Creative Arts Therapists – Creative Careers Studio

Creative Arts therapists spend their days guiding clients through creative processes to explore and express emotions, using various art forms as therapeutic tools. They work in settings such as clinics or private practices, developing tailored art-based interventions, assessing clients’ progress, and providing supportive feedback to help them achieve their therapeutic goals.

Quiz Matches

What kind of personality tends to excel in this career?

Ideas

Creations

How much this role requires you to be outspoken and in the spotlight.

Independent

Collaborative

How often you’ll have to work with others

Introvert

Extrovert

How often you’ll be coming up with big ideas versus making ideas reality.

Routine

Variety

How much your tasks change day by day

Screen Time

How much of your day is spent working at a desk on a computer.

Average Salary in SC

$94,880

Education Level

Graduate school recommended

Alternate Titles

Art Psychotherapist
Arts Therapist
Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
Creative Arts Therapist
Group Therapist
Oncology Art Therapist
Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
Therapist

Art Therapist, Katie Hinson Sullivan, engaging in art activity with young girl.

What advice would you have for someone interested in arts therapy as a career?

Get in touch with a registered art therapist! The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATBC) lists all active art therapists in your area who can talk through their professional journey. I would also encourage someone who is entering the field of art therapy to begin seeing their own therapist (doesn’t have to be an art therapist!) so that they can truly show up for each client they meet.

Katie Hinson Sullivan, MPS, LCAT, ATCS, ATR-BC

Art Therapist

Charleston native, Art Therapist and Director of MUSC Arts in Healing

Click to learn more about MUSC's 'Arts in Healing' program.

More Details

Skills

Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making

Activities

Thinking Creatively
Assisting and Caring for Others
Communicating with Colleagues
Documenting/Recording Information
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Work Styles

Concern for Others
Integrity
Dependability
Self-Control
Stress Tolerance

Professional Associations

American Art Therapy Association

Related High School Courses

Art and Creative Courses
Art Fundamentals
Advanced Art
Art History

Psychology and Human Development Courses
Introduction to Psychology
Human Development
Abnormal Psychology

Communication and Interpersonal Skills Courses
Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication

Health and Wellness Courses
Health Education
Physical Education

College Majors to Consider

Child Development
Counseling
Creative Arts Therapies
Education
Fine Arts
Human Services
Rehabilitation Services
Social Work

Jobs, Internships, Apprenticeships

Jobs
Art Assistant
Volunteer at Mental Health or Rehabilitation Centers
Library or Community Center Assistant
Art Class Tutor

Internships
Art Therapy Internship
Mental Health Clinic Internship
Nonprofit Organization Internship
School Counseling Internship

Apprenticeships
Art Therapist’s Apprenticeship
Art Instructor’s Apprenticeship
Counselor’s Apprenticeship
Community Art Program Apprenticeship

Other Learning Opportunities
Online Courses in Art Therapy
Participate in Art Therapy Workshops
Develop a Personal Art Portfolio
Research Art Therapy Programs

Profile of the SC Graduate

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Learn more about the Profile of the SC Graduate here.

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