If you’re someone who loves art and also wants to help people, art therapy might be the perfect path. It’s a field where creativity meets mental health support using painting, drawing, and other forms of expression to help people cope, heal, and grow. But to become an art therapist, you’ll need the right education. Look at some of the colleges that offer art therapy programs, what they cover, and how to choose the one that fits your goals.

Art therapy attracts individuals who are interested in both creative expression and psychological support work. The field offers a way to integrate visual arts with therapeutic practices, helping clients explore emotions, trauma, and mental health issues through nonverbal channels. Studying art therapy provides foundational skills in psychology, counseling, and artistic methods, preparing graduates to work in settings like hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. Many choose this path not only for its professional potential but also for its humanistic focus supporting others in healing and self-discovery through creative processes.

Colleges with strong art therapy programs typically offer accredited graduate degrees that meet professional and licensure requirements. These programs combine training in psychology, counseling, and studio art, and include mandatory clinical practice. Many are connected to hospitals or community organizations where students complete internships. Most programs are at the master's level, as this is the standard qualification for professional practice. Below is a list of institutions known for offering structured, clinically oriented art therapy education.

1. Nazareth College

Nazareth College, located in Rochester, New York, is a private institution known for its strong programs in health and human services. Unlike many undergraduate schools, Nazareth offers a direct Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy, making it one of the few colleges on this list with a formal graduate-level art therapy pathway. The program includes clinical training, studio art, and psychological theory, preparing students for licensure in New York State.

Undergraduate students can also pursue relevant majors such as art, psychology, or social work, which align with graduate program prerequisites. The presence of an in-house creative arts therapy program allows for early exposure and clearer academic planning for those committed to entering the field professionally.

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Private college in Rochester, New York
• Relevant or related programs: Undergraduate majors in art, psychology, and social work; M.S. in Creative Arts Therapy
• Graduate study preparation: Offers a direct path to a graduate degree with licensure focus
• Distinctive academic features: On-campus master’s program, clinical emphasis, strong integration of art and therapy

2. Springfield College

Springfield College, based in Springfield, Massachusetts, is a private institution offering a dedicated Master of Science in Art Therapy/Counseling. The graduate program is designed to meet the requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor (LMHC) and registration as an art therapist (ATR), combining clinical education with studio-based art training. The curriculum emphasizes humanistic traditions and includes practicum and internship experiences across mental health and community settings.

While the college does not offer a specific undergraduate major in art therapy, students can pursue related fields such as psychology or visual arts to prepare for the graduate program. The school’s holistic philosophy of "educating the whole person" aligns well with the integrative nature of art therapy education.

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Private college in Springfield, Massachusetts
• Relevant or related programs: Graduate program (M.S.) in Art Therapy/Counseling; undergraduate tracks in psychology or visual arts
• Graduate study preparation: Offers a professional licensure-oriented master’s with practicum and clinical focus
• Distinctive academic features: Humanistic approach, strong community fieldwork, emphasis on integration of art and counseling

3. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a private Catholic institution located in Indiana. It offers a Master of Arts in Art Therapy with an Emphasis in Counseling, combining clinical coursework with art-based training. The program follows a hybrid format, with online classes and short in-person residencies. It meets educational requirements for licensure as a counselor and registration as an art therapist.

At the undergraduate level, the college offers a Pre-Art Therapy track, focused on core studies in art and psychology. This option is suitable for those planning to enroll in a master's degree in art therapy, including the college's own program.

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Private Catholic college in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana
• Relevant or related programs: Pre-Art Therapy (undergraduate); M.A. in Art Therapy with Counseling
• Graduate study preparation: Undergraduate path aligned with graduate prerequisites
• Distinctive academic features: Hybrid master’s format with required in-person sessions

4. Ursuline College

Ursuline College is a private liberal arts institution in Pepper Pike, Ohio. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy that combines coursework in studio art and psychology. The program is designed for students planning to pursue graduate study in art therapy or counseling.

The school also offers a Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy. This graduate program meets academic requirements for licensure and registration, combining mental health counseling with art therapy training.

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Private liberal arts college in Pepper Pike, Ohio
• Relevant or related programs: B.A. in Art Therapy; M.A. in Counseling and Art Therapy
• Graduate study preparation: Undergraduate program leads to graduate readiness; master’s program meets licensure requirements
• Distinctive academic features: Dual-focus graduate program with clinical and studio components

5. Albertus Magnus College

Albertus Magnus College is a private institution in New Haven, Connecticut. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Concentration in Art Therapy, combining courses in studio art and psychology. The program is intended to prepare students for graduate-level study in art therapy.

The college also offers a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling. This 60-credit program meets state requirements in Connecticut for licensure as a professional counselor and clinical art therapist.

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Private Catholic college in New Haven, Connecticut
• Relevant or related programs: B.A. in Art with a Concentration in Art Therapy; M.A. in Art Therapy and Counseling
• Graduate study preparation: Undergraduate program designed for graduate readiness; master’s program meets licensure standards
• Distinctive academic features: Licensure-track graduate program with clinical and studio components

6. Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College, located in Portland, Oregon, offers a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Art Therapy. The program spans eight semesters and requires 58 credit hours for the MA and 62-64 for the MS. It prepares students to become qualified mental health practitioners and ethical leaders, with a focus on equity-based clinical and community practice. ​

Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which provides a foundation in psychological principles and research methods. This program includes coursework in statistics, methodology, and various psychology subfields. ​

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Private liberal arts college in Portland, Oregon​
• Relevant or related programs: M.A. and M.S. in Art Therapy; B.A. in Psychology​
• Graduate study preparation: Undergraduate psychology program provides foundational knowledge for advanced studies​
• Distinctive academic features: Emphasis on equity-based clinical practice; integration of art therapy with mental health counseling​

7. Cedar Crest College

Cedar Crest College is a private institution in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy, combining coursework in studio art and psychology to prepare students for graduate-level training.

The college also offers a 60-credit Master of Arts in Art Therapy. The program meets national and state requirements for registration and licensure and includes both clinical experience and studio components. On-campus and low-residency formats are available.

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Private liberal arts college in Allentown, Pennsylvania
• Relevant or related programs: B.A. in Art Therapy; M.A. in Art Therapy
• Graduate study preparation: Undergraduate program prepares students for advanced study
• Distinctive academic features: Licensure-ready master’s program; on-campus and low-residency formats

8. Georgia College & State University

Georgia College & State University is a public liberal arts institution in Milledgeville, Georgia. It offers a Master of Arts in Art Therapy, covering clinical theory, human development, research methods, and supervised practice. The program is designed to meet educational requirements for professional credentialing in art therapy and counseling.

At the undergraduate level, the college offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This degree provides foundational knowledge in research, theory, and human behavior, and can serve as preparation for graduate study in art therapy or related fields.

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Public liberal arts university in Milledgeville, Georgia
• Relevant or related programs: B.S. in Psychology; M.A. in Art Therapy
• Graduate study preparation: Psychology major aligns with entry requirements for art therapy graduate programs
• Distinctive academic features: Graduate program integrates counseling theory, research, and practical training

9. Northwestern College

Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts institution located in Orange City, Iowa. While it does not offer a dedicated art therapy major, the college provides academic tracks in psychology, studio art, and social work. These disciplines are commonly chosen by students who plan to pursue graduate degrees in art therapy or related counseling fields.

The small campus and close-knit community encourage individualized academic planning. Through its interdisciplinary flexibility, students can build a foundation that connects creative practice with psychological theory. Northwestern’s faith-based context may also appeal to those looking for a values-driven educational environment.

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Private college in Orange City, Iowa
• Relevant or related programs: Psychology, studio art, social work
• Graduate study preparation: Offers strong groundwork for art therapy master’s programs
• Distinctive academic features: Personalized study paths, faith-integrated curriculum

10. Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a private graduate institution in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It offers a Master of Arts in Art Therapy/Counseling, a program that meets academic requirements for licensure as a professional counselor and registration as an art therapist. The curriculum includes clinical theory, studio work, and supervised practice. The program is accredited by CAAHEP.

The college focuses exclusively on graduate education in counseling-related fields. It does not offer undergraduate degrees, so applicants must complete a relevant bachelor’s program elsewhere before enrolling.

Training Path Summary:

• Location and type of institution: Private graduate school in Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Relevant or related programs: M.A. in Art Therapy/Counseling
• Graduate study preparation: Requires prior undergraduate degree in psychology, art, or related field
• Distinctive academic features: Licensure-oriented curriculum; CAAHEP-accredited graduate program

Before committing to a full academic program in art therapy, some students and professionals explore the field through practical tools and guided experiences. Mobile apps can offer an introduction to creative therapeutic practices, providing a flexible and accessible way to engage with art for emotional regulation, stress relief, and reflection.

At Lina Therapy, we’ve created a mobile app specifically for those curious about the therapeutic benefits of art. The app offers guided prompts, visual journaling, and tools that support emotional expression through creativity. While not a substitute for clinical therapy or formal education, it can serve as a helpful way to begin experiencing the principles of art therapy in a personal, low-pressure setting.

Lina Therapy is available on AppStore, and we regularly share visual inspiration and practice ideas on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. For students considering a degree in art therapy, engaging with such tools may provide insight into the kinds of creative processes used in therapeutic contexts and help clarify academic and career goals.

Graduates of art therapy programs typically work in mental health, education, medical, or community settings. The following are common areas of employment:

1. Clinical and Mental Health Facilities
Art therapists often work in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and mental health centers, providing therapy to individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other psychological conditions. They may be part of multidisciplinary treatment teams.

2. Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers
In medical settings, art therapists support patients coping with illness, injury, or chronic conditions. They help with emotional adjustment, pain management, and recovery processes, often working alongside doctors, nurses, and physical therapists.

3. Schools and Educational Programs
Some therapists work in K-12 schools, especially in special education departments, or in programs for children with developmental or emotional challenges. Others are involved in after-school or alternative education settings.

4. Community Organizations and Nonprofits
Many art therapists are employed by nonprofits that offer mental health services, youth programs, or support for marginalized populations. This work may include group therapy, outreach programs, and trauma-informed care.

5. Private Practice
After obtaining appropriate licensure, some art therapists open private practices or join group practices. This setting offers flexibility and the ability to specialize in specific client populations, such as children, veterans, or survivors of abuse.

6. Correctional and Juvenile Justice Facilities
Art therapists are also employed in prisons and juvenile detention centers, using creative expression to address behavioral issues, trauma histories, and emotional regulation.

7. Research and Academia
Some pursue roles in academic research or teaching, especially those with doctoral-level training. These professionals may conduct studies, develop curricula, or supervise students in clinical training.

Art therapy is practiced worldwide, but educational standards, regulation, and recognition vary by country. Below are brief overviews of how the field is structured in different regions:

• United Kingdom: Art therapists must register with the HCPC. Training is at the master’s level, typically in art psychotherapy. Programs follow guidelines from BAAT.
• Canada: Standards differ by province. Both diploma and master’s programs exist. CATA oversees professional practices but national regulation is limited.
• Australia: Not state-regulated, but widely practiced. Master’s programs are the standard, with ANZACATA providing professional guidance and accreditation.
• Germany: No centralized regulation. Training occurs through universities or private institutes. Art therapy is integrated into healthcare and education.
• India: An emerging field with limited formal regulation. Programs exist at certificate and postgraduate levels, but standards vary.
• Israel: A licensed profession under the Ministry of Health. Requires a relevant master’s degree and supervised practice. Widely used in schools and clinics.
• South Korea: Growing field with university-level training. National associations promote standardization and integration into mental health services.
• South Africa: Officially recognized and regulated by the Health Professions Council. Requires a master’s degree and clinical training.

These variations matter for those planning to study or practice internationally and highlight the global diversity in how art therapy is applied and governed.

Art therapy colleges offer a structured path for those looking to combine psychology, counseling, and creative expression in a professional setting. Most programs are offered at the graduate level and are designed to meet clinical and licensure standards.

Choosing the right school involves considering accreditation, curriculum, practicum opportunities, and alignment with professional goals. As the field continues to expand across healthcare, education, and community sectors, a formal education in art therapy remains a key step toward entering and sustaining a career in this multidisciplinary profession.