Art Therapy
Creative methods of expression through visual art media.
Creative Arts Therapy is a profession that uses active engagement in the arts to address mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral disorders. Creative Arts Therapy uses the relationship between the patient and therapist in the context of the artistic process as a dynamic force for change. It can also be used to manage stress and promote mental and physical health.
Creative Arts Therapists are trained in psychotherapy and in specific arts disciplines, which may include dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy and art therapy. They have training in areas that include clinical practice and human development as well as the use of the creative arts to provide appropriate services, and multicultural and artistic traditions.
By guiding patients to create and reflect on art and the artistic process, Creative Arts Therapists help people increase awareness of self and others, cope with the symptoms of stress, illness and trauma, and enhance cognitive abilities. They help their patients improve self-esteem, develop more effective communications skills and relationships, gain insight into patterns of behavior, and create new options for coping with problems.
Creative Arts Therapists use assessment instruments and mental health counseling and psychotherapy to identify, evaluate and treat dysfunctions and disorders for the purpose of providing appropriate services. Creative Arts Therapists help people with chronic illnesses, substance abuse problems, and physical or developmental disabilities, learning disabilities and other mental health needs.
The Creative Arts Therapist may work as a part of a team that determines and implements a program to address the patient’s needs. They may work in a private practice or with other licensed therapists in other settings authorized to provide professional services.
In cases of sustained treatment of a serious mental illness, the patient must be evaluated by a physician. The Creative Arts Therapist must consult with the physician regarding the illness and the physician must advise whether any medical care is needed.
Only licensed Creative Arts Therapists may practice the profession and use the title. They may not prescribe or administer medications. To determine whether Creative Arts Therapy services are covered by insurance, review your plan’s benefits with your insurance provider.
New York licensed Creative Arts Therapists must display a current New York registration certificate. This certificate lists the professional’s name, address, and dates of the registration period. Therapists must re-register every three years to practice in New York.