Requirements of Art Therapy Education
Art therapy has become a broadly applied and widely utilized supportive course of therapeutic treatment. As the name sets forth, this form of therapy utilizes art materials and processes in a therapeutic setting. The underlying concept is that the creative process and associated materials connected with the visual arts assist in the advancement of an overall psychological therapeutic course of treatment. Mental health professionals receive specialized education and training to provide and direct programs in art therapy.
Preliminary Training
Within the mental health profession, art therapy is rather closely related to other practices. These include family counseling, marriage counseling and generalized mental health counseling. Consequently, there is commonality between the foundational educational requirements of these types of professionals. Therefore, most art therapists obtain initial degrees in social work, counseling, psychology or related disciplines. In addition, as part of obtaining a bachelor's degree, students on a track to art therapy also will take courses in the visual and sometimes performing and musical arts.
Specialized Training
After earning a bachelor's degree, many individuals intent on a career as art therapists will elect to obtain a master's. There are specialized master's programs at select colleges and universities around the country--indeed, around the world--that offer degrees in art therapy. At most institutions a student is able to earn a master's degree in art therapy within two to three years.
Clinical Training
Many degreed art therapists obtain training in a clinical setting. The Menninger Foundation and Clinic, on the campus of Baylor University, has a clinical training program for art therapists. This period of training in a clinical setting allows individuals interested in a career in art therapy the ability to work with patients directly and under the supervision of certified, licensed professionals.
Continuing Education
Art therapists annually need a certain number of continuing education hours. The requirements for continuing education vary based on the type of certification an art therapist maintains.
Certification
There are a number of different certifications available to art therapists in the United States. An art therapist can be board certified with the designation of ATR-BC.Or, an art therapist can be registered with the designation of ATR. The Art Therapy Credentials Board oversees these certification processes and has promulgated a Code of Professional Practice for art therapists.
Licensure
The licensure requirements differ from state to state. In some states, art therapists do not have to obtain a license if they will be working in a clinical setting or at a hospital. Some states require art therapists to be licensed if they will be in private practice. Other jurisdictions have no specific licensing requirements for art therapists. Because of these variations, it is essential for an individual interested in practicing as an art therapist in a particular state to ascertain the requirements from the appropriate state licensing board or agency. Licensure is the legal grant of authority by a particular state allowing a person to practice as an art therapist.
Tags: clinical setting, bachelor degree, continuing education, mental health, particular state
