2 answers
Taliyah
Student
Radcliff, Kentucky
1
Question
Updated
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What Degrees or Education would be necessary for a Career in Art Therapy?
I am in my sophomore year of college, and I am majoring in family and child psychology while minoring in studio arts. I'm not sure what further education is required to become an Art therapist and was wondering if there are other qualifications needed?
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2 answers
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
135
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Taliyah,
I looked up "art therapy programs Kentucky" and found a page with info on a program in Louisville: https://education.louisville.edu/academic-programs/academic-departments/counseling-and-human-development-ecpy/med-specializations-0
You're on the right track but I'm sure you'd need a master's in education along with the psych and studio courses you're taking. Hopefully someone here is an art therapist and can give you some real-life details. For now, I'd suggest looking at schools that have art therapy programs and see what's required. I'm also guessing there are state by state licensure requirements.
Hope this wasn't too obvious an answer. Good luck on your search!
I looked up "art therapy programs Kentucky" and found a page with info on a program in Louisville: https://education.louisville.edu/academic-programs/academic-departments/counseling-and-human-development-ecpy/med-specializations-0
You're on the right track but I'm sure you'd need a master's in education along with the psych and studio courses you're taking. Hopefully someone here is an art therapist and can give you some real-life details. For now, I'd suggest looking at schools that have art therapy programs and see what's required. I'm also guessing there are state by state licensure requirements.
Hope this wasn't too obvious an answer. Good luck on your search!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1403
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Taliyah,
You are actually already on a very strong path. Combining family and child psychology with studio arts is exactly the kind of background that fits art therapy well, so you are not starting from scratch; you are building in the right direction.
To become an art therapist, most people go on to complete a master’s degree in Art Therapy or a closely related field. This is usually required because the work involves both creative practice and clinical skills. In that program, you will study counseling techniques, mental health, human development, and how to use art safely and effectively in therapy.
Alongside the degree, you will need supervised clinical hours (internships or practicum). These allow you to work with real clients under guidance, which is a key part of becoming competent and employable. After that, many places require licensure or certification, depending on the country or state you plan to work in.
Right now, during your undergraduate years, focus on three things:
- Keep strengthening both sides, your psychology knowledge and your art portfolio
- Take helpful classes like abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and counseling-related courses if available
- Start gaining experience, even in small ways (volunteering in schools, hospitals, community programs, or mental health settings where creative activities are used)
It can also help to build a portfolio of your artwork, since some graduate programs may ask to see your creative work as part of the application. If you want to be sure this path fits you, try to notice how you feel when combining both areas. Do you enjoy using art as a way to help people express emotions, especially children or individuals who struggle to talk about their feelings? If that interest stays strong with experience, that is a good sign you are on the right path.
You are closer than you think. With the right master’s program, supervised training, and continued practice in both psychology and art, you can move confidently into this field.
Best wishes!
You are actually already on a very strong path. Combining family and child psychology with studio arts is exactly the kind of background that fits art therapy well, so you are not starting from scratch; you are building in the right direction.
To become an art therapist, most people go on to complete a master’s degree in Art Therapy or a closely related field. This is usually required because the work involves both creative practice and clinical skills. In that program, you will study counseling techniques, mental health, human development, and how to use art safely and effectively in therapy.
Alongside the degree, you will need supervised clinical hours (internships or practicum). These allow you to work with real clients under guidance, which is a key part of becoming competent and employable. After that, many places require licensure or certification, depending on the country or state you plan to work in.
Right now, during your undergraduate years, focus on three things:
- Keep strengthening both sides, your psychology knowledge and your art portfolio
- Take helpful classes like abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and counseling-related courses if available
- Start gaining experience, even in small ways (volunteering in schools, hospitals, community programs, or mental health settings where creative activities are used)
It can also help to build a portfolio of your artwork, since some graduate programs may ask to see your creative work as part of the application. If you want to be sure this path fits you, try to notice how you feel when combining both areas. Do you enjoy using art as a way to help people express emotions, especially children or individuals who struggle to talk about their feelings? If that interest stays strong with experience, that is a good sign you are on the right path.
You are closer than you think. With the right master’s program, supervised training, and continued practice in both psychology and art, you can move confidently into this field.
Best wishes!