THERAPY AND REHABILITATION
Art Therapist
To be a successful Art Therapist you should...
have strong interpersonal skills; be compassionate and like to help patients and their families; have an understanding of and ability to use art media; be an attentive listener; be flexible; possess emotional stability.
What will my job be like?
Many physicians support the use of recreational and creative therapies to complete the healing process. Therapists in these disciplines plan and carry out treatment programs for people with physical, mental, or social disabilities, or for individuals recovering from substance, sexual, and physical abuse. Therapists use art, music, recreation, and dance to help patients relieve stress, express themselves, and build self-confidence. Another area is horticultural therapy, which involves the care of plants in the therapeutic process. Motivational and creative programs are used to encourage behavior change, improve coordination, increase social skills, and improve the quality of life.
Where could I work?
Workplace settings:
- Mental Health Agencies
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Child and Adult Day Care Facilities
- Nursing Homes
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Schools
Average Annual Salary
$57,310 per year
What is the future of this career?
The employment outlook for art therapists is expected to grow faster than average, 9 percent growth from 2023-2033, according to the BLS.
Type of Education/Training
An art therapist must earn a master’s degree after earning a bachelor’s degree in associated areas. Master’s degrees will require 700 hours of supervised clinical experience as well as didactic learning.
Where could I get the education/training?
- Albertus Magnus College
- University of Saint Joseph
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut.
