Art therapy is related to the ancient forms of healing where creative stuffs such as visual arts, poetry, music, dance and drama are used to spread the right message, heal the pain and help the patients in rehabilitation and recovery. The ancient Greeks used art therapy to promote human health. And, it remains relevant even in today’s digital world. The modern doctors have acknowledged the impact of music and dance on one’s mind and health. The music therapy is even used to treat people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Job Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the clients and other health professionals
• Consultation with previous doctors, nurses and caregivers of the patients
• Reviewing the medical history of the clients as well as their past
• Determining which art therapy is right for a particular client
• Motivating the patients to start creative stuffs on their own
• Help them with ideas, innovation and guidance
• Teach them the value and importance of life
• Guide them to overcome the stress and pain.

Educational Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: All aspirants must start with a bachelor’s degree in areas such as Psychology or Counseling. Apart from the regular courses during this four-year program, they must get acquainted with several other courses in their preferred form of art.
2. Master’s Degree: After completing the bachelor’s degree, the students must go for master’s degree in Art Therapy. In addition, they are required to complete 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, which includes real-life experience with the clients.
3. Licensing and Certification: After the Master’s Degree, the Art Therapists must take the examination/certification programs offered by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).

Salary & Wages: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for Art Therapists will remain 37% during the period 2010-2020. The minimum salary for an Art Therapist was $39,000 in 2010. It goes up to $50,000 and highly experienced ones may earn up to $80,000 per annum.

The Art Therapists get employment at hospitals, clinics, mental asylums, nursing homes, homeless shelters, schools, colleges, universities, correctional facilities and elder care facilities. More information about the Art Therapy career is available at the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) website.