Career Outlook for Those Who Have Earned Their Degree in Art Therapy
Feb 13, 2015 | 8:00 am
Psychology and Art
Psychology has the distinct advantage of being a study that perfectly satisfies the biological and chemical constructs of science as well as the pursuit and advancements of the arts. Many students with liberal arts degrees pursue psychology as a major as do students who wish to make the study of brain structure and biological functions a major part of their laboratory work. Art, music, dance, theater performance use the processing of the creative mind. Students of the arts often incorporate what they have learned in psychology to improve their awareness of the social/cultural climate, develop more expression of movement, and deepen their understanding of the human condition.
Art is naturally therapeutic. Individuals suffering from depression or anxiety disorder find outlets for expression in the arts. The arts have helped children with ADHD and ADD to focus on an objective by channeling their mental energy into writing, music, sculpture or drawing.
It also improves brain functions. A series of psychological studies and evaluations integrated with the National Institute of Health concluded that children who were exposed and taught appreciation in music and the visual arts by age six developed their mathematical and reading fluency skills more quickly than children who had not had art incorporated into their early education.
Careers in Art Therapy
Art therapy as a profession has been well established in the field of psychology since the mid-twentieth century. Its roots however, are as old as modern psychology itself. It was used in the eighteenth century as a “moral treatment” for patients suffering from mental disorders. It was used by many early psychologists to evaluate a patient’s emotional state through symbolic transference.
The emphasis is no longer on interpreting the patient’s mental progress, but as part of an active treatment plan for the patient’s disorder. The approach of the art therapist is humanistic, encouraging the creative processes. The therapy is designed to help dissolve emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness and aid in personal growth.
Except for a short phase between 2000 and 2010, when the demand for art therapists slumped; possibly due to economic conditions; the interests in the incorporation of art therapists with treatment programs has gained momentum. There are now over four thousand art therapist jobs listed in the United States and the numbers are expected to grow.
Where Careers in Art Therapy are Found
Art therapists are often found in a clinical setting as a part of a health care team that includes physicians, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family health therapists, teachers and rehabilitation counselors. Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly as a means of treating a variety of mental disorders.
Other facilities that include the hiring of art therapists are outpatient mental health and treatment centers, domestic violence and homeless shelters, community and non-profit agencies, correctional facilities, schools, colleges and universities, art studios and private practices. Although clinical practices generally require a Master’s or PhD. in psychology and art, other agencies will accept applicants with a Bachelor’s degree and strong artistic abilities.
Careers in art therapy may involve pitching your skills as both an artist and a therapist who is able to establish a rapport with patients and who has a strong understanding of art media. It may include traveling to find a desirable location, working with a small agency or setting up your own practice.
Salaries for art therapists vary greatly, depending on location, and the type of agency that hires them, ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 a year. Qualities for art therapists include patience, interpersonal skills, insight into human behavior, an ability to observe and listen well and a good sense of humor. If your interests are both in art and psychology, you may find a career in art therapy highly rewarding.