Art therapy is a mode of therapy directly related to psychology and counseling, but with the added component of using art materials, art making and visual communication with clients.

The act of using art materials to make something in and of itself is therapeutic and health promoting. Additionally, discussion of the meanings of artwork in the context of a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship promotes deep exploration and resolution of issues in psychotherapy. Unlike purely verbal interaction, artwork frames problems in concrete tangible objects and provides emotional distance, allowing clients to look at their challenges from a new vantage point. Because it is a pre-verbal, non-verbal activity, art-making helps clients bypass their usual defenses in order to externalize their thoughts, feelings and concerns. Artwork also provides structure and a physical outlet for safe release of pent up energy, agitation, aggression, and emotion.

Art therapy is beneficial for people of all ages and cultures. It is utilized in a wide variety of institutions, including educational, medical, physical rehabilitation, crisis intervention, court/forensic settings, and in every level of care of psychiatric treatment.

Art therapists hold at least a master’s degree in art therapy. The American Art Therapy Association and The Art Therapy Credentials Board provide additional professional credentials based upon the art therapist’s level of postgraduate training and experience. Art therapists become Registered Art Therapists (ATR) based upon 1,000 hours of patient contact and 100 hours of clinical supervision with an experienced art therapy mentor. After becoming ATR, art therapists are eligible to take a board certification examination. Once the certification exam is passed, art therapists gain the “BC” credential (board certified), and are eligible to become licensed in the state in which they practice.

In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, art therapists are eligible to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) after passing a state counseling certification examination. (Other professions under the LPC umbrella include marriage and family therapists, drug and alcohol counselors, and other creative arts therapists.)