Career Research Post-Art Therapist

Art therapists have similar responsibilities to traditional therapists and regular similar credentials. The only difference is that an art therapists usually also requires a portfolio to get into a masters program. It also usually requires a license and a bachelors degree in psychology.

Art therapists use art as a way to work through patients difficulties. They often require patient to create their own works to discuss in order to get a greater insight into the patient's inner world. Creating art often relieves stress and builds self esteem and self worth. These kinds of untraditional therapies are known as recreational therapy and can pay an average of $47,680 a year according to 2017 labor statistics. These therapists can work in medical facilities, schools, nursing homes, schools or start their own practices.

Within Virginia there aren't too many schools offering a masters degree in Art therapy. The only one I came across was Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. For undergraduate programs Marymount University is the only one who offers it. The next closest program is The George Washington University art therapy program in Washington D.C. So If you are planning to go into art therapy in Virginia you don't have too many options.