What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Creative arts therapists use art, dance, drama, and music as therapeutic tools to address mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They work with clients of all ages, including those with mental or physical health challenges, using creative expression to help resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Therapists may work individually or in groups and are often part of a multidisciplinary team. Their approach combines creative processes with psychotherapeutic methods to supplement traditional “talk” therapy and foster personal growth and change.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Creative arts therapists work in settings like hospitals, schools, shelters, and group homes. They usually work 40 hours a week but may have evening and weekend shifts to serve diverse populations in non traditional settings.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Median annual salary: $61,541
Entry-level annual salary: $45,281
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors, including creative arts therapists, are expected to grow statewide by 25% between 2022 and 2032, with 3,121 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
For creative arts therapists, undergraduate education should include one of the arts as well as psychology courses. While some colleges offer an undergraduate degree in creative arts therapy, a master’s or doctorate is required for licensure in New York. Advanced programs cover fine arts, psychotherapy, and clinical internships. All programs are undergoing or have completed accreditation.
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed as a creative arts therapist in New York, individuals must have a master’s or doctorate in a creative arts therapy accredited program or equivalent, 1,500 contact hours under a qualified supervisor, and pass either the ATCB, CBMT, or New York State Case Narrative Exam.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department:
http://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/creative-arts-therapists/license-requirements
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
Art Therapists
American Art Therapy Association: https://arttherapy.org/scholarships/
Music Therapists
American Music Therapy Association (AMTA): https://www.musictherapy.org/careers/scholars/
Dance Therapists
American Dance Therapy Association: https://www.adta.org/apply-for-a-grant#educationalgrants
Drama Therapists
Drama Therapy Fund: https://www.dramatherapyfund.org/
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Syracuse University | MS | Syracuse | Central NY | Visit |
The Community Health Workers Association of Rochester | Certificate | Rochester | Finger Lakes | Visit |
School of Visual Arts | MPS | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Pratt Institute | MPS | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
New York University | MA | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Nazareth University | MS | Rochester | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Long Island University | MA | Brookville | Long Island | Visit |
Hofstra University | MA | Hempstead | Long Island | Visit |