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Art Therapist

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Life As an Art Therapist

Art Therapist Definition Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.

List of Art Therapist Job Duties

  • Design art therapy sessions or programs to meet client’s goals or objectives.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans that incorporate studio art therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy techniques.
  • Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to art therapy.
  • Supervise staff, volunteers, practicum students, or interns.
  • Customize art therapy programs for specific client populations, such as those in schools, nursing homes, wellness centers, prisons, shelters, or hospitals.
  • Gather client information from sources such as case documentation, client observation, or interviews of client or family members.

What Every Art Therapist Should Know

These are the skills Art Therapists say are the most useful in their careers:

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Expressive Art Therapist
  • Activity Therapy Specialist
  • Creative Therapist
  • Therapist
  • Expressive Therapist

Are There Job Opportunities for Art Therapists?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 19,200 jobs in the United States for Art Therapist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,300 new jobs for Art Therapist by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,200 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Art Therapist are Alaska, Colorado, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Alabama, Wyoming, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for an Art Therapist

The salary for Art Therapists ranges between about $29,590 and $77,050 a year.

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Art Therapists who work in California, District of Columbia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.

How much do Art Therapists make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $42,860
Arizona $49,440
Arkansas $50,170
California $75,810
Colorado $49,300
Connecticut $59,450
Delaware $46,320
District of Columbia $68,430
Florida $48,290
Georgia $43,950
Hawaii $55,470
Idaho $40,770
Illinois $46,620
Indiana $42,280
Iowa $52,470
Kansas $35,850
Kentucky $45,330
Louisiana $41,180
Maine $49,390
Maryland $48,690
Massachusetts $55,570
Michigan $51,280
Minnesota $54,660
Mississippi $38,470
Missouri $46,000
Montana $44,730
Nebraska $39,420
Nevada $58,480
New Hampshire $46,660
New Jersey $58,220
New Mexico $38,680
New York $55,370
North Carolina $47,600
North Dakota $43,910
Ohio $45,750
Oklahoma $37,760
Oregon $55,410
Pennsylvania $45,900
Rhode Island $49,310
South Carolina $42,240
South Dakota $50,480
Tennessee $41,660
Texas $43,070
Utah $48,230
Vermont $43,120
Virginia $47,590
Washington $59,860
Wisconsin $44,970
Wyoming $50,170

What Tools do Art Therapists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Art Therapists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Case management software

How to Become an Art Therapist

Are there Art Therapists education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Art Therapists Sector

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The table below shows the approximate number of Art Therapists employed by various industries.

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References:

Image Credit: Barbara E. Carver via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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