Art Therapist

Your Fit

Income

$68K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

12.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Art Therapist?

Art Therapists are mental health professionals who use the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. They use a variety of art methods, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage, to help clients express themselves and cope with stress, trauma, or illness.

Sample job titles:

Art Psychotherapist, Art Therapist, Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), Registered Art Therapist (ATR)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Art Therapist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Art Therapist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Art Therapist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$44K per year	$52K per year	$68K per year	$87K per year	$102K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.6K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Art Therapist do?

Work environment

Art Therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, public and private schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, prisons, community centers, senior centers, private practice, and other clinical and community settings.

Quick task list

Assesses client needs through art and conversation.
Plans and implements art therapy sessions in group or individual settings.
Uses art as a medium to explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior, develop social skills, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.
Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to develop holistic treatment plans.
Keeps records and writes reports on clients' progress.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Children and Adolescents: Focusing on young clients who may struggle with emotional, behavioral, or developmental issues.
Trauma and Crisis Intervention: Providing art therapy to help individuals process and recover from traumatic events.
Mental Health: Working with clients with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
Geriatrics: Specializing in working with elderly clients, often dealing with issues of aging, memory loss, and physical challenges.
Physical Disabilities: Using art therapy to assist individuals with physical limitations or chronic illness.

Description

Art Therapy combines the creative process with psychological theory and practice as a therapeutic tool. Art Therapists are trained to understand the psychological aspects of the creative process and the emotional attributes of different art materials. They use art in treatment, assessment, and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals.

Art Therapists work with individuals, couples, families, and groups, applying a variety of art modalities with clients across the lifespan. They must be culturally aware and respectful of diversity, using art therapy to address a variety of issues including, but not limited to, mental health, trauma, social, educational, and developmental needs.

The field requires both a strong artistic background and a firm foundation in psychological and therapeutic principles. Art Therapists need to be adaptable, as they work with different age groups and in various settings, each with unique challenges and requirements.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Empowering clients to express themselves and resolve issues through creative expression.
Witnessing tangible progress in clients' emotional and mental health.
The fulfillment of combining a passion for art with a career in helping others.

You might make a good Art Therapist if you are...

Passionate about art and believe in its therapeutic power.
Empathetic and sensitive to the emotional states of others.
Creative in your approach to problem-solving and therapy.
Patient and understanding, with good listening skills.
Interested in psychology and human behavior.

Pros:

Personal fulfillment from helping clients through art.
Variety in work settings and client populations.
Creative expression as part of daily work.

Cons:

Emotional challenges in dealing with clients facing serious issues.
May require irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends.
The need for ongoing professional development and staying current in the field.

How to become an Art Therapist

Typical education

Becoming an Art Therapist typically requires a Master's degree in Art Therapy or a related field, which usually takes about 2-3 years beyond a 4-year undergraduate degree. Some states also require licensure, certification, or registration to practice.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art classes to develop your artistic skills and understand various mediums.
Psychology to gain a basic understanding of human behavior.
Sociology to understand societal impacts on individual behavior.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in art clubs or community art projects.
Volunteering with organizations that serve individuals with disabilities or mental health issues.
Engaging in workshops or seminars related to art and therapy.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in fine arts, psychology, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or volunteer work in settings where art therapy is practiced, such as hospitals, schools, or community centers.
Complete a Master's degree in Art Therapy, which typically includes coursework in psychology and clinical practice.
Obtain professional credentials, such as the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) certification, if required in your state or country.

More resources

American Art Therapy Association (AATA) - The primary organization for art therapists in the U.S., offering resources, advocacy, and educational standards.
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) - Provides certification, continuing education, and ethical standards for art therapy professionals.
The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) - A professional body for art therapists in the UK, offering resources, training, and support.
The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) - Provides a global forum for expressive arts therapists, offering conferences and a directory of professionals.
Psychology Today: Art Therapy - Offers an overview of art therapy, its benefits, and resources to find art therapists.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.