Re:art therapy-passion vs. reality

You have been incredibly perceptive about so many things about the field of art therapy, I am very impressed! In my mind, there are several things to consider in choosing art therapy as one's *career:*

1) I live in the West (Utah) and in most of this area, one needs a *universal license* to do clinical work and to get paid a reasonable salary. A universal license for an art therapist is an LPC or LPCC, professional mental health counselor, or in California, an MFT, marriage and family therapist. Many art therapy programs are offering degrees that allow you to become licensed-- Lesley University is one of them, for example.

2) If you wish to practice a more studio-based approach to art therapy, you may not need this type of license. However, again in the West, there are not many jobs of this nature where you can make enough to live on, let alone pay those student loans (which can run 20-40K for some programs). I have seen a lot of art therapists come out here with a degree in art therapy and no license capability, stay for 6 months, then go back East. I think that having an art therapy degree in some places back East is marketable, although the way healthcare is changing, it really is best to hedge your bets.

3) Graduate Programs: Be really careful where you go to graduate school. Be sure you are going to a place that has a good library, adequate facilities, reputable educators. While AATA approves educational programs, this does not quarantee that you are always getting what you deserve for your money. I can suggest some places where I know the faculty, so e-mail me privately if you would like this info.

I hope this helps, thanks for your observations and your passion for the profession. A lot of us are passionate too, but it just pays to be wise about a few things before you start your education in this field.

Replies:

Re:art therapy-passion vs. reality , by Jay, 07/12/02

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