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Art Therapist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Art therapists use creative processes like painting, drawing, and sculpture to help people express and manage their emotions. Working with clients of all ages, they support individuals dealing with mental health conditions, disabilities, trauma, or social difficulties. Art therapy is not about teaching art or judging artistic skill, but about providing a safe space for clients to explore their feelings and experiences through creative expression. Art therapists often work in hospitals, schools, mental health services, community organisations, and private practice. The role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Art Therapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Art therapists in the UK typically earn between £32,306 and £39,027 per year within the NHS, with more experienced therapists earning upwards of £45,000.

Job Availability

There are approximately 2,000 registered art therapists in the UK, with job opportunities in the NHS, private practice, and charities.

Qualification Required

A postgraduate degree in art therapy, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), is mandatory to practise.

🚀 Careers in this path

Children's Art Therapist

Specialises in using art therapy techniques to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children in schools or healthcare settings.

Art Psychotherapist for Adolescents

Works primarily with teenagers, helping them express and process emotions through creative art activities in mental health services.

Art Therapist in Palliative Care

Provides art therapy to patients with life-limiting illnesses, supporting their emotional and psychological needs in hospices or hospitals.

Gain Relevant Education

Complete GCSEs and A Levels or Equivalent

Achieve good grades in GCSEs, focusing on subjects such as art, psychology, and biology. Progress to A levels or equivalent courses, ideally including art and a social science.

Strong grades in creative subjects like art as well as psychology or biology will help you gain a place on an undergraduate degree. Some colleges may offer BTECs or other qualifications in art or health and social care, which are also relevant.

Obtain a Relevant Undergraduate Degree

Complete a degree in art or a related subject, such as fine art, design, or psychology.

Most art therapy postgraduate training courses in the UK require an undergraduate degree in art or a closely related field. You will need a portfolio of your own artwork, so keep a record of your creative work during your studies.

Specialise with Postgraduate Training

Complete an Approved Postgraduate Course in Art Therapy

Apply for and complete a postgraduate course in art therapy or art psychotherapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Art therapy postgraduate courses usually last two years full-time or up to four years part-time. Entry requirements include an undergraduate degree, a strong portfolio, and some experience of working with vulnerable people. Courses combine academic study with practical placements.

Register and Gain Practical Experience

Register with the HCPC

Register as an art therapist or art psychotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise legally in the UK.

Registration is a legal requirement and shows employers and clients that you meet national standards. The HCPC website provides details of the application process and the standards you must meet.

Find Work and Continue Professional Development

Seek employment in settings such as the NHS, schools, community organisations, or private practice. Engage in ongoing professional development and consider joining the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).

Art therapists work with people of all ages and backgrounds. Many jobs are advertised within the NHS, charities, or education. Continuing professional development (CPD) is important in this field, helping you keep your skills up to date and providing opportunities for supervision and networking.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Art Therapist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

Both art therapists and play therapists use creative and expressive approaches to support mental health and emotional well-being. They often work with children or individuals requiring therapeutic interventions that incorporate the arts, making their professional roles closely aligned in terms of qualifications and therapeutic techniques.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You'll need to complete a degree followed by a postgraduate qualification approved by the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK.

Your undergraduate degree should be in a related subject like:

  • psychology
  • early childhood studies
  • mental health nursing
  • social work
  • education

You'll also need experience of working with children in professions like teaching, nursing, counselling, therapy or social work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a Play Therapist Level 7 Higher Apprenticeship.

This typically takes 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • experience in related work 

  • a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

More Information

Registration

Career tips

If you have an interest in play therapy and work in a profession like teaching, nursing, counselling or social work you may be able to take an introductory course to find out more about it.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in play therapy from the British Association of Play Therapists and Play Therapy UK.

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