Morgan Hooper

o Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and psychology. o To start with, an art therapist will assess a patient to determine if art therapy is the appropriate form of treatment for him or her. The therapist may then select a suitable form of art therapy or let the patient pick one of his or her own choice. The art therapist makes the necessary art materials available to the patient. o The patient is then encouraged to work on the artwork. The art therapist may provide guidance, but does not tell the patient what to do. Once the artwork is complete, the therapist may discuss it with the patient.

 Art therapy is most known to help kids with ADHD. But it can also help kids suffering from anxiety, OCD, Bipolar, Depression, and addictions. Children who have experienced trauma, challenges in living, or seek personal development should take on art therapy  Art is known to slow down the mind. If a child suffering mentally from any of these conditions takes on art therapy they can learn how to channel their energy and express themselves in a way that is not self destructive.

 Art therapists start off with a mean salary of about $29479 to $35500.

 Because this is not a well known job there is only one accredited school that offers undergraduate studies for art therapy in Ohio. However, you are able to get a double masters degree in both art and therapy at most colleges in Ohio but it would require more course work.  The colleges that have Art therapy as its own section include: Capital University, Arcadia University, Marywood University, University of the Arts.

 The college that I would prefer to go to would be Capital University mainly because it’s in Ohio and only a couple hours away from home.

 Your transcripts and the following college prep requirements  4 English classes  3 math classes (including Algebra II)  3 science classes (including two lab sciences)  3 social studies classes  2 foreign language classes  1 fine arts class  Your ACT or SAT test scores  Middle 50% GPA:  Middle 50% ACT score:  Middle 50% SAT score:  Application  Counselor Information Form

 Capital University scholarships fall into five basic categories:  Merit awards Brockman Fellowship Collegiate Fellowship Capital Scholars Award Presidential Scholarship Capital Grant Rev. Rufus Tarrant Grant  Lutheran scholarships Children of Pastors Lutheran Heritage Grant Partners in Education  Music scholarships Music Scholarship Music Grant  Scholarships for Ohio students Battelle Scholarship  Targeted scholarships Alumni Award Discover Capital Grant ROTC Sibling Discount

 $29,310 for full-time undergraduate students (12-18 hours)  $977 per credit hour for part-time enrollment (1-11 hours)  $977 per credit hour overload charge (hours over 18)  Initial administrative fee for new freshmen $200 (one-time)  Books, supplies, transportation, personal expenses* $3,500-$3,900/year

 Double (shared) room and 225-meal plan is $3,932 per semester or $7,864 a year  Single room and 225-meal plan is $ 4,417 per semester or $8,834 a year  Cap Commons Apartment (4-person occupancy) is $3,460 per year for each resident or $13,840 per apartment a year  College Avenue Residence Hall suite-style double (shared) room and 225-meal plan is $4,532 per semester or $9,064 a year  College Avenue Residence Hall suite-style single room and 225-meal plan is $4,982 per semester or $9,964 a year  Capital University Apartments (2 students per apartment) is $6,800 for 9 months and $8,600 for 12 months billed per student per term)  Summer School housing is $125 per week

 175-meal plan: subtract $182 per semester  125-meal plan: subtract $367 per semester  75-meal plan for juniors or seniors: subtract $447 per semester

A minimum of 24 semester credits (or 36 quarter-hour credits) of art therapy content is required. You will need to have either a double major in both Art and Therapy or you can take the program of art therapy but you will also have to do a little bit of graduate studies as well. You will be taking classes that teach about all different types of art and psychology as well as classes relating to. You will need to take a class over the history of art therapy and also need to have a set amount of hours as an intern and 1.5 hours of just observation.

 Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, and families to assess and treat:  anxiety, depression, and other mental/emotional problems  mental illness  substance abuse and other addictions  family and relationship issues  abuse and domestic violence  social/emotional difficulties related to disability or illness  personal trauma, post traumatic stress disorder and loss  physical, cognitive, and neurological problems  psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness

 If you’re considering this career, keep in mind that an art therapist needs certain personal qualities – such as sensitivity, empathy, emotional stability, patience, interpersonal skills, insight into human behavior, and an understanding of artistic media. An art therapist must also be an attentive listener and a keen observer. Flexibility and a sense of humor are also invaluable.

 Art therapists work in a wide variety of settings -- to name a few:  Hospitals and clinics, both medical and psychiatric  Out-patient mental health agencies and day treatment facilities  Residential treatment centers  Domestic violence and homeless shelters  Community agencies and non-profit settings  Sheltered workshops  Schools, colleges, and universities  Correctional facilities  Elder care facilities  Art studios  Private practice

 This job is not a very common job and due to this it is going to be difficult finding a job as an Art Therapist. Most Art Therapists have found jobs in hospitals and have gotten the opportunity to focus on art and others end up starting their own practice.

 Most of the big cities offer the best job markets for art therapists.  Out of all the big cities in the U.S. the best place to obtain an art therapy career would be New York City.