I vividly remember an artist friend once recounting how they lose track of time and space when they immerse themselves in portraits and mandalas. Upon further probing, they mentioned that each line from the pencil and stroke from the brush centred their focus solely around the frame. They said they found the process therapeutic and, in fact, painted even more when they were stressed.
I found it truly fascinating that art could reduce stress and promote healing. It turns out that there is an entire branch of psychotherapy that employs the use of art called art therapy. Let’s delve into the world of an art therapist.
Who is an art therapist?
An art therapist is a psychotherapist who is trained in both art and therapy and helps individuals process and understand emotional challenges that may feel confusing or overwhelming. Clients may be from any age group, ranging from children to older adults. They employ various art-based techniques such as painting, drawing, collages, sculpting and mixed media to provide them with wellness and healing.
What are the responsibilities of an art therapist?
An art therapist treats a range of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias and past trauma. The responsibilities of an art therapist are:
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Evaluating the client’s requirements using a preliminary assessment
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Performing follow-up evaluations to assess the success of the therapeutic process.
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Building a customised treatment plan integrating creative expression, counselling techniques and psychotherapy.
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Setting goals for each session and defining long-term objectives for the overall therapy process.
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Utilising art to start discussions regarding the client’s unique challenges.
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Guiding clients on how to work with various media like yarn, paint and clay.
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Tailoring programs for different groups such as schools, nursing homes, prisons, hospitals and military bases.
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Maintaining detailed records of sessions, client progress and therapeutic interventions.
What are the skills required to become an art therapist?
Since art therapy is an interdisciplinary domain, it involves a range of skills, such as:
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Artistic skills
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Compassion
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Creativity
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Communication skills
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Listening skills
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Psychology
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Computer literacy
What are the associated entrance exams?
Degrees leading to this career include bachelor’s programs in areas like Psychology, Fine Arts, Applied Arts or Visual Communication. Specialisation in Art Therapy would be required at the postgraduate level. Relevant entrance exams for these degrees include CUET, NID DAT, UCEED and state-level exams at the undergraduate level. Exams for PG degrees include CUET-PG, TISSNET, GATE (Psychology) and UGC-NET. If you plan to study abroad, SAT/ACT are required for UG programs, GRE for PG programs and IELTS/TOEFL/PTE for English proficiency.
What is the growth trajectory in this field?
The growth in this field starts from the junior level and ends at the senior/consultant level. The hierarchy is as follows:
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Junior Art Therapist: They work under supervision, supporting senior art therapists during sessions and assisting with administrative tasks. Focus is on gaining hands-on experience and learning therapy techniques.
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Art Therapist / Clinical Practitioner: They help clients with their emotional, mental and physical well-being. They handle sessions independently, often specialising in a client group or therapy approach.
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Senior/Consultant Art Therapist: They oversee a team of therapists, mentor junior therapists and train other art therapists who wish to specialise in particular areas.
What are some alternate roles for art therapists?
Art therapists can also transition into complementary or leadership roles, such as:
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Community/hospital management: You will be able to work well in a management position in organisations that offer mental health services, wherein you don’t have to do everything by yourself.
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Teaching: You can opt to become a teacher for other therapists by guiding them in private practice. Additionally, you can conduct training sessions and workshops for employees in larger organisations, focusing on topics such as preventing burnout, enhancing productivity and promoting self-care.
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Coaching: You can also coach fellow therapists, parents and organisational leaders on supporting mental well-being or expand into life coaching to help individuals achieve personal growth and balance.
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Career coaching: You can serve as an academic or career counsellor at a school, directly interacting with students. Your listening skills and empathy will be helpful here.
What is the expected salary in this field?
An entry-level art therapist in India can expect an annual salary in the range of INR 3–5 lakhs, with opportunities to gain experience in clinical or educational settings. Senior art therapists or those in supervisory or institutional roles can earn over INR 10 lakhs annually, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Currently, there are around 100 job openings across India in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, NGOs and private therapy practices.
In terms of international opportunities, art therapists in the United States typically earn between USD 39k-70k annually at the entry level. With advanced credentials or clinical leadership roles, salaries can reach USD 92k-209k per year, depending on the location.
Organisations and institutions that commonly hire art therapists include hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, rehabilitation centres, non-profits and private counselling firms such as Fortis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, MindTribe and various international wellness programs.
What about certifications and licensing for art therapists?
The Art Therapy Credentials Board administers the following credentials:
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Provisional Registered Art Therapist
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Registered Art Therapist
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Board Certification
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Art Therapy Certified Supervisor
Licensing typically requires earning a master’s degree in art therapy, completing the mandated clinical training hours and passing a national certification exam to become a board-certified art therapist. State licensing is a separate process and varies by state.
In India, organisations like Skill India, international bodies such as the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) or the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) and institutions like IIPR, IGMPI and Cognizavest offer certifications. As for licensing, there is currently no government-recognised licensing system for art therapists in India, as the field is still emerging and developing.
What are the emerging trends in art therapy?
The top emerging trends in art therapy are:
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Virtual reality and AI
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Focus on trauma care
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Expansion of expressive arts
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Art for community-based initiatives
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Art therapy for geriatric care
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Neuropsychology
Who are the top role models in this field?
The most notable personalities in this field are Mr Aanand Chabukswar, Ms Karishma Harlalka, and Ms Shivangi Srivastava, who have played key roles in integrating art therapy within India’s educational and mental health systems. Remarkable art therapists across the world include Mr Adrian Hill, Ms Edith Kramer and Ms Margaret Naumburg. These pioneers have shaped the foundations of art therapy, contributed to advanced research on creative expression as a healing tool. They also inspired practitioners globally to use art as a medium for emotional and psychological transformation.
Being an art therapist requires an approach that blends creativity with empathy and kindness. It involves using colour, texture and imagination to help people express what words often cannot. They guide others towards healing and self-discovery, helping transformation unfold one brushstroke at a time. With opportunities in hospitals, schools and community spaces, it offers both purpose and growth. For anyone who finds meaning in both art and empathy, art therapy is where passion intersects with healing and making a difference in others’ lives.
