Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.

Art therapists are master-level clinicians who work with people of all ages across a broad spectrum of practice. Guided by ethical standards and scope of practice, their education and supervised training prepares them for culturally proficient work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Honoring individuals’ values and beliefs, art therapists work with people who are challenged with medical and mental health problems, as well as individuals seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth.

Art therapists are professionals holding a minimum of a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field with specialized training in art therapy. They are skilled in the use and application of many forms of art and the use of many art materials (drawing, painting, sculpture and other media) for assessment and treatment. Art therapists work with individuals, families, couples and groups of all ages with a variety of mental health issues and life challenges. Art therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation, psychiatric, medical, residential, educational, and in private practice.

-American Art Therapy Association

Art Therapy Credentials:

Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P)

Registered Art Therapist (ATR)

 Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)

 Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS)

For more information about art therapy credentials visit the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), www.atcb.org.

More About Art Therapy:

About Art Therapy

Art Therapy Education

Art Therapy and Disaster Relief

Art Therapy Research

AATA Values Statement