What is Art Therapy?
Art experience is not required!
Art therapy—sometimes called creative arts therapy or art psychotherapy—is a mental health profession that integrates the creative process with psychotherapeutic techniques to support emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), “Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship” (American Art Therapy Association, 2024).
In summary, art therapy integrates creativity, psychological theory, and a supportive therapeutic relationship to promote healing, growth, and emotional well-being. As AATA summarizes: “Art therapy fosters self-expression, insight, and personal growth in a safe, supportive, and creative environment" (AATA, 2024). The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) similarly defines art therapy as: “The use of art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork as a therapeutic and healing process" (Art Therapy Credentials Board, 2024).
Art therapy can help clients:
Art therapy is not about artistic talent. As AATA emphasizes: “Anyone can benefit from art therapy; no previous art experience or skill is required" (AATA, 2024).
Art therapy—sometimes called creative arts therapy or art psychotherapy—is a mental health profession that integrates the creative process with psychotherapeutic techniques to support emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), “Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship” (American Art Therapy Association, 2024).
In summary, art therapy integrates creativity, psychological theory, and a supportive therapeutic relationship to promote healing, growth, and emotional well-being. As AATA summarizes: “Art therapy fosters self-expression, insight, and personal growth in a safe, supportive, and creative environment" (AATA, 2024). The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) similarly defines art therapy as: “The use of art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork as a therapeutic and healing process" (Art Therapy Credentials Board, 2024).
Art therapy can help clients:
- Explore emotions and experiences that may be difficult to express verbally
- Reconcile emotional conflicts and improve coping skills
- Increase self-awareness, self-esteem, and emotional resilience
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms
- Improve social skills and reality orientation
- Enhance overall well-being and personal insight
Art therapy is not about artistic talent. As AATA emphasizes: “Anyone can benefit from art therapy; no previous art experience or skill is required" (AATA, 2024).
Who are Art Therapist?
Art therapists are master’s-level mental health clinicians trained in both art therapy and psychotherapy. They use visual art materials—such as drawing, painting, collage, or sculpture—to help clients explore emotions and support mental health within a clinical framework. The AATA explains, “Art therapists are master-level clinicians who work with people of all ages across a broad spectrum of practice. They are trained to engage the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone”(AATA, 2024).
Art therapists are credentialed by the U.S.A. credentialing organization the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
Professional credentials from the ATCB include:
Licensure requirements vary by state. For example, New York State requires the Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) credential to practice independently. Licensure regulations differ across the U.S., and many states have unique requirements for art therapists (ATCB Licensure Guide, 2024).
Art therapists are credentialed by the U.S.A. credentialing organization the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
Professional credentials from the ATCB include:
- ATR-P (Provisional Registered Art Therapist) – For graduates working toward full registration
- ATR (Registered Art Therapist) – Requires a qualifying master’s degree and supervised post-graduate experience
- ATR-BC (Board Certified Art Therapist) – Earned by passing the national board exam and maintaining continuing education
Licensure requirements vary by state. For example, New York State requires the Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) credential to practice independently. Licensure regulations differ across the U.S., and many states have unique requirements for art therapists (ATCB Licensure Guide, 2024).
All Rights Reserved. Text and Art © copyright 2012-2025 Diana Gil Velez, MS, LCAT, ATR-BC.
