Art therapy combines creative expression with psychotherapy. While many people associate art with relaxation or hobby activities, art therapy is a clinically supported approach designed to help individuals explore emotions, reduce stress and develop self-awareness through a creative process. According to a 2024 review of 50 studies, art therapy is a valuable addition to standard treatment methods.
From drawing and painting to sculpture and collage, art therapy encourages individuals to communicate feelings they may find difficult to express with words. Whether you’re coping with anxiety, trauma, depression or stress, mental health art therapy can serve as a transformative tool for healing and personal growth.
In this guide, we explain what art therapy is, how it works, who it helps and how to get started with this creative mental health treatment approach.
What Is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visual arts as a medium to aid in emotional processing, personal insight and mental wellness. It’s facilitated by licensed or credentialed professionals trained in both mental health and art-based treatment methods.
According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), art therapy integrates mental health therapy and the creative process to improve psychological well-being. It’s not about producing professional artwork. Instead, it’s about using art as a means to explore thoughts, regulate emotions and build resilience.
Art therapy may include:
- Drawing or sketching
- Painting
- Sculpting or working with clay
- Collaging or mixed media
- Digital or photography-based art
You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. The focus is on the process, not the completed artwork.
How Does Art Therapy Work?
Art therapy works by engaging the brain in a nonverbal form of communication, allowing an individual to access emotions they may find difficult to articulate. The creative process provides a safe and structured way to explore trauma, anxiety, grief and other issues.
During a session, the therapist may guide you with a prompt, such as asking you to create a visual of what stress feels like, or allow you to freely create and reflect on the experience. Over time, patterns emerging in your artwork may help uncover suppressed emotions or recurring themes in your life.
Through discussion with the therapist, you can interpret your own art, gain insight into your mental state and develop healthier ways of coping.
What Mental Health Conditions Can Art Therapy Help With?
Art therapy is used in both individual and group settings, and it’s effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, such as:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- PTSD and trauma
- Substance use disorders
- Grief and loss
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Chronic stress
- Behavioral issues in children and teens
Because of its versatility, art therapy is also widely used in schools, hospitals, community centers and rehabilitation programs. It’s especially beneficial for individuals who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, such as children or people with developmental disorders.
Benefits of Art Therapy for Mental Health
Art therapy offers numerous psychological and emotional benefits, including:
1. Expression Without the Need for Words
Some feelings may be too difficult or complex to talk about. Art offers a safe outlet to express anger, sadness, fear and confusion without the need to explain it verbally.
2. Stress Relief
Engaging in a creative task can help lower cortisol levels and calm the nervous system. Even short sessions can reduce anxiety and improve focus.
3. Increased Self-Awareness
Art can reveal unconscious thoughts and feelings. By reflecting on your creations, you can gain deeper insight into your emotional triggers and patterns.
4. Improved Self-Esteem
Creating something meaningful helps foster a sense of accomplishment and agency. This can be especially healing for individuals who feel out of control in other areas of their life.
5. Enhanced Problem-Solving and Coping
Working with materials to bring an idea to life involves decision-making and experimentation, skills that transfer to real-life problem-solving and emotional regulation.
6. Trauma Recovery Support
For individuals who’ve experienced trauma, art therapy provides a nonthreatening way to process painful memories at their own pace, reducing the risk of retraumatization.
What Happens in an Art Therapy Session?
A typical art therapy session lasts 45 to 60 minutes. It may take place one-on-one or in a group setting. Sessions may begin with a check-in and prompt from the therapist or an open invitation to create freely.
A session might focus on:
- Drawing how you feel emotionally
- Creating masks to represent your inner and outer selves
- Collaging your ideal safe space
- Painting through a specific memory
- Sculpting a representation of your anxiety or stress
After creating your artwork, you and your therapist can reflect on the piece together. The therapist may ask open-ended questions such as “What do you notice about your use of color?” or “What does this shape represent to you?” This process can help deepen insight and connect the visual art to your emotional experience.
Art therapy is always tailored to your individual needs, goals and comfort level.
Art Therapy vs. Using Art as a Hobby
While any type of creative activity can be soothing, art therapy differs from creating art as a hobby. It’s guided by trained mental health professionals and incorporates therapeutic techniques to support emotional healing.
Creating art as a hobby can certainly benefit mental health, but because it lacks the reflective and structured therapy components, it may not provide the same level of insight or transformation. Art therapy is also conducted in a safe, confidential environment where emotional expression is supported and explored thoughtfully.
Who Facilitates Art Therapy?
Art therapists are licensed professionals who’ve earned a master’s degree in a creative arts therapy field. They must complete clinical training and meet specific certification or licensure standards to earn credentials where they plan to practice. Nationally, credentials are awarded by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
Look for professionals with credentials such as:
- Registered art therapist (ATR)
- Board certified art therapist (ATR-BC)
- Licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT)
These professionals have specific training in both art and psychology to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic process.
Is Art Therapy Right for You?
You may find art therapy beneficial if you:
- Have trouble talking about your emotions
- Find traditional talk therapy overwhelming or limiting
- Enjoy creative expression or want to explore new ways to heal
- Have experienced trauma, anxiety or mood disorders
- Are looking for a holistic approach to mental wellness
Art therapy isn’t about your creative skill; it’s about how willing you are to explore. You don’t need to be creative to benefit from this form of therapy.
How to Get Started With Mental Health Art Therapy
If you’re interested in exploring mental health art therapy, here are a few ways to begin:
- Ask your therapist or mental health provider for a referral to an art therapist.
- Search the AATA or ATCB online databases to find licensed therapists in your area.
- Check with local hospitals or mental health clinics, many of which offer art therapy as part of their integrated care programs.
- Join a virtual art therapy group, which can be a supportive way to explore from home.
Supporting Your Mental Health Creatively
Conversation doesn’t always help with healing. For many people, the healing process is enabled when they’re being creative with a paintbrush, lump of clay or piece of charcoal.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, recovering from trauma or just feeling emotionally stuck, art therapy may provide you with a creative pathway forward. You may discover things about yourself you didn’t know, or you might feel a little more at peace. No matter where you start, there’s strength in exploring something new.
Get Connected With Support
If you’re considering therapy or looking for ways to support your mental health creatively, reach out to the Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential support. Our caring professionals are available 24-7 to connect you with licensed art therapists or guide you toward the right kind of care.
