapy, the primary license or certificate they need is the credential of a Registered Art Therapist.

Q: What is the job outlook for art therapy graduates in 2025?
Ans: In 2025, graduates of art therapy programs generally have a positive job outlook – the College Board reports a projected growth rate of 14.24% for the domain.

Q: How does clinical internship experience during the Art Therapy program help job placement?
Ans: Clinical internship experience in art therapy programs is highly essential for job placements, as it offers students the opportunity to apply the theories they have learned in a practical setting.