Art therapy is for all ages: children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Art therapy is used with groups, families or individually.

Art therapists are masters level professionals who hold a degree in art therapy or a related field. Educational requirements include: theories of art therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy; ethics and standards of practice; assessment and evaluation; individual, group, and family techniques; human and creative development; multicultural issues; research methods; and practicum experiences in clinical, community, and/or other settings. Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media) for assessment and treatment.

Approximately 200 Art Therapists work in Maryland in settings ranging from the National Institute of Health to the public school system. The Maryland Art Therapy Association was founded to support the profession and ensure the highest quality of care.  In Maryland, Art Therapists are currently providing services to clients at:

Arundel Lodge
Foundation School
Katherine Thomas School
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Good Samaritan Hospital of Baltimore
Hearts and Homes for Youth
National Institute of Health
Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health System
Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents
Rita Project, Inc.
Riverside Treatment Services
Sheppard Pratt Health System
Springfield Hospital
Washington Adventists Hospital
YMCA of Central Maryland

In Washington, DC:
Children’s National Medical Center
Georgetown Hospital/Lombardi Center
IONA Senior Services
Miriam’s Kitchen
McClendon Center
Psychiatric Institute of Washington
Walter Reed Army Medical Clinic
Whitman Walker Clinic

An art therapist provides children with a vehicle for self-expression, communication, and growth. Art therapy is a process, focused on the child’s experience during art-making and less on the finished product. The child’s associations to the artwork are relevant to the therapy.

Art therapists in the schools are trained in both art and psychology, which prepares them to provide services to all students, regardless of age,cultural background or developmental needs.

Art Therapy qualifies, under PL 92-142 (now IDEA), as a professional service for all children in special education, and can be requested by the child’s parent or guardian. The vehicle for this service is the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Art Therapy may be beneficial in addressing all seven areas of performance enumerated in the IEP:

1. Academic/Cognitive
2. Communicative Status
3. Motor and Perceptual Skills
4. Prevocational/Vocational Skills
5. Self-Help Skills
6. Social/Emotional Status

Art therapy has been under-represented in the IEP, however, art therapists are trained to work in school settings with all grade levels, age groups and populations. If you would like to recieve services from a professional art therapist, please contact the Maryland Art Therapy Association. 
In a school setting, art therapists can work with students who have special needs due to the following:
Anxiety
Autism
Developmental Disorders
Depression
Eating Disorders
Substance Abuse
Self Injury
Family Changes / Conflicts
Abuse
Domestic Violence
Social Anxiety
School Phobia
Trauma and Loss
Physical limits
Neurological limits
Medical iIlness

Do I need to be an artist to do art therapy?

No, art therapy is for everyone. All you need is a willingness to express yourself! The goal is self-expression, with the emphasis on the creative process rather than on technique or skill. In fact, you don’t even need to know how to draw a straight line!

Is art therapy just for kids?

Art therapy is good for any age! Everyone from children to the elderly can benefit greatly from self expression with art materials.

Is an art therapist a “real� therapist?

Yes, art therapists are required to take similar coursework to many other mental health professionals. They are also required to have a Masters degree and do hundreds of hours of supervised work with clients before they can practice art therapy.

What kinds of issues can art therapy help?

Art therapy can be used to address a number of issues including eating disorders, substance abuse, autism, developmental delay, psychiatric disorders, ADHD, trauma, depression, grief and loss, self-injurious behavior, and PTSD or hospice.

What is a typical session like?

Though each session will vary based on the needs of the client, a typical session will begin with some introduction and check in. Then there will be time for a creative process, perhaps based on the issues that came up in the talking. Then, there will be time for sharing and ending the session. Some clients perfer to work on their art outside of session and bring it in to process with the art therapist.

What kinds of materials might I use in a session?

You will use what you are comfortable with and you will have guidance from the art therapist in choosing materials. Some materials may include-picture cut outs from magazines, photographs from home, clay, sand, paint, and drawing materials like pastels or pencils or even found objects.

Can an art therapist be my primary therapist?

Art Therapists are qualified professionals that have similar training to many other mental health professionals.

I already have a therapist. Can I still do art therapy?

Yes, art therapy can bring new vision and insight into your work with your therapist.

Can I claim art therapy services on my health insurance?

There are art therapists in this area that have additional mental health licenses that enable them to provide art therapy to people with insurance. Please check with your individual art therapist.