Schools for an Art Therapist in Ohio

Art therapy is a profession that employs the creative process of art to help individuals, families and groups resolve psychological problems and improve well-being. Art therapists combine healing with a range of art skills, and the therapy works by using artistic self-expression to understand and manage psychological issues. Despite being home to only two art therapy schools, Ohio has "led the way in the development of innovative art therapy programs that have become national models," according to the Buckeye Art Therapy Association.

Capital University, Columbus

• The bachelor of arts in art therapy, and double major with psychology, social work and art education program is the only undergraduate art therapy program in Ohio. A master's degree in art therapy is required to qualify to practice, but the bachelor's degree is a strong foundation for any student pursuing a career in this area. It is a four-year program with a number of wide-ranging subjects, from art therapy to psychology and studio art. The degree requirements include 26 hours of art therapy, 13 hours of psychology, three hours of art history and 18 hours of studio art.

Ursuline College, Pepper Pike

• Ursuline was originally a women's college and was founded in 1871. A small private school with a 1,500-strong student body, it offers the only graduate art therapy and counseling program in Ohio. It's described as a "unique professional program" because when students graduate, they're eligible not only for credentialing as art therapists but also for licensing as professional clinical counselors. Art therapists are required to hold a master's degree in art therapy or a related field such as: theories of art therapy, counseling and psychotherapy; ethics and standards of practice; research methods. They must also have gained practical and supervised clinical experience in a relevant environment.

Buckeye Art Therapy Association

• The Ohio state chapter of the American Art Therapy Association, the Buckeye Art Therapy Association is one of the largest and oldest of its kind in the country. A nonprofit professional organization serving art therapy students, practitioners and individuals, it educates the public about the profession, promotes its use as an effective treatment and encourages the development of professional training opportunities. The association also provides a forum for the exchange of information between individuals and institutions involved with art therapy in Ohio. The association is the central starting point for anyone wanting to connect with the Ohio art therapy community.

Art Therapy Education Standards

• The American Art Therapy Association establishes, promotes and maintains educational standards among U.S. practitioners. To qualify as a certified professional, students must complete the relevant undergraduate courses specified by this association and the required master's degree program. Schools must be accredited by the Council for Higher Education and the Art Therapy Education Standards Education Program Approval Board. The recognized professional standards for art therapists are the ATR (registered art therapist) and ATR-BC (board certified art-therapist).