Art therapy is a psychotherapeutic technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. It’s an important modality in the mental health field and is used for treating and assessing a variety of psychological and physical concerns. Art therapy can be an effective intervention to help treat anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and more. If you’re ready to start art therapy, the first step is to choose the right professional. Choosing an art therapist can be a very personal decision and can depend on several factors. Check out the following steps to help choose an art therapist that’s right for you.

Consider Your Goals

Think about what goals you want to achieve through art therapy. What issues or concerns do you want to work on? This can help you find an art therapist who specializes in the areas that you want to focus on. There are art therapists who specialize in different concerns and many have differing levels of experience working with certain populations. It’s important to feel aligned on goals and expectations when choosing the art therapist you want to work with, much like you would with any other mental health practitioner. 

Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth is always a powerful tool. You can start by asking your primary care doctor or school-based mental health provider for recommendations. You can also reach out to professional organizations, such as the American Art Therapy Association, or New York Art Therapy Association to find a registered art therapist in your area. If you know someone else doing art therapy, you can reach out to them to see if they have any recommendations in your area.

Check for Art Therapy Credentials

Make sure the art therapists you’re looking at are licensed and registered with a professional organization. This can ensure that they have the appropriate training and education to provide effective art therapy. Many states license Art Therapists. In New York, Art Therapists are Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCAT’s). When searching for a provider, look for the letters ATR (registered art therapist) or ATR-BC (board-certified art therapist) credentials. You can also use AATA’s directory or Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB)’s search tool to find certified practitioners near you.

Consider The Art Therapists’ Experience

When seeking an art therapist, ask about their specialty and experience. Not all art therapists specialize in all mental health conditions. Many specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma or individuals with substance use disorders, for example. Look for an art therapist who has experience working with clients who have similar concerns or issues as you. For example, if you are dealing with trauma, find an art therapist who specializes in trauma therapy.

Meet with Potential Therapists

Before picking one therapist, schedule an initial consultation with a couple potential art therapists to get a sense of their approach and how comfortable you feel working with them. The most important component during consultations is to check whether the potential art therapist feels relatable, confident in their approach, and makes you feel safe enough to share without fear of judgment. Ask about their experience, credentials, and how they approach therapy. Try to be open about your therapist’s methods. Therapists who follow the same school of thought can have very different therapeutic styles. It’s more important to choose someone you feel you can build a positive rapport with rather than insist on one method over another. After experiencing your therapist’s style you will get an idea if it works for you or if you’d prefer something different.

Consider Working With a Group Art Therapy Practice

Overall, finding an art therapist who you feel comfortable with and who has experience working with clients with similar concerns is key to a successful therapy experience. If you’re looking for a place to start, we at Davenport Creative Arts Therapy are currently accepting new clients. You can meet our team HERE and schedule a free consultation today. Give us a call at (914) 606-2209.