Qualification and registration requirements

Masters Degree in Art Therapy or other qualifications as deemed appropriate by the employer such as: Bachelors Degree in Art Education; Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts with related qualifications in Psychology, Child Development, Mental health or Occupational Therapy. Registration with a professional body such as ANZATA.

What is an Art Therapist?

Art Therapists provide assessment and relevant art interventions that have therapeutic benefits for patients and their families. They may be employed in adult and paediatric hospital settings, aged care, rehabilitation units, mental health, counselling services, private practice, sexual assault units or palliative care.

What does an Art Therapist do?

Interventions may be conducted in individual or group settings. Art therapy interventions may provide an outlet for self-expression of emotions relating to hospitalisation, ongoing treatment or to express emotions which are difficult to verbalise. Art therapy can address rehabilitation of fine motor skills and development of new neural pathways in the context of brain injury or as intervention in the form of arts psychotherapy with the aim to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Related links

www.anzata.org
www.acata.org.au

For information on how to gain recognition of allied health qualifications obtained overseas please contact the relevant professional association as per the weblinks above.