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Art therapist

Alternative titles for this job include Art psychotherapist

Art therapists help people express difficult thoughts, feelings and emotions through creative activities.

Average salary (a year)

£40,000 Starter

to

£57,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need to complete a postgraduate master's qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Full-time postgraduate courses normally take 2 years to complete. Part-time courses can take 3 to 4 years.

You'll need a related first degree to apply for a postgraduate course. Subjects include:

  • visual arts
  • creative therapeutic arts
  • psychology
  • nursing
  • social work
  • education

Most institutions will also ask that you have at least 1 year's work experience in your chosen field, for example in community arts or working with vulnerable people.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply to do an Arts Therapist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship with an organisation like a healthcare trust.

This normally takes around 2 years to complete and is at postgraduate level. You should talk to your employer about potential apprenticeship opportunities.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Volunteering

You can get paid or volunteering experience with:

  • community arts projects
  • youth work charities
  • disabled people
  • people with mental health issues

Volunteering in the NHS is also a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

You can also find opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do it.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You could do an introduction or foundation course in art therapy to get an idea of what the work involves.

When applying for jobs with the health service, you would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the British Association of Art Therapists for access to news, resources, professional development training and networking opportunities.

Further information

You'll find more details about a career in art therapy from the British Association of Art Therapists and Health Careers.

You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions through the Psychological Professions Network.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • knowledge of psychology
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • ability in the visual arts
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an art therapist, you could:

  • communicate with clients to learn more about them and their needs
  • build trusting relationships with clients
  • create tailored art therapy sessions for individuals and groups of all ages
  • help clients to express their feelings and emotions through art activities
  • support clients in coming to terms with issues they face
  • encourage clients to move on in a positive way
  • maintain accurate case file notes on a computer system

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a school, in a prison or in the community.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

As your career develops, you may wish to specialise in working with particular groups, for example, clients with:

  • learning disabilities
  • emotional, behavioural or mental health issues
  • speech and language difficulties
  • an injury, illness or addiction

With experience, you could become a senior art therapist, supervise a team of creative therapists, or manage an art therapy unit in a hospital or the community.

You could become self employed and work as an art therapy consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an art therapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Diploma in Art and Design

  • Provider: SHEFFIELD COLLEGE, THE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: SHEFFIELD

Diploma in Art and Design

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2027
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Related careers

Psychotherapist

Music therapist

Fine artist

Dramatherapist

Play therapist

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