Art therapists use the creative process and art media within a therapeutic relationship to help clients improve their mental health and well-being. As awareness of expressive therapies grows, demand for qualified art therapists has expanded across hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. The path to becoming a credentialed art therapist involves graduate education, supervised clinical experience, national board certification, and -- in many states -- a separate state license.

This guide walks you through every step of the process, from choosing an accredited graduate program to earning your ATR-BC credential, meeting state licensing requirements, and maintaining continuing education. We have also compiled verified data for all 51 states we track so you can compare requirements side by side.

What Does an Art Therapist Do?

Art therapists use art media and the creative process within a therapeutic relationship to improve mental health and well-being. Through drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms, art therapists help clients explore emotions, develop self-awareness, manage behavior, reduce anxiety, and improve self-esteem. The creative process itself becomes a vehicle for communication and healing, particularly for individuals who struggle to express themselves through words alone.

Art therapists work with a wide range of populations, including:

• Trauma survivors: Using creative expression to process traumatic experiences in a safe, non-verbal way.
• Children with behavioral issues: Providing developmentally appropriate interventions that help children communicate feelings and develop coping skills.
• Adults with mental illness: Supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions through structured art-making activities.
• Elderly with cognitive decline: Engaging older adults with dementia and Alzheimer's disease through sensory-rich creative activities that support cognitive function and quality of life.
• Veterans: Addressing combat-related trauma, PTSD, and reintegration challenges through therapeutic art programs.
• Individuals with eating disorders: Using art therapy to explore body image, self-perception, and emotional triggers related to disordered eating.

Art therapists practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, community agencies, and private practice. Many art therapists work as part of interdisciplinary treatment teams alongside psychologists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatrists.

According to available salary data, art therapists typically earn between $48,000 and $60,000 per year, with higher salaries in metropolitan areas, hospital settings, and private practice. Experience, specialization, and geographic location all influence earning potential.

Step 1: Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

There is no single required undergraduate major to become an art therapist. A bachelor's degree in any field is acceptable, though degrees in studio art, psychology, counseling, or a related discipline provide a strong foundation. Many graduate programs require prerequisite coursework in psychology and studio art, so completing these courses during your undergraduate years can streamline your path to a master's program.

Master's Degree in Art Therapy

A master's degree is required to practice as an art therapist. Graduate programs in art therapy typically require approximately 60 graduate credits and are approved by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) through the ACATE (Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education) committee, or meet the educational standards established by the AATA (American Art Therapy Association).

A qualifying graduate program must include coursework in:

• Studio art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media)
• Art therapy theory and practice
• Psychology and counseling theories
• Human development across the lifespan
• Group therapy techniques
• Research methods
• Ethics and professional practice

In addition to coursework, graduate programs require a minimum of 600 hours of practicum and internship experience, providing hands-on clinical training under the supervision of qualified art therapists and mental health professionals. These supervised clinical hours are completed at approved sites such as hospitals, mental health agencies, schools, and community organizations.

Step 2: ATCB Certification -- ATR and ATR-BC

The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is the national credentialing body for art therapists in the United States. The ATCB offers two primary credentials:

ATR (Registered Art Therapist)

The ATR credential requires completion of a master's degree in art therapy (or equivalent) plus a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised post-graduate experience in art therapy. This supervised experience must be completed under the guidance of an approved supervisor and demonstrates that the candidate can apply art therapy techniques competently in clinical settings.

ATR-BC (Board Certified)

The ATR-BC is the highest credential offered by the ATCB. To earn the ATR-BC, candidates must first meet all ATR requirements and then pass the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE). The ATCBE is a standardized exam consisting of 150+ questions that assesses knowledge across the full scope of art therapy practice.

Key certification facts:

• ATR requirements: Master's degree in art therapy + 1,500 hours of supervised post-graduate clinical experience.
• ATR-BC requirements: Active ATR credential + passing score on the ATCBE.
• Exam format: 150+ multiple-choice questions covering art therapy assessment, treatment planning, ethics, and professional practice.
• Many states require ATR-BC: Of the 51 states we track, 8 require the ATR-BC credential for licensure or practice.

Thorough preparation is essential. Candidates should review the ATCB's published exam content outline and study materials covering art therapy theory, clinical applications, ethics, and research.

State-by-State Art Therapist Requirements

Requirements vary significantly by state. Some states mandate a separate state license for art therapists; others license them under creative arts therapist, professional counselor, or other categories. Click any state name to see its complete licensing guide with step-by-step instructions, fees, CE details, and more.

Data sourced from official state licensing board websites and the ATCB. Requirements change frequently -- always verify with your state board before applying.

State Licensing Categories for Art Therapists

Unlike some allied health professions with a single, uniform licensing category, art therapists are licensed under a variety of titles depending on the state. Many states license art therapists under creative arts therapist, professional counselor, or separate art therapist license categories. This variation means the specific title, scope of practice, and requirements can differ significantly from one state to another.

Some states have dedicated art therapy licensure laws, while others require art therapists to obtain a professional counselor license with an art therapy specialization. A few states do not currently regulate art therapy practice at all. Check your state's individual page for the specific licensing pathway available.

Continuing Education Requirements

Maintaining your ATR-BC credential and state license requires ongoing continuing education (CE). Requirements exist at two levels: the ATCB national credential and state licensure.

ATCB Continuing Education

The ATCB requires all ATR-BC holders to complete 100 continuing education credits per 5-year renewal cycle. CE credits can be earned through workshops, conferences, university coursework, publications, presentations, and other approved activities. A portion of these credits must be in ethics content.

State License Continuing Education

States that issue a separate art therapist license often have their own CE requirements for license renewal, which may or may not align with the ATCB's 100-credit requirement. Across the 51 states we track, the average CE requirement is 31.8 hours per renewal cycle. Some states accept ATCB-approved CE toward state license renewal; others require state-specific coursework, including instruction in state laws and regulations.

Tips for managing CE requirements efficiently:

• Track your credits year-round rather than scrambling at renewal time.
• Attend the AATA annual conference -- it typically offers multiple CE credits in a single event and is a strong networking opportunity.
• Look for "double-dipping" opportunities where a single CE activity satisfies both ATCB and state license renewal requirements.
• Prioritize ethics credits early in the renewal cycle since they are mandatory and quality ethics training can be in high demand closer to renewal deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

The information in this guide is compiled from official sources. We recommend verifying current requirements directly with these organizations before making career or educational decisions:

• American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
• Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB)
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• Individual state licensing board websites -- see each state page for direct links to official regulatory authorities.