Career

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is defined as a human service profession that uses art media, images and the creative process to help individuals understand and communicate their thoughts, feelings, relationships, interests, concerns, and conflicts.

Through creating art and talking about art and the process of art making with an art therapist, one can build confidence and self-esteem, develop self-awareness, practice problem solving skills, learn to express feelings, reduce stress, fear, and anxiety, cope with traumatic experiences, and foster creativity.

Art therapists are professionals trained in both the visual arts and psychotherapy. They hold a master or doctoral level degree in art therapy or a related field. Art therapists work with children, adolescents, and adults and provide services to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. They often work as part of a clinical team in a variety of settings including mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions. Art therapists work in community outreach programs, wellness centers, schools, nursing homes, art studios, and in independent practice.

Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, clay, and other mediums) for treatment and assessment and conduct research as well as provide consultations to allied professionals.

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) in conjunction with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is responsible for regulating the educational, professional, and ethical standards of art therapists in the United States. For more information about Art Therapy visit the American Art Therapy Association website at http://www.americanarttherapyassociation.org or check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Becoming An Art Therapist

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) in conjunction with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is responsible for regulating the educational, professional, and ethical standards of art therapists in the United States. For more information about Art Therapy training visit the American Art Therapy Association website at http://www.americanarttherapyassociation.org.

In addition to the standards set forth by the American Art Therapy Association and the Art Therapy Credentials Board, many art therapists must meet additional educational, professional and ethical standards regulated by the occupational codes of the state in which they practice. In the State of Texas, art therapists must practice under a mental health licensure such as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor or psychologist. These licenses also require a master or doctoral level degree in counseling, psychology, social work or related field. For more information about licensing in Texas visit the Department of State Health Services professional licensing and certification unit website at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/plc/default.shtm.

Employment Opportunities at The Art Station

Please click HERE to see our current openings. We are always willing to receive resumes from qualified applicants.  Please send all resumes to jjohnson@theartstation.org.  Candidates for therapy positions must meet the following requirements:

Masters degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or related human services field;

Masters degree or post-graduate certification in art therapy;

Licensed psychologist, social worker, professional counselor or marriage and family therapist in the State of Texas (or eligible for such licensure);

Professional member of American Art Therapy Association (ATR or ATR-BC designation preferred); and

Two years of experience in the delivery of therapeutic art services to clients in a variety of mental health settings.