How to Teach Art Therapy

Art therapy is a mental health field that utilizes the healing qualities of art.

According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), an art therapist is a professional that uses the creative process of art to enhance the lives of people with mental, physical and emotional disabilities. The creative process used in art is healing and increases a person's self-esteem. Art Therapy emerged as a profession in the 1940s, and the AATA is dedicated to providing high standards and professional development for professional art therapists. Art Therapy is practiced worldwide. The standards of becoming an art therapy professional are high.

Things You'll Need

• Master's degree in art therapy
• Board certification
• Art therapy credentials

Instructions

1. Earn a master's degree in art therapy or a master's degree in counseling with an emphasis in art therapy from an accredited academic institution. There are approximately 30 undergraduate art therapy programs approved by the American Art Therapy Association.

2. Register to become a registered art therapist through the Art Therapy Credentials Board Inc. There are three options to becoming a registered art therapist, which are based upon requirements such as education, practicum hours and hours spent with clients following education. All three options require three references.

3. Apply to become board certified (ATR-BC) with the successful completion of a national examination. The national examination is administered two different ways. One way is through a traditional paper-based exam administered in a host city once a year. This method costs $75. The second method is called Test-On-Demand and allows the candidate to take the test during a time that is more convenient for them. This option costs $300.

4. Maintain certification by paying annual membership dues and participating in the recertification process every five years. The recertification process includes providing proof that the candidate has participated in at least 100 hours of continuing education. This proof is provided in a recertification packet that the candidate develops.

References

• American Art Therapy Association
• Art Therapy Credentials Board

Resources

• Becoming an Art Therapist