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Art Therapists

Uses making art to help people heal and express themselves.

Typical education to startBachelor's degree
Job outlook2025–2035: +13%
Median pay$77,930 a year (2025)
Interest codeSA Social, Artistic

Read the full guide

Art therapists use drawing, painting and sculpture to help people work through trauma, illness, grief and mental health challenges, in hospitals, schools, rehab centers and private practice.

Open the art therapist guide

The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.

High school courses that build toward it

  • Psychology · Social Studies

    Builds psychology, which this job uses.

  • Band · Arts

    Builds art and music, which this job uses.

  • Child Development · Career and Technical

    Builds psychology, which this job uses.

  • Health and Wellness · Health and PE

    Builds psychology, which this job uses.

  • Creative Writing · English

    Builds reading and writing, which this job uses.

Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.

Art Therapists on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.