Students who are interested in both art and mental health can prepare to become art therapists at Siena Heights University. Art therapists work with children and adults in private and institutional settings, in one-on-one sessions, and in group meetings.

The American Art Therapy Association defines the profession this way:

Art therapy is an established mental health profession that uses the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight (www.arttherapy.org)

Employment in this field requires the practitioner to hold a Master's degree in Art Therapy. Admission to such programs requires a Bachelor's degree that includes a minimum of 18 semester hours in Studio Art that allow the student to become proficient in a variety of art media, including drawing, painting and sculpture or ceramics. Such programs also require at least 12 semester hours in psychology, including general psychology, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology.

At Siena, we encourage students who are interested in entering this field to complete a major in Art and a minor in psychology. The minor in psychology typically includes an internship experience in art therapy.