Career Blog Post: Art Therapist

Art therapists utilize the nonverbal communication of art to process through trauma with their patient. It is used in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, etc. Psychodynamic and humanistic approaches are the most common. Therapists will conduct sessions with their client guiding them in their art and helping to reflect on it. Art therapists work with other professionals to help heal their patient.

To become an art therapist, you need:

• A master's degree in art therapy/counseling

  • Prerequisites to graduate school require a focus on psychology, art or fine arts

  • A portfolio of your own

• 700+ hours of supervised clinical internship

• A state certification

Colleges that specialize in art therapy include Drexel University and New York University. In Virginia, Eastern Virginia Medical School, George Washington University, and Old Dominion University all provide master degrees in Art Therapy and Counseling as well.