I am torn between interior architecture and drawing, and with a BFA in drawing, would it be wise to pursue art therapy? I’m currently trying to complete a bachelors degree in Social Work with an art minor in hopes to one day become an art therapist for children and young adults. The revealed comparative advantage (RCA) shows that Art Therapy majors need more than the average amount of … Maybe it would be better that you just stay with topics about how art therapy helps and leave this type of career information to the professionals. Whatever you decide, follow your heart and at the same time use discernment (don’t lose your footing). Some locations have a higher demand for art therapists and art therapy related positions, so you will have to do some investigation to check the career health of art therapy for your location, whether you’re willing to move, and so on. About the Master's Program. I wonder if ANY of you know of a school program where you can get certified as an art therapist without necesarly having a masters in art therapy? I am seeing that there isn’t a great outlook for it, but there isn’t much of an outlook for anything I want to do anyways (LOL) so should I just go for it? These comments would certainly be depressing for anyone interested in pursuing Art Therapy. I had set out to become an art therapist only and the MFT was just part of the program, everyone said it was better for job security. I am really sad to read all the negative comments about art therapy and am really starting to rethink my career choice. I'm biased but I'd get a regular degree in psych and specialize in art therapy. research! do u guys agree with this opinion? Thanks! I think art therapy is the only study I heard about that has that. I am currently a sophomore in college, and I am looking into pursuing a career in Art Therapy! At TCU, you’ll gain experience in teaching art to diverse groups and fully understand how to provide a therapeutic art … As I am approaching the time to really decide on what programs to go towards and not just day dream, I am confused as to what direction is most beneficial in getting a job. These decisions are always based on and a divide between a. what you have a passion to do and b. what can you survive and thrive with. My husband will be graduating with a masters in school counseling as well as the necessary coursework/hours for his LPC. Another potential art therapy career path is to apply the healing power of art and creativity to a position that affords you this freedom and can still be beneficial. I’m looking into joining the Art Therapy career. P.s. Visit our Credentialing and Licensure page to review the requirements for each, and the differences between the two. I have notice that in some schools ( not that many, maybe i am not hat great in researching school programs) i have notice that you could get certified as a LMHC with some classes through the AT program without necesarly being part of the LMHC masters. I graduated high school 2014, and am taking classes at Portland Community College for two years in order to save money. Since I don’t have a MS in Art Therapy, do you think that this would be the best track for me? For me art therapy is THE best job ever! which in some ways can make folks more marketable… However, it’s like asking a science teacher to coach a sport (which they also have legit training in)–their dominant degree is in education, but they may have been hired mainly because the school needed a coach. I’m currently in Freshman at an art school, and though it is early, I’m already worrying about the future of my career. I am in the same boat as most of you. I still feel extremely passionate about the power of art to heal, but, at some point, making a steady living and getting some return on the time and financial investment matters, too. If there is any school out there that offers extra clases for ART therapy while doing a different masters? With the acceptance rate and such, I think it would be an amazing opportunity, but is it worth it? We have updated the picture. Exploredotuzomaatgmaildotcom. Community organization? This is not so and is a serious shame. However, after reading all of the post on this site I became very discouraged and wondered if I will be making a big mistake by investing so much time and money into a degree that I may never use. I’m worried that I won’t find a job. I live on Long Island, so the outlook is probably much less, right? There seems to be a great divide between what we, as the artists know is intrinsically valuable, and what the business world sees as valuable and is willing to pay for (we all know they need our services, haha). Yes, it is true and you will find it at World Education University (WEU). Art therapy practice requires knowledge of and skills in usage of visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms) and the creative process, coupled with application of theories and techniques of human development, psychology, and counseling. It seems we’re even having to defend the ATR credentials on this blog, which shouldn’t need to happen…. However the trend in OT is away from psych (less then 3% of OTs work in mental health settings), so even though in the UK one can do additional work and sit for boards, in the US one still has to be a mental health professional. Sad but true! The best advice that I can give you would be to be honest with yourself. Admittedly, I was surprised by some of the questions. I didnt really have to have a degree in Art therapy in oder to apply art therapy in a session with a client? Not only would I advise folks considering art therapy to not pursue it as a degree (especially a stand-alone degree – nearly useless! Art Therapy jobs will be most prevalent in larger cities, with a larger population of hospitals who have psychiatric facilities. Undergraduate pre-professional majors and Art Therapy doctoral programs do not undergo an approval or review process through the AATA at this time. A master’s degree is necessary for entry-level practice in Art Therapy. I love the arts though. I have become worried that I will barely be able to support myself, seeing online what art therapists are paid. That way someone else can pay your living expenses while you get to tell everyone about your impressive but mostly non paying work as an art therapist. Should I get a degree in something else? clinician, etc.) Yet, even here jobs prospects are limited. Art therapy as a career has been trending upward in the last 5 years or so. A credentialed art … I was wondering if it is better when looking for a job to have a art therapy masters degree from a regualr college or an online college or if it matters. 2 years Full time degree: £6,000 per year (UK/EU) 3 years Part time degree: £4,000 per year (UK/EU) Modules. In any therapist, a graduate degree is necessary (for an artist as well as psychology). I make an above average wage and have good benefits. Hi, I live in London. FSU is one of the schools who offers 4 LMHC courses in the AT program and, if decided, 3 additional classes to be aligable to work towards the FLorida Mental health licencce. I studied art therapy in Canada, worked for several years on that credential, and then followed that graduate credential up with a second degree in ecosystemic/developmental clinical practice. one of the biggest reason why i chose Art therapy is, my major is related with this major. I was wondering if anyone was/is familiar with the Portland Oregon market or the Bay area in California. Most art therapist positions require a master's degree, and some states require additional certification. If you are seeking a degree in Art Therapy/therapist, you'll find there is a large range of degrees that can be earned. As Art Therapists, we often find ourselves having to carve out positions within organizatons that are open to the benefits of Art Therapy. Many posters mentioned a love of art and knowing they wanted to help people, and of course that is a great starting place. Well, yes, that accounts for America, and as I understand for Australia and the UK as well. It requires a lot of self-marketing and self-care on our part. I am tired and don’t which way is up anymore. I don’t know how many people I have met over the years who have pursued something else and wished they had an Art Therapy degree. Should I focus on Psych as my Batchelor’s degree, first? But who will pay? Does anyone know the differences between the schools or could give me some guidance? I guess we were wondering if it would make her more “marketable”. I’ve been wondering how common is it to get a job after graduation here in southern california or nyc after completing a degree in art therapy? I, too, am considering a master’s program in AT to prepare for a career, which for me would be a career change (I’m actually the ripe age of 43 already). Transferring MFT licensure state to state is a nightmare (especially if you are from CA), and in some states, MFT’s are barely recognized and virtually un-hirable. Individuals who graduate with their master’s degree in art therapy can pursue further national credentialing and licensure (depending on the state of practice). — everyone’s decision will be their own. Yes. Portland, Oregon. I have looked at NYU but WOW thats would be double the price than at FSU and i am not even sure about a certification as anything else. The art therapy graduate curriculum is uniquely guided by the premise that focused art-making constitutes reflective practice and facilitates learning. Does it help to be a licensed MFT in case there arent many opportunities for an art therapist? Kristen, If you do not want to move out of Minnesota you could look into the Masters level Art Therapy program at the Adler Graduate School in Richfield. Clinical and Counseling Psychologist. And I have mixed feelings, because reading people’s different reviews on things. Most Definitely. It helps to have flexibility as well – if you don’t care where you live, maybe you can just search for the perfect job. Remember, ‘hitting the target’ is not impossible. The educational standards require graduate level coursework that includes training in the creative process, psychological development, group therapy, art therapy assessment, psychodiagnostics, research methods, and multicultural diversity competence. Do what you love. Really interesting to read the comments here. Hi, I would like to know if anyone has advice as far as choosing graduate schools for Expressive Arts Therapy. All that being said, I am still deciding. Any advice or words of encouragement? It is very hard to find an art therapy job, even harder finding a place that will hire you while you are working towards liscensure. The clinic carried me for the first 2 years while I worked long enough to achieve my license. Having the depth of understanding to really use art therapy in your practice however goes way beyond technique and the training will stay with you forever. When I was a newly-graduated art therapist, I would have really strongly disagreed, however, 8 years and nearly zero job prospects later, I feel that there are far too many programs/graduates for the opportunities available. I change art schools twice; both stayed only a year. I had to remember that all art-making is therapeutic. Also i was wondering if the internship requirment for the masters program is a paid intership. I have been increasingly disappointed in this “growing field.” As far as I know, not one of the graduates in my cohort is working as an art therapist and they are located all over the country. I was close to getting a BFA in illustration, but recently dropped out due to the cost, and the realization that I dont want to be a freelance artist, I’d rather directly HELP people more. Sit with it for days or weeks. so that’s why i thought studying art therapy would be a great choice for me.. however, when i asked to many experts (docs, professors, teachers) they all said.. “i’m sorry, i do not have much information on that field, but if you are really into counselling or psychology to help ppl, u should try to study clinical psychology.” but..i think they are overlooking a fact that, i didnt major anything related with psychology… so which makes me to worry about..is it just ok and good enough to start from graduate schools? In my experience many pyschiatrist or other professionals do not see the value in art therapy. Mount Mary’s 60-credit Master of Science in Art Therapy features: A fully accredited program—Mount Mary’s art therapy program is the only accredited art therapy graduate degree program in Wisconsin approved by the American Art Therapy … If you have no intention of becoming a licensed Art Therapist or in participating to further legislature or research initiatives for the field, this may not be your best option. From what I understand, as it stands right now, art therapist have to market themselves. I need some career that is stabled. I think that instead of each individual art therapist trying to do private sessions, they should combine their funds with other art therapists or art teachers to open up a center, rather than just one person trying to make it on their own. I have a BFA in Fine/ Visual Arts and an MAT in Secondary Art Education (grades K-12). Art Therapy is underpaid in many places and undervalued. I urge every person contemplating a masters degree in AT to research the local employment market WELL BEFORE entering such a program; I love the field I chose to study but unfortunately it is not a respected enough discipline to be dignified as important. I have ATR-BC, and LPC credentials as well as an ATRL-licensed art psychotherapist credential. Currently I am taking courses involving Pyschology and Art, but I would like to future farm my best. Or at the very least, LCSW. When anyone graduates, and they need to get their supervised hours, they will have a difficult time being underpaid, etc, regardless of the degree. I am a prospective student who is trying to find optimism amongst all these comments. I’m working on my undergraduate degree’s now in art and psychology and am going to further pursue art therapy in a master’s program. It sounds like the perfect combination of what I want! Educational standards which had been established by the American Art Therapy Association are transitioning to being managed by the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education, which is overseen by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs (CAAHEP). Is there a program, where I can learn to be an art therapist, and get paid? I have been contemplatind a career in art therapy for 8 years. Hi, I am considering studying Art Therapy (I have a fine art degree). If I had pursued Counseling or Social Work, I would always be wondering, should I have pursued Art Therapy instead? This seems to be a really unique twist on the more conventional practices of art therapy, and I’d like to pick your brain a bit about it. The advisor from the psyhcology Graduate school told me that it could be more beneficial to get a counceling degree and if I was interested in art therapy i could participate in workshops and seminars, since art therapy is more of a tool. Do any current AT’s have advise for me as for schooling? I am looking quite seriously at entering a masters program for AT but am doing some research first as I would have to take out loans and what not to achieve the degree. A 99% internship rate is wonderful, but this is not an employement rate. I’m hearing mixed thoughts on if this is a good career move or not and would love more insight. I believe the answer is yes, but I would like to hear what others believe too as reinforcement. That it’s worth all the money and all the time. I realize how tough and competitive job markets are nowadays, but I figure that almost anything worth our efforts and time will be tough to accomplish. A master's degree in art therapy prepares students to work as licensed art therapists. Oh yeah, and insurance (if you can get on a panel) will take half. Be honest with yourself and question, question. However, I cannot predict the future yet. I personally would recommend getting an art therapy degree that also assures your ability to get licensed as a marriage and family or licensed professional counselor as you have stated because art therapist jobs are rare in my experience. Most accredited art therapy programs fulfill the education requirements necessary for students to seek board certification. We have the best art therapy programs and schools, widespread acceptance of art as a therapeutic modality (from what I observe) and “the arts” in general, and there is tight regulation of the AT field as a mental health profession. I am from Miami FL, I graduated from FIU with my BA in Psychology and a minor in arts. I also have done art therapy in some extreme conditions wherein I was the only educated therapist within 30 miles in all directions dealing with the entire community’s children. I’m currently enrolled in the BFA Art Education program, but if that doesn’t work out (teaching positions are difficult to find on Long Island, especially with the cuts they are making), I may continue my education and enroll in the Master’s art therapy program at C.W. Would you be willing to move out of state for work, or even start a business of your own? I may have a skewed view since it has been tough since leaving graduate school, but that has been my experience, and the above would be my advice. I’m thinking of getting my Masters in Art Therapy. Art Therapy is not going away. A major in Art Therapy/therapist is a very popular major and is offered at a wide variety of … My classmates have been more successful, but that is most likely because I relocated to a smaller city than they are working in. I am probably more academic than most art students and would love to do an MA in Art Therapy but it will be very expensive as on top of fees I would be required to have personal therapy every week for 2 … and..Lastly…can anyone give me an advice for my future? I have done a-levels in art and psychology and am now doing an Art foundation Diploma. Students must also complete, at minimum,  100 hours of supervised practicum, and 600 hours of supervised art therapy clinical internship. So are there any art therapist who tried to get licensed/ find a job as an art therapist in the US, UK or Australia with a bachelor degree from Europe? It is true people will pay more for coffee than for art therapy. That’s what concerns me so far. I am already struggling as it is. An undergraduate degree in art therapy often prepares students to enter a master's degree program in the subject, but it can also prepare graduates for entry-level careers in the field. After seeing the photo, I thought it was hilarious. Of course, I’ve read information and heard others in both these fields. Pratt has a spring/summer intensive program that I plan to enroll in, which is low-residency although quite spendy. I have seen applicants dismissed due to specific degrees in either play or art… The program and the professors were all great and highly recommended. Or would it be best to do the extended PhD that included picking up the course work and practicum for the AT program, even though I did a practicum for my MAT and have a few years of teaching experience? Who Is Getting an Art Therapy Degree? Good luck! Many art therapists choose to combine an art therapy degree with a degree in social work, marriage and family counseling, and occupational therapy… Is this a good idea? The program offers a degree in MFT/Art therapy. To me, its all counselling, listen, understand, and try to give solution to help patients. and continuing to getting an MFA in art therapy. and foundational areas of study in psychology are required in advance of graduate studies. I encourage everyone to consider all the different options that are option to them. For more information visit art therapy careers and jobs. I am thinking of attending Marlyhurst in Oregon and gettIng a MA in art therapy. Awesome program, but would mean moving my son and husband with me to Tallahassee, FL. Listen intently with your ears and your body. Do you all think this would be something to honestly pursue? I was supposed to take instership program but there was none of MFT intership programs for me, I felt like I am too old to start over again. I am a Psychology undergrad in my senior year, and I am looking at Masters programs in California (specifically Phillips Graduate Institute). The program integrates a strong fine arts background with an in-depth study of psychology and art therapy. Also, how is the job market in Florida? Having spent a lot of money on my art therapy degree, I think you ought to rethink advising readers that they can take a few courses and do some art therapy as a result. But it’s always smart to plan around the target of an Art Therapist career, as most programs are beginning to do now… Ask yourself, would you be willing to work as a counseling psychologist, mental health counselor, case manager, guidance counselor, or art teacher while waiting for an art therapy position to open up? Now, It’s making rethink everything, where I am back to square one. It’s a funny thought though that there is a master study without a bachelor study upfront.. I thought it was just me.:). Would this open me to a wider career path? I’m looking at M.A’s in MFT and MA’s in Art Therapy. I am wondering what the salary outlook is in San Diego if I were to work there. THE HELP WILL BE APRECIATED, Forgot to mention! I have already graduated High School and have an Associate’s Degree. I must say though, that I love the internet. Hi I’m a high school student looking into art therapy as my major for college I have a few questions would u mind answering them? That is not to say using art should ever be discouraged but we must not misunderstand the importance of supporting the integrity of a profession and the reason for its existence. If anyone would like to contact me about my unique career path as an Art Therpist and more, you are welcome to do so. But if it is not an easy road to take, well depending on where you want to work, in which field, in an institution or private practice…there are a lot of things to consider and obstacles to overcome.. A lot of people I know from University are doing at leas ONE other thing to pay the bills. I am having trouble narrowing down options for Graduate Schools in the United States. Nothing greater can be said for doing as much of your own research as possible. I run 7 art therapy groups per week and do mostly art or experiential therapy in groups or individual therapy. As a 19 year old, soon to be sophomore, I still don’t know what I want to do, and it’s scaring me a lot.. Any advice?? They offer that there are prequities available for me before getting in post-master program. While research suggests that art therapy may be beneficial, some of the findings on its effectiveness are mixed. I don’t want to be struggling for rest of life when it comes to secured a job or worry about money issues every time something takes down fall. I love drawing so much and I love kids. Whether obtained at … Truly appreciate the depth of therapy that can be accomplished through the AATA at this time law... Not a deterrent but it isn ’ t really want to consider all the time obtain... 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