How to become an art therapist

How to become an Art Therapist

Becoming an art therapist involves several key steps, including obtaining the necessary education, clinical training, licensure, and certification. Here's an overview of the typical path to becoming an art therapist:

• Earn a Bachelor's Degree: The first step towards becoming an art therapist is to complete a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as psychology, social work, art therapy, or counseling. While a Bachelor's Degree in Art Therapy is not always required, coursework in psychology, art, and human development can provide a strong foundation for graduate study in art therapy.
• Complete a Master's Degree in Art Therapy: To practice as an art therapist, you'll need to earn a Master's Degree in Art Therapy from a program accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). Master's programs typically include coursework in art therapy theory and practice, human development, psychotherapy, counseling techniques, and ethics. Additionally, most programs require supervised clinical practicum experiences and a culminating internship or thesis.
• Gain Clinical Experience: During your master's program, you'll need to complete supervised clinical practicum experiences and a supervised internship to gain hands-on experience working with clients under the supervision of licensed art therapists. These clinical experiences provide valuable opportunities to apply art therapy principles and techniques in real-world settings and develop your clinical skills and competencies.
• Obtain Licensure as a Professional Counselor or Art Therapist: After completing your master's degree and clinical training, you'll need to obtain licensure as a professional counselor or art therapist to practice independently. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours, passing a licensure exam, and meeting continuing education requirements. Some states also offer specific licenses for art therapists, while others may require art therapists to be licensed as professional counselors or clinical mental health counselors.
• Obtain Certification as an Art Therapist (Optional): While certification is not always required to practice as an art therapist, obtaining certification can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field (see below).
• Pursue Continuing Education and Professional Development: As an art therapist, it's important to engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in the field and maintain your licensure or certification. Participate in continuing education workshops, conferences, and seminars, pursue advanced training in specialized areas of art therapy, and participate in supervision and peer consultation to enhance your clinical skills and knowledge.

Certifications
Obtaining relevant certifications can demonstrate your expertise, enhance your credibility, and expand your professional opportunities in the field of art therapy. Here are some certifications that you may consider pursuing as an art therapist:

• Registered Art Therapist (ATR): Offered by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), the ATR credential is available to individuals who have completed a Master's Degree in Art Therapy from an accredited program, fulfilled supervised clinical experience requirements, and passed the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE). The ATR credential demonstrates that you have met national standards for education, training, and competence in the field of art therapy.
• Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC): The ATR-BC credential is the highest level of certification offered by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) and is available to individuals who have earned the ATR credential and have completed additional post-graduate supervised clinical experience hours. To become board certified, candidates must pass the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE) and demonstrate advanced clinical skills and knowledge in art therapy practice.
• Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS): The ATCS credential is available to board-certified art therapists (ATR-BC) who have completed additional training in clinical supervision and supervision of art therapy interns. Art therapy certified supervisors provide supervision and mentorship to art therapists-in-training and support the professional development of emerging art therapists.
• Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT): Offered by the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA), the REAT credential is available to individuals who have completed a Master's Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy or a related field and have fulfilled supervised clinical experience requirements. The REAT credential demonstrates competence in using multiple expressive arts modalities, including visual arts, music, dance, drama, and poetry, in therapeutic practice.
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional—Art Therapy (CCTP-AT): Offered by the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP), the CCTP-AT credential is available to art therapists who specialize in trauma-informed art therapy practice. The certification program provides specialized training in trauma theory, assessment, and treatment, with a focus on integrating art therapy interventions into trauma recovery work.
• Certified Dementia Care Art Therapist (CDCAT): Offered by the National Institute for Dementia Education and Research (NIDER), the CDCAT credential is available to art therapists who specialize in working with individuals with dementia and related disorders. The certification program provides specialized training in understanding the unique needs of individuals with dementia, adapting art therapy interventions for this population, and supporting caregivers and families.