Art Therapist Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming an Art Therapist
Between stressful jobs, anxiety disorders and day-to-day living in a fast-paced world, it is not surprising that so many counseling and therapy options exist. One type of therapy that is becoming increasingly popular, though it has arguably been used informally for centuries is art therapy.
Art therapy uses self expression through artistic mediums, such as painting, sculpture and drawing to help patients build self-awareness, self-esteem, and reduce stress.
Job Description
In the early 1900s, psychiatrists and teachers noticed that children's artworks often reflected the child's mental and emotional state. In the 1940s, art therapy became an official profession and was used with other therapies in hospitals and clinics. Currently it is a thriving profession that helps patients of all ages in a variety of settings.
Art therapists often work alongside physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other therapists. Many times, they share an office space with other professionals. Art therapists may also choose to work independently as contractors or create a private practice.
Art therapists work with a variety of people in group and individual settings. An art therapist's clientele may include:
- children
- clients of a non-profit social service agency
- individuals struggling with depression and suicide
- long- and short-term patients in hospitals
- patients in clinics
- recovering addicts
- senior citizens
- troubled adolescents
- victims of domestic violence.
Art therapists may work in a classroom setting, a hospital ward, in one-on-one sessions or in a number of other settings. Most sessions include learning or improving an art technique and creating original artwork followed by a discussion of art, feelings, and well-being.
Salary Guide
Awareness of art therapy is building. Most graduates are able to secure part or full-time employment. Depending on location and type of services, the average entry level art therapist salary is $32,000. Median income is approximately $45,000. Experienced professionals may earn up to $150 per hour.
Education and Training
All art therapist jobs require a Master's degree, either in art therapy or with an emphasis in art therapy. In addition, candidates must complete a minimum of 1,000 direct client contact hours. These hours are supervised by a licensed art therapist.
After the completion of a Master's degree and required practice hours, the candidate must then seek certification through the Art Therapy Credentials Board of the American Art Therapy Association.
As with any other mental health professional, art therapists must above all be empathetic and able to identify with their patients. Therapists should also be patient and capable of interacting with people from many different backgrounds.
Additionally, art therapists must have experience creating art and teaching people to create art, preferably with many different types of media. Many art therapists start as "people persons" with a background and interest in art.
Prior Work Experience
A background in the arts is very helpful for an art therapist. Some art therapists come to the position after training in different schools of therapy. While certainly helpful, neither an art nor a therapy background is essential for entrance into an art therapy degree.
Career Advancement
Advancement opportunities exist in therapy or hospital administration and in owning a private practice. Art therapists may also choose to go back to school and earn a Ph.D. in art therapy.
Related Associations and Groups
For more information on art therapy jobs, you may want to contact:
- American Art Therapy Association
- Arts in Therapy International Alliance
- Arts in Therapy Network
- National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies
-
Society for the Arts in Healthcare.