Art Therapy Education in the USA
Art therapy is a method of mental health treatment that employs artistic products and techniques to encourage patients of all ages toward self-awareness and self-esteem and helps to resolve conflicts, manage behavior, reduce stress and gain insight. Art therapists are professionals with intensive training in psychology and art who assess patients’ needs and devise treatments using painting, drawing, sculpture and other media for therapy instead of traditional talk therapies.
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History of Art Therapy
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According to the American Art Therapy Association, it wasn’t until the 1940s that art was investigated as a formal method of therapy for those dealing with mental health issues. Psychiatrists began to note the revealing aspects of their patients' artwork and educators began to recognize how children’s artwork told much about their development and emotional states. Gradually, these insights developed into art therapy programs designed to aid people dealing with issues of conflict, development and recovery.
Educational Requirements
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A master’s degree is required for art therapy certification. The prospective student must first have received a bachelor’s degree and then enter an accredited art therapy graduate degree program. According to Education-Portal, prospective candidates for the program must have a portfolio of their own artwork, 18 hours of art studio courses and 12 semester hours of psychology courses. Art therapy programs last about two years. The program consists of classes in psychology, human development, ethics, psychotherapy, assessment and other subjects. Some students go on to acquire a PhD in art therapy.
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Certification
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After acquiring a master’s degree in art therapy and completing postgraduate experience, new therapists become certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Continuing education credits are required to keep certification current.
Employment
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Art therapists are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, mental health centers, recreational facilities, prisons and nonprofit organizations. They may work in conjunction with other medical professionals to devise treatment plans for patients who need additional treatment beyond the traditional therapies. Art therapists can also go into independent practice in which they contract with other therapists and agencies to provide art therapy services to patients.
Schools With Art Therapy Programs
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A variety of medical schools and universities across the U.S. offer art therapy educational programs for those interested in becoming an art therapist. Some of these programs are designed for counseling professionals who wish to extend their skills into the art therapy field. The American Art Therapy Association has a list of approved schools on their website.
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References
- Photo Credit brush stroke image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com
