Art Therapists
Art therapists use creative processes like drawing, painting, and sculpture to help clients work through physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. They plan and lead therapy sessions in settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, private practice, and rehabilitation facilities, tailoring art activities to support each client's therapeutic goals.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against art therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with individual clients or groups to conduct art therapy sessions, which might include guided drawing exercises, sculpture work, or collaborative projects. Art therapists observe and document how clients respond to creative activities, adjust treatment plans based on progress, maintain client records, and may collaborate with other healthcare providers like psychologists or social workers to coordinate care.
Who this work suits
Holland code SAI. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
This work suits people who combine artistic skill with genuine interest in helping others improve their mental and physical health. You likely enjoy both creative expression and understanding human behavior, and you're comfortable working closely with people facing difficult circumstances.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $81,020 | $127,010 | $130,000 | 80 |
| Illinois | $65,750 | $116,200 | $193,760 | 1,060 |
| New Jersey | $78,080 | $100,250 | $131,690 | 7,090 |
| Hawaii | $65,650 | $99,560 | $99,560 | 40 |
| Washington | $89,690 | $98,550 | $98,550 | — |
| South Carolina | $59,990 | $90,980 | $129,040 | 70 |
| Delaware | $68,410 | $90,120 | $104,000 | 30 |
| Nebraska | $65,570 | $86,900 | $128,310 | 40 |
| Rhode Island | $78,210 | $86,400 | $91,000 | 90 |
| Oregon | $72,940 | $81,860 | $101,150 | 170 |
| California | $70,730 | $81,760 | $105,140 | 840 |
| New York | $65,190 | $77,980 | $95,790 | 1,110 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) — Art Therapy Credentials Board
- Certified Sex Therapist (CST) — American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor — American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) — North American Drama Therapy Association
- Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC) — Certification Board for Music Therapists
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against art therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1129.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.