What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health profession, not merely a therapeutic intervention or "technique". While many mental health professionals utilize art materials in their work, art therapists have a unique skill set as psychotherapists and artists: They are state-licensed and nationally credentialed psychotherapy professionals with a Master's Degree or more advanced degree. Their education and clinical experience inform their expertise in combining the media and materials of visual art and the creative process with traditional theories of psychology, human development, mental healthcare, and traditional approaches to counseling.
While artmaking is a wonderful form of self-care and a great resource for coping, art therapy is provided within the context of psychotherapy, within the therapeutic relationship, with a professional who is specifically licensed by their state to call what they do "art therapy." In New York, art therapists must have an LCAT license ("Licensed Creative Arts Therapist") to practice art therapy. Nationally, art therapists can and should be recognized by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), as having met educational, professional experience, and board-certification exam requirements via registration as an ATR ("Registered Art Therapist") or ATR-BC ("Registered & Board-Certified Art Therapist"). Be sure to look for these credentials when looking for a provider in your area!
Art Therapists work with a variety of ages and populations, in a variety of settings (hospitals, schools, clinics, private practice, etc). They help children, adolescents, adults, families, and communities engage in the creative process - on an individual or group basis - to assist in building skills to manage symptoms and aid in recovery from various mental and behavioral health concerns. They are skilled at understanding how the visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms) can facilitate the exploration of feelings, resolution of internal or relational conflicts, and development of self-awareness; strengthening skills to better manage mental health symptoms, overcome addiction, reduce anxiety, and build self-esteem.
Creative approaches to mental health treatment are essential to engaging children and teens, as well as adults, in the important work of therapy at a developmentally appropriate level. Customizing mental health treatment to each unique individual and family can bring about the shared discovery of methods that will best suit their needs and preferences, to support the achievement of personal goals and sustaining growth long-term.
You do not have to be an artist to benefit from art therapy! This work can help people expand their comfort zone and discover the most effective ways to express themselves and cope with life's challenges more effectively.
To read more about the field of Art Therapy and review the Code of Ethics for art therapists, please visit the website of The American Art Therapy Association (AATA): www.arttherapy.org
Nationally, art therapists can pursue registration and board certification through our national credentialing body, The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). The mission of the ATCB is to protect the public by promoting the competent and ethical practice of art therapy through the credentialing of art therapy professionals. Look for a provider who has either an ATR or an ATR-BC credential to ensure the art therapy services you receive are being provided by a professional operating within their respective scope of practice! For more information about credentialing or to find a credentialed art therapist, please visit: www.atcb.org
In New York State, art therapists must become licensed mental health professionals to provide psychotherapy services to the public. Licensure in Creative Arts Therapy (LCAT) is obtained after completing educational and professional experience requirements before passing a written examination. This measure demonstrates a licensed professional's competence and provides a consistent standard for the ethical practice of art therapy. Look for an LCAT (or LCAT-P provisional license) to ensure the art therapy services you receive are being provided by a licensed professional operating within their respective scope of practice! To read more about the profession and standards of practice for Creative Arts Therapy in New York State, or to verify a professional license, please visit the website of the NYS Department of Education’s Office of the Professions: www.op.nysed.gov
Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCAT's) in New York State are working hard to advocate for FULL coverage for mental healthcare for their clients who have private insurance and public healthcare coverage (Medicaid and Medicare) alike, everyday. To learn more about their efforts, and how you can help advocate for this essential coverage with your local and state representatives, please visit the website of the LCAT Coalition! Your voice matters and all New Yorkers should have the right to choose their provider and access effective and affordable mental healthcare!
