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Art Therapy is a growing field, which began by treatingchildren and adults, who were emotionally scarred and/or physically disabled, with art and its creative process. In addition to its many benefits,many different types of people have been using art therapy for years. Some examples of where an art therapist might work are:
- hospitals
- community mental health centers
- Child Life programs
- shelters
- prisons
- nursing homes
- special schools
If you’re interested in becoming a professional art therapist, it’s a good idea to review some of our art therapy education articles, including educational requirements and certification.See AlsoThe 12 Best Graphic Design Programs for 2025 | AND Academy
What is an Art Therapy School or College?
Art therapy schools help students develop strong foundational skills that help them interpret art in a way that is more personal & therapeutic to the client. An art therapy school will assist the student in honing their artistic talents as well as their ability to interpret and analyze art and the process of creativity. If you want to become a professional art therapist, you will need to complete the appropriate Bachelor’s requirements in addition to completing the appropriate Masters Degree Requirements.
Art Therapy Schools & Courses Are Not Just For Future Art Therapists
The best art therapy colleges and programs provide specialized courses for people interested in art therapy. If you want to become a professional & certified art therapist, then you are required to go through the proper schooling. But even if you don’t want to be a certified art therapist, an art therapy course or program may still be a great choice. If you are a social worker, teacher, psychologist, or anyone with a desire to learn and understand a new discipline and form of communication, then an art therapy education can help. A quality art therapy education will help you learn important fundamental methods of art therapy, and how to encourage & foster the creative process in your clients.
Aiding the creative process and encouraging people to communicate their emotions and thoughts in new ways can improve many aspects of a person’s life. The goal of an art therapy school is to provide you with the tools and the knowledge to help improve the quality of life of your patients or clients via the creative process and expression.
Proper art therapy training from schools and colleges can help professionals develop new strategies for overcoming various disabilities in students or clients. Current professionals can gain important knowledge on how to implement various creative arts activities that can assist their current curriculums.
And obviously, if you want to become a professional and certified art therapist, then you are required to complete the proper schooling.
About Art Therapy Curriculums & Programs
Most of the top art therapy schools and colleges offer courses that are designed for people in various stages of their life, whether you are a full-time student studying to be an art therapist or you are a working professional looking to enhance your skillset and knowledge. Some examples of working professionals are counselors, social workers, human service workers, and teachers. Art therapy programs help you explore new ways to incorporate the creative process into your practice.
Some common art therapy courses and programs include:
- Art Therapy Methods
- Art Therapy Foundations
- Understanding & Working with Images
- Art Therapy & Self Image
- Group Art Therapy
- Art Therapy & The Creative Process
- Trauma Treatment
- Materials & Projects
- Transformations
Art Therapy School Certification & Accreditation
Some schools may be branches of certain colleges and accreditation may vary. However, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) regulates the educational, ethical & professional standards for the field in the U.S. The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is responsible for evaluating candidates and granting them registration as a professional art therapist. If you want to become a Board Certified art therapist in the U.S., the ATCB requires you to pass a written exam and maintain their credentials.
U.S. Art Therapy Schools by Location
*Please note we’ll be adding more schools in the U.S. and abroad.| ArizonaCaliforniaColorado ConnecticutFlorida IllinoisIndianaKansasKentucky Massachusetts MichiganMinnesota | MissouriNew JerseyNew Mexico New York OhioOregon Pennsylvania South CarolinaVirginiaWashingtonWashington, DC Wisconsin |
International Art Therapy Schools & Programs
Art therapy schools and programs in CanadaArt therapy schools and programs in the UK and EuropeArt therapy schools and programs in Australia
Please feel free to leave any recommendationsor comments about your alma mater or anyother art therapy schools you’ve heard about by leaving a comment below.