So, it is time to pick a major but you’re not quite sure what to do. You are torn between your passion for art and wanting to help people in need. It just so happens that there is the perfect major for you; art therapy. As an art therapist, you will treat patients with mental, emotional, and developmental problems through the use of different artistic mediums. You will study things such as different art mediums, therapy techniques, and art history. An art therapy major uses art as the predominant form of therapeutic expression.
Education
According to Careers in Psychology, most students start their art therapy careers with a Bachelor’s degree in an area of psychology or mental health counseling. It is also important to take classes related to the art forms you are most interested in using in your career. Next, students may choose to pursue a Master’s degree, where they will have to take the licensing examination offered by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Once your Master’s degree program is completed, you must then complete 1,000 hours of supervised work working directly with clients. Finally, you can apply for your art therapy certification and begin helping patients on your own.
What to know before you apply
Be prepared to have a portfolio of your work to show. While the majority of this major has a lot to do with work in the mental health field, it is also important to have a background in art, as well as some artistic talent. You should reach out to professionals in this field and ask as many questions as possible; most professionals love helping students. Get ready to get your hands dirty and your artistic talent flowing in this field.
Salary
Like all jobs, depending on your education, specialty, experience, and location of your practice, your salary may be different than others’. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics however, recreational therapists earned a median pay of $55,900 per year in 2014.
