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What is the best way to become an art therapist with a BA in Studio Art?

I have a BA in Studio Art from CSULA, and I would like to go back to school to become an Art Therapist. With that said, does anyone know if it's better to go to a school that has an Art Therapy graduate program or would it be more advantageous to get into a Masters program for clinical psychology?

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Thank you comment icon Thank you all so much for your help thus far. I wanted to ask another question, do you think art therapy can be used to help those with chronic pain? I have fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain disease, and once I was officially diagnosed I was assigned a pain psychologist, which I had no clue even existed as focus in psychology, along with a physical therapist, by my PCP. She explained that tackling fibromyalgia has to come from an interdisciplinary approach rather than just with pain medication. I know what art has done and continues to do for me but I'm biased. I wanted to ask if you guys believe that Art Therapy can be used to aid in the treatment of chronic pain. If so, how does one make this happen? Ricky
Thank you comment icon art therapy definitely can be used to help with chronic pain. It’s kind of cool because when you’ve got something like fibromyalgia, it can be hard to put into words how you’re feeling, right? Pain’s complex and a lot of times it’s tough to explain. Art gives you this way to express all those feelings—frustration, confusion, exhaustion—without having to say a word. And that's super freeing, especially when the pain feels like it has a mind of its own. Dr H
Thank you comment icon Plus, when you're making art, you’re not just thinking about the pain. It’s like a little mental escape, right? You’re so focused on what you’re creating, and it can help distract you. I mean, getting lost in the creative process can be super relaxing, and yeah, it might even help reduce stress. And we all know stress and pain are like best buddies, making everything worse, so anything that can chill that out is a win. Also, there’s this whole mind-body connection thing that happens when you’re creating. I’m sure you’ve felt it—getting into that flow state where everything clicks. Art therapy can help you tap into that, which might help lower your perception of pain in the moment. Kind of like a cool mental trick that gets your brain focused on something other than the pain. Dr H
Thank you comment icon the best part is, art therapy can actually boost your confidence. When you’re dealing with chronic pain, it can mess with your sense of control over your body. But through art, you’re getting to create and be in charge of something—no matter how small—and that can be super empowering. Now I may sound like I am talking as though I have had the experience, well not specifically myself but I can tell you from my sister. She uses art this way and even planned on the same route once. So, if you wanna dive deeper into it, finding a licensed art therapist is a great place to start. They’re pros at using art in a therapeutic way, and they’ll work with you to build a personalized plan for managing your pain. Dr H
Thank you comment icon Your pain psychologist might even be able to help connect you with one, or your PCP can point you in the right direction. You know I love this saying, Sometimes it’s about the act of creating, not worrying about how it looks. So dont worry about being just perfect. And if you’re into group stuff, a lot of clinics or community centers offer group art therapy sessions. They can be super fun and it’s a chance to connect with people who get what you're going through. So yeah, art therapy could be huge for you. If it’s already been helping you, imagine what more it could do with a little guidance and structure. You’ve got this, Ricky, just keep exploring and see where it takes you! You never know what’s gonna click next. Stay awesome and keep creating buddy! 🙌 Dr H
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Dr’s Answer

Hey Ricky, 🤗

Alright so. If your goal is to become a licensed art therapist, pursuing a Master’s in Art Therapy from an accredited program is the most direct and efficient path. These programs focus on combining psychology, creative expression, and clinical practice, ensuring you meet certification requirements for roles in healthcare, schools, and mental health centers.

However, if you’re considering a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, this route offers broader career options in mental health but may require additional coursework and supervised hours to qualify for art therapy certification. Some programs allow dual licensing, where you can become both a licensed counselor and a board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC).

To decide, check the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) website for state-specific requirements and see if you have the necessary psychology prerequisites. If your BA in Studio Art lacks courses like abnormal psychology or developmental psychology, you may need to complete them before applying for certain programs.

Hope this helps, best of luck! 😎
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Ricky
Thank you comment icon Always great to hear from you, Doctor Ashley! Thank you very much for your support! Always happy to get an insight from my fellow seniors and juniors! Dr H
Thank you comment icon When great minds align, learning flourishes. Appreciate your support, Chinyere Okafor! Dr H
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome Ricky, asking is the best way to learn, so you are ahead of everything bud. Dr H
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Ricky,

Combining your love for art with the desire to help others and considering a career as an art therapist is actually fantastic! Both options you've mentioned—an Art Therapy graduate program and a Master's in Clinical Psychology—offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your long-term aspirations.

If your primary goal is to specialize in art therapy, enrolling in a graduate program accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) would be a great path. These programs are designed to equip you with the necessary skills in creative arts, psychology, and clinical practice, ensuring you meet the qualifications for credentials like the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) and board certification. This route will directly prepare you for a focused career in art therapy.

On the other hand, a Master's in Clinical Psychology may be a better fit if you want a broader clinical foundation. This degree would allow you to become a licensed therapist or psychologist while incorporating art therapy as a specialization. It also offers greater flexibility if you're considering expanding into other areas of mental health practice in the future.

You might also explore programs that integrate both fields—providing a strong clinical psychology foundation while including art therapy coursework or certifications. Whatever path you choose, your BA in Studio Art already gives you a solid starting point. Connecting with program advisors or professionals in the field can offer valuable insights and help you determine the best fit for your goals. Your passion for helping others through art will undoubtedly lead you to success!

Best wishes!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Chinyere. Ricky
Thank you comment icon You're welcome! Chinyere Okafor
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Minghao’s Answer

If your goal is to become a licensed art therapist, the best path is to pursue a Master’s in Art Therapy from an accredited program. Many states and countries require a degree in art therapy to meet certification requirements, such as those set by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) or the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). These programs provide specialized training in psychotherapy, creative expression, and clinical practice, ensuring you meet licensing requirements for roles in hospitals, schools, and mental health centers.

Alternatively, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology could offer broader career options in mental health, allowing you to become a licensed therapist while incorporating art therapy techniques into your practice. However, this route may require additional art therapy coursework and supervised hours to meet certification standards. If your primary focus is art therapy, a dedicated art therapy master’s program is the most direct and efficient path.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Ricky
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Mariana’s Answer

Hi Ricky! There are some Art Therapy master programs that allow you to apply for an art therapy license and a counseling license. This of course varies from state to state. East coats universities like George Washington and Notre Dame offer art therapy masters programs that also have credits for a counseling license. A masters in clinical psychology is not as specialized as art therapy. If you have enough credits that overlap with an art therapy program, you can apply through the American art therapy association (AATA) to be an ATR-BC, a board certified art therapist, without getting a specific state license. Overall, to get started check what state you’re interested in working or studying to see the qualifications needed. AATA website is a great resource! With a BA in studio art, check to see if you have the prerequisites in psychology courses to apply to either masters program. Specific psychology courses are necessary to apply for the masters program such as abnormal psychology, child/adolescent psychology, and developmental psychology.

I hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Ricky
Thank you comment icon By working hard and by applying to places that have openings. You need to figure out, were you would like to work. Just because a place is looking for a therapist, does not mean it will be the right fit for you. There are a lot of places that use art therapists. Also, you might want to get trained in other forms of therapy as well. For instance, you might want to become a CBT Therapist. Some places, like it if you have other areas of expertise. I hope this is helpful to you. Gerald J Olseski Jr
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Timothy’s Answer

Becoming an art therapist with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Studio Art involves several steps, including further education, gaining relevant experience, and obtaining licensure. Here’s a general guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Research Art Therapy Programs:
- Look for accredited Master’s programs in Art Therapy. These programs typically require a background in art (which you have) and offer training in psychology, counseling, and therapeutic techniques alongside art therapy.
2. Pursue a Master’s Degree:
- Enroll in a Master’s in Art Therapy or a related field, such as Counseling with a focus on art therapy. Make sure the program is accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) or other relevant accrediting bodies.
3. Complete Required Coursework:
- The program will include courses in psychology, human development, counseling techniques, and art therapy methods. Pay attention to the program’s requirements for clinical training or practicum experiences.
4. Gain Clinical Experience:
- Most art therapy programs require students to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours. This experience is crucial for applying art therapy techniques in real-world settings, such as hospitals, schools, or community organizations.
5. Obtain Certification and Licensure:
- After completing your Master’s degree, you may need to pass a certification exam, such as the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) exam, to become a Registered Art Therapist (ATR).
- Additionally, check the licensure requirements in your state; many states require licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) or similar designation, which may involve additional exams and supervised hours.
6. Consider Specializations:
- After becoming an ATR, you may want to pursue further specialization, such as working with specific populations (children, trauma survivors, etc.) or in certain settings (schools, hospitals, private practice).
7. Stay Informed and Network:
- Join professional organizations such as the AATA to stay updated on best practices, continuing education opportunities, and networking with other professionals in the field.
8. Continue Professional Development:
- Engage in ongoing education and training to refine your skills and stay current with developments in art therapy.
By following these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming a qualified art therapist, using your passion for art and helping others in meaningful ways.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Ricky
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