Actually, it doesn’t matter if you have a BFA or a psyc BA or a history degree. What matters is that you have the prerequisites required by the grad program you want to attend. Many people have a BFA with some specific psyc classes added to their degree. Some people have a BA in psychology with several fine arts courses. Either way, it’s the prerequisites that count—not your specific degree. Each grad school may have different prereq requirements, so please be sure to check those carefully.

From my experience, not all art therapy programs are the same. Some are very clinically oriented. Others are more art oriented. I only have the experience of going to Drexel, and cannot say what other schools are like. (BTW- I really liked the Drexel program). I think it’s best to think about which approach resinates most with you. Go onto websites like AATA website to find a directory of accredited schools, and then read on the school’s websites, where you can get to know the programs and their approach. When you have a list of schools you maybe interested in, definitely attend the info sessions that are offered, so you can take a look at the school and meet some professors and the director of programs. Once you’ve done that, you should have a better idea of what schools are your best fit.

My suggestion for networking is to become friends with the Art Therapy Alliance on Facebook. They put out tons of interesting posts about art therapy and other interesting topics. Next, if you’re on LinkedIn, I suggest you become a part of the Art Therapy Alliance group. There are tons of subgroups, one of which is a student networking group. It’s a great forum to ask questions and network with others. There are also various Facebook groups that are open to anyone interested in art therapy. Do a search for “art therapy groups” and see which ones look helpful to you.

Starting an art class is a great idea. Another option is volunteering with an art therapist. You may need to do some internet research to find art therapists in your area and then email them, asking if they’d be willing to have a volunteer. You might also want to try finding your local AATA chapter, (for example in the Philadelphia area it’s the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association, in the Bay Area it’s the Northern California Art Therapy Association), and email someone on the board of directors to see if they know of any volunteer opportunities. Also, ask if it’s possible to send a mass email to the local members asking if anyone is interested in accepting volunteers.

I hope this helps!

Good luck in your pursuits,
- Liz

A BFA is a good place to start, but you also need to be aware of the prerequisites of MA art therapy programs. My advise is to take a look at Art Therapy programs that interest you and see what their requirements are. Once you know what prereqs you need, you can make an appointment with a course counselor at your school to see whether you can enroll in the classes you need.

It’s great that you’re thinking of this question now (before you graduate). That way, you’ll have all your ducks in a row when it’s time to apply to grad school.

Good Luck!
- Liz

I am currently pursuing my BFA, but I am still early on and haven’t even completed my associates. I was wondering what the best bachelors program is, if I plan on working towards a Masters in Art Therapy. Is a BFA heading in the right direction?

Thanks,
Danielle

Well, I suppose that depends on your definition of “doing art therapy”. Without an MA in Art Therapy or a certificate, which is available to those who already have an masters degree or PhD in a related field, you cannot call yourself an Art Therapist in the US. Other places around the world have different rules, so check in with your local/national art therapy agencies. If you got a job in the (mental) health field, where a part of your job was to run a group or two, and you made those groups into art groups, then perhaps you would consider yourself to be “doing art therapy”. However, in the eyes of the American Art Therapy Association your groups would not be considered art therapy sessions because you’re not a trained art therapist.

Certainly, there is overlap between many counseling practices and art therapy—for example, psychologists and counselors have been known to incorporate art making in the treatment of trauma. Are they “doing art therapy”? Not in my opinion. They’re mental health professionals who acknowledge the benefit of art making but who are not trained art therapists.

In sum, you cannot be hired as an art therapist in the US without the educational credentials and there is a difference between an art session and an art therapy session. The difference lies in the knowledge of the person conducting the art session: developmental art theory, counseling theories, art therapy assessment, group art therapy, group psychotherapy, multicultural art therapy, and so on.

I cannot stress enough how important being educated in the profession of art therapy is. I’ve volunteered with an artist (before I went to school to become an art therapist), who happened to have a knack for working with the mentally ill. In retrospect, I realize how much both the artist and the clients would have benefited from the artist being educated in art therapy theories, techniques and ethics. Just because art therapy looks on the surface to be similar to other professions, like being an art teacher for example, it does not mean that the dynamics of art therapy sessions are not complex, requiring training and a solid educational background.

Thanks for letting me know the link isn’t working. I think they changed the address, and I’ve now updated the links so you can access the info.

Take care,
- Liz

I am just beginning my search to find out more about the profession of Art Therapy. What I have seen so far really interests me and seems like a good fit! The link you posted here to the The National Institutes of Health (NIH) info on art therapy wasnt working when I clicked on it. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!

Kelly

Sorry, I didn’t check back. Sure, as far as I’m concerned! You are far, far from the only person, believe me!