• Creative Expression: Use art to help others express feelings they can’t put into words.

• Meaningful Impact: Support people through challenges like anxiety, trauma, or grief.

• Diverse Workplaces: Work in schools, hospitals, rehab centers, or private practice.

• Lifelong Learning: Continue growing through workshops and professional development.

• Personal Fulfillment: Combine your love for art and helping others into one career.

Art therapy blends creativity with compassion, offering a rewarding path for those who want to make a difference.

With a master’s degree or higher:

• Art Therapist

Art therapists help people use drawing, painting, or other creative activities to express their thoughts and feelings. This can be helpful when it's hard to talk about difficult emotions. Art therapy is often used with children, trauma survivors, or people dealing with stress or mental health problems. Art therapists guide the process and help people understand what their art may be saying about how they feel. 

• Crisis Therapist

A Crisis Therapist helps people during  mental health emergencies, like when someone is thinking about harming themselves or others. They stay calm, listen, and work quickly to make sure the person is safe. They also help create a plan for recovery and support.  [Learn more about careers in Crisis →]

• Primary Care Behaviorist

A Primary Care Behaviorist works in a doctor’s office to help patients with mental health, stress, or behavior problems. They’re part of the healthcare team and work closely with doctors and nurses. If someone is feeling anxious, depressed, or having trouble sleeping, the behaviorist can step in to help right away—often during the same visit! They also help people make healthy changes, like quitting smoking, managing weight, or dealing with chronic illnesses.

• Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants work with adults who care for young children, such as  parents,  teachers and child care workers. They help adults understand how to support children’s emotions, behavior, and development. If a child is having a hard time with big feelings or changes, the consultant provides tools and suggestions to help. They don’t usually work one-on-one with children, but they help create safe, caring places for kids to grow. [Learn more about Early Childhood Mental Health careers →]

• Clinical Case Manager

Clinical Case Managers help people manage their mental health treatments. They connect clients to services, check on their progress, and make sure all parts of their care are working together. They support clients every step of the way on their recovery journey.  [Learn more about careers in Care Coordination →]

• Clinical Supervisor

A Clinical Supervisor is a key leader in the counseling profession, responsible for mentoring less experienced counselors. Clinical supervisors provide feedback, consultations, and evaluations to help develop the skills and knowledge of the counselors they oversee. They review casework to ensure that therapeutic practices meet the ethical and legal standards of the State of Ohio. Clinical supervisors build strong teams, encourage collaboration, and handle conflicts. They also help shape the culture of their organization while making sure that diversity and cultural differences are respected in every part of the process. In Ohio, clinical supervisors need a special supervisory endorsement for their professional license.    [Learn more about Clinical Supervision careers →]

• Chief Clinical Officer (CCO)

Chief Clinical Officers (CCOs) in behavioral health are top leaders who ensure that people receive high-quality mental health and addiction care. In Ohio, CCOs can work in hospitals, clinics, or community programs. They oversee the provision of services, ensuring they meet state laws and professional standards. They also lead teams of therapists, doctors, and support staff, helping create treatment plans, guide staff training, and make sure patients are treated with respect and safety. CCOs often collaborate with other leaders to develop new programs, manage budgets, and enhance services. [Learn more about Clinical Supervision careers→]

• Program Manager 

A Program Manager plays a vital role in helping to transform the lives of patients. They oversee the day-to-day operations in mental health and/or addiction treatment programs. They collaborate with staff to plan services, manage personnel, and ensure the program meets clients’ needs. In behavioral health, they also track program results and ensure the programs comply with ethical standards and state rules. [Learn more about Management careers→]

• Agency Director

An Agency Director provides the leadership and vision for the organization. They enforce best practices, accreditation, and ethical standards in all aspects of the work— from hiring staff and managing budgets to ensuring clients receive the care they need. They oversee clinical services, office operations, and work with local mental health and recovery boards to advance the mission of the agency to serve the community in the best way possible. [Learn more about Management careers→]

• Client’s Rights Officer

A Client’s Rights Officer makes sure people receiving mental health or addiction services are treated fairly and with respect. They help protect client rights, listen to complaints, and work to solve problems. They stand up for clients when something feels wrong.  [Learn more about careers in Advocacy →]

• Policy Advocate/ Analyst

A Policy Advocate or Analyst works to change laws or rules to make mental health care better for everyone. They study problems, suggest solutions, and speak up to leaders and lawmakers. Their work helps improve services and support for people across Ohio.  [Learn more about careers in Advocacy →]

Other job titles you may see:

• Psychotherapist

• Counselor

• School-Based Therapist

• Grief Counselor

Art therapy offers diverse career paths to match your interests and goals.

• Lead Art Sessions: Guide individuals or groups in creating art to explore emotions.

• Assess Needs: Use art to understand clients’ feelings and mental health challenges.

• Support Healing: Help clients process trauma, manage stress, and build coping skills.

• Collaborate with Teams: Work alongside counselors, doctors, and teachers.

• Track Progress: Document client growth through their creative work.

Art therapists use the creative process to support emotional and psychological healing.

[Learn more about Therapy careers →]

• Hospitals and Clinics

• Mental Health Centers

• Schools and Special Education Programs

• Rehabilitation Centers

• Community Programs and Nonprofits

• Nursing Homes and Senior Centers

• Correctional Facilities and Juvenile Detention Centers

• Private Practice

• Shelters and Crisis Centers

• Telehealth or Virtual Platforms

• Art Studios

Art therapists are needed in many settings where emotional support is essential.

• Children and Teens: Help young people express emotions, build self-esteem, and learn healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or school challenges.

• Adults: Support individuals dealing with depression, grief, relationship issues, or major life changes through creative expression.

• Seniors: Use art to improve memory, reduce feelings of loneliness, and keep the mind active in older adults.

• People with Disabilities: Create ways for individuals with physical, developmental, or communication challenges to express themselves and connect with others.

• Individuals Facing Trauma: Provide a safe and nonverbal outlet for those healing from abuse, violence, or other difficult experiences.

• People in Recovery: Help those working through addiction or mental health recovery explore emotions and build resilience.

• Veterans and First Responders: Offer support for PTSD, stress, and emotional recovery through guided art activities.

• People Experiencing Homelessness or Housing Insecurity: Use art to support mental well-being, identity, and personal growth during times of hardship.

Art therapy is for anyone seeking healing through creative expression.

To become an art therapist, you'll need:

• Bachelor's Degree: In art, psychology, or a related field.

• Master of Art Therapy: From an accredited program and including an internship and practicum experience:

  • Practicum (Early Training): About 100 hours of supervised experience during your coursework.

  • Clinical Internship: At least 600 hours of supervised art therapy practice.

Supervised Clinical Experience: Postgraduate training under a licensed professional.

• Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT): From the Ohio Counselor, Social Work and Marriage & Family Therapist Board

In Ohio, all Licensed Professional Art Therapists must be Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) in good standing, as verified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). 

Click here to learn more about licenses, credentials, and certifications.