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Art Therapist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Art therapists use creative activities such as drawing, painting, or sculpture to help people explore their emotions, improve mental wellbeing, and cope with trauma or difficult life experiences. They work with individuals or groups who may have a wide range of emotional, behavioural, or mental health issues, including children, the elderly, or those recovering from illness. Art therapists do not focus on artistic skill, but rather on self-expression and therapeutic outcomes. Most art therapists work in healthcare settings like the NHS, schools, community centres, or in private practice. The role involves assessing clients' needs, planning therapy sessions, and keeping detailed records. Empathy, creativity, and excellent communication skills are essential for this career.

Art Therapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Art therapists in the UK typically earn between £32,000 and £41,000 per year on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale.

Job Availability

There are around 1,500 registered art therapists working in the UK, with demand growing in hospitals, schools, and private practice.

Training Requirements

To become an art therapist, you must complete a postgraduate degree in art therapy or art psychotherapy, which is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

🚀 Careers in this path

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Children's Art Therapist

Works specifically with children and young people, using art-based techniques to help them express emotions, cope with difficulties, and improve mental wellbeing.

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Art Psychotherapist in Schools

Delivers art psychotherapy sessions within educational settings, supporting pupils with emotional or behavioural challenges through creative approaches.

Art Therapist for Dementia Care

Specialises in working with older adults who have dementia, using art therapy to stimulate memory, encourage communication, and enhance quality of life.

Build Academic Foundations

Study Relevant Subjects at School

Focus on GCSEs including art and design, psychology, or health and social care.

Choosing subjects like art and design will help you develop creative skills, while psychology and health and social care will give you a good understanding of human behaviour and wellbeing. Aim for at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and maths, as these are required for further study.

Complete Further Education

Take A-levels or equivalent qualifications in art, psychology, or related fields.

Most universities require two or three A-levels, and subjects like art and psychology are particularly relevant. Alternatively, you could pursue a BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design or Health and Social Care. Building a strong portfolio of artwork during this time is also highly recommended.

Gain Higher Education and Experience

Complete an Undergraduate Degree

Earn a degree in art, art therapy, psychology, or a related subject.

A degree in fine art, psychology, or a related field is essential. Some universities may offer degrees specifically in art therapy, but most require you to have a degree in a related subject before progressing to postgraduate study. Try to include modules on mental health or social care if possible.

Gain Relevant Experience

Volunteer or work with vulnerable groups to build practical experience.

Gaining experience with people who have mental health issues, disabilities, or other support needs is crucial. You can volunteer at hospitals, schools, or charities that work with children, older adults, or people with learning disabilities. This experience will strengthen your university applications and help you decide if art therapy is right for you.

Qualify as an Art Therapist

Complete a Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s in Art Therapy

Undertake a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved postgraduate course.

You must complete a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in art therapy or art psychotherapy approved by the HCPC. These courses typically last two years full time or up to three years part time and include supervised clinical placements. You will need a portfolio of artwork and relevant experience to apply.

Register with the HCPC

Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise as an art therapist.

After successfully completing your postgraduate training, you must register with the HCPC to legally practise as an art therapist in the UK. Registration shows you meet the required standards for your profession and must be renewed regularly.

🎯 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.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

Both art therapist and play therapist utilise creative arts as a means of therapeutic intervention, often working with children and vulnerable clients to promote emotional well-being. Their approaches are similar in integrating artistic activities into therapy sessions to support psychological healing and development.

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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