How to Get a Job as an Art Therapist
- jrs7530
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Art Therapists use creative expression to help clients improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. They work in hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, and private practice, using art as a therapeutic tool for self-expression, stress relief, and trauma recovery. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), art therapy is categorized under therapists, all other, a group projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, with around 6,600 job openings each year【source: BLS】.
Entry-Level Requirements for Art Therapists
To become an Art Therapist, you typically need:
Education: A master’s degree in art therapy or a related field such as counseling or psychology from an accredited program. The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) maintains a list of approved graduate programs: AATA Graduate Programs Directory.
Certifications & Licenses: Most states require board certification through the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), which grants the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) and Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) credentials. Some states also require a separate mental health license.
Experience: Graduate programs include supervised clinical internships. Additional supervised post-graduate hours may be required for independent practice.
Expected Salary for Art Therapists
Entry-Level: $48,000–$60,000 annually
Mid-Level: $60,000–$75,000 annually
Senior-Level: $75,000–$90,000+ annually
According to the BLS and the Art Therapy Credentials Board, the average annual salary for art therapists in the U.S. is approximately $63,000, with higher earnings in healthcare and private practice settings【source: BLS, ATCB】.
Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel
Empathy and emotional intelligence
Artistic ability and creativity
Active listening and communication skills
Knowledge of psychology and counseling techniques
Patience and adaptability
Ability to build trust and rapport with clients
Is This Role Better for Introverts or Extroverts?
This career is generally a better fit for introverts. Art Therapists often work in quiet, one-on-one or small group settings where deep listening, observation, and emotional presence are essential. The role favors individuals who are reflective and comfortable with introspective, therapeutic environments.
Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Art Therapy
New York University (NYU) Steinhardt – M.A. in Art Therapy
Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions – M.A. in Art Therapy & Counseling
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) – M.A. in Art Therapy and Counseling
George Washington University (GWU) – M.A. in Art Therapy
Lesley University – M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Art Therapy
Can You Become an Art Therapist Without a Degree?
No. To become a licensed or board-certified art therapist, you must earn at least a master’s degree in art therapy or a closely related mental health discipline from an accredited program. However, individuals with a background in fine arts or psychology may work in related roles such as art instructors, creative arts facilitators, or community arts coordinators.
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Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for Art Therapists
Top Ten Employers Hiring Art Therapists
Top Startups and Organizations Hiring Art Therapists
BetterHelp (online counseling and therapy)
Talkspace (virtual mental health services)
Headspace Health (mindfulness and mental wellness)
Open Path Collective (affordable therapy network)
Creative Forces – NEA Military Healing Arts Network (veterans’ mental health and art therapy)
SimplePractice Learning (continuing education for therapists)
Cerebral (mental health and telehealth services)
Talkiatry (psychiatric telehealth)
Calm (mental wellness and mindfulness tech)
Lyra Health (corporate mental health solutions)
Art Therapists play a unique and powerful role in helping individuals heal through creativity and self-expression. The field offers growing opportunities across healthcare, education, and community settings. This profession is best suited for introverts who excel in empathetic, reflective, and supportive therapeutic relationships where deep personal connection matters most.
