You don’t need to do another undergrad :) You’ll simply need to take a few psychology courses on the undergrad level to meet the pre-requisites of art therapy grad school.

There is no certificate in art therapy except for those who already have a Masters Degree in a mental health field :(

Before you spend the $$ on pursuing art therapy, definitely volunteer with an art therapist first. Grad school is really expensive and art therapists salaries are low considering the level of education we have. You may also want to take a look at similar career paths that offer a wider range of job prospects, such as Occupational Therapy or perhaps getting a Counseling MA (or something mental health related) and then pursuing the certificate in art therapy.

Also, please read Cathy Malchiodi’s 7-part series “So You Want To Be An Art Therapist”…here’s the link to #1…but definitely read all 7 when you have a chance: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-healing-arts/201101/so-you-want-be-art-therapist-part-one-art-therapy-career-path

Thanks for stopping by!

I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts and now I am realizing I want to try to pursue art therapy– is there ANY way one can be an art therapist without having to go back to Undergrad again? Or in other words, what is the quickest possible way to go about this? Is it possible to just earn a certificate and not go through more years of school ($$$)? Thank you so much if you do get the time to read this! Thanks, take care

You most likely will need several college level credits in studio art to satisfy the prerequisites of the Art Therapy MA program you plan to attend. In other words, you’ll need these credits before applying…although some schools maybe open to you taking these credits while you’re in your MA. I don’t think any would be okay with you taking them afterwards.

My recommendation is that you take the credits before entering grad school, as opposed to taking them in tandem with your MA. You’ll be busy enough during grad school between the art therapy classes and the internships, that taking a studio course may feel overwhelming.

Also, you can contact the school(s) you’re interested in attending for your MA, and ask if they can recommend any studio courses.

Hope this helps!
- Liz

The only art therapy MA program that I know of in the Bay Area is Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont. They may offer a part time option? Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers online courses, however I’m not sure if they’re “approved” by AATA (meaning that if you study there, that you’d qualify for your art therapy license- ATR).

I hope this helps! Good luck!
- Liz

Thanks
Ashley

I would check out the American Art Therapy Association’s list of accredited schools. Saint Mary of the Woods College is now offering an online art therapy degree. That may be what works best for you.

Here’s the link: http://www.americanarttherapyassociation.org/aata-educational-programs.html

Regards,
- Liz

A previous DSM diagnosis will not exclude you from being accepted into a grad school program. In the history of analysis and training, people who are becoming therapists are strongly recommended, if not required, to undergo therapy of their own. Having insight into the work that our clients are doing is very important, and every therapist also to be aware of potential blind spots and transference/countertransference issues. Experience on the receiving end of art therapy may prove invaluable to you through out your studies and career.

Certainly, psyc programs are rather intense, which some people are not prepared for. If you feel you have resolved these issues (or are in command of them…even if you decide to revisit things again with a therapist of your own), you should find no problem being accepted into the academic study of art therapy.

Good luck and definitely pursue this goal!
- Liz