I provide art therapy and mental health counseling to children, teens, and adults through individual therapy and group therapy sessions. I also operate and manage my business with my business partner. Having my own practice means that I get to set my own schedule. I usually come in at 10 a.m. and have my first appointment at 11 a.m. My day usually consists of individual therapy appointments with administrative and clerical duties sprinkled in between appointments.
CAREER
Art Therapists
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$57,310
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+14.6% (faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Art Therapists Do
Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Other Job Titles Art Therapists May Have
Art Psychotherapist, Art Therapist, Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), Creative Arts Therapist, Group Therapist, Oncology Art Therapist, Registered Art Therapist (ATR), Therapist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I have my clients scheduled for the day. When I come in, I start my day with business organizational tasks, like phone calls and emails. I'll also sprinkle those in between clients as well. I'll also do planning for my sessions. That includes reviewing past case notes and gathering the supplies I'll need. My sessions with clients typically last an hour each. I'll meet with all different types of clients.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to art therapy.
- Design art therapy sessions or programs to meet client's goals or objectives.
- Conduct art therapy sessions, providing guided self-expression experiences to help clients recover from, or cope with, cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
- Confer with other professionals on client's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.
- Assess client needs or disorders, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other artistic processes.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Art Therapists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Master's degree (56%)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctoral or professional degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Holistic/Integrative Health
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Practical experience, doing the work, and dedication are needed in my career field. There were many people who taught me along the way - every experience added skills to my toolbox. You can't learn everything you need to do this work in school.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Middle School Students
Begin a meditation practice... practice, practice....
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.