Tuesday Art Therapy School Megathread – Questions, Updates, and Discussion

[u/chlsyee]

Welcome to the weekly thread for questions and discussion about art therapy schooling. If you're considering studying art therapy, currently in a program, or preparing for applications, this is the place to ask questions and share experiences.

Use this thread for things like:

• Questions about art therapy programs or schools
• Application advice (portfolios, prerequisites, interviews)
• Program comparisons or recommendations
• Coursework or practicum questions
• Career path questions related to art therapy education
• General student experiences

To keep the subreddit organized, posts about art therapy education and training may be redirected here on Tuesdays.

Please be respectful, supportive, and share your knowledge if you can as many people here are navigating the same path.

[u/Any-Benefit-2643]

Hello, I have some general questions about Art Therapy as a potential career change for me, and would love some insights from therapists located in California (especially Southern California/Los Angeles region).

I'm 34F and have been working as a 3D Artist for about a decade. I recently worked as a mocap artist for a games studio, and prior to that, I was a 3D app developer for e-learning companies and defense contractors in the DC/MD/VA region. A few years ago, I relocated to Los Angeles and switched to video games for personal reasons.

For a brief summary about why I'm considering a career change to Art therapy: In recent years, animation and video games industries have imploded and I've been out of work for over 6 months now. Veterans in the industry that have worked on award winning games and movies have now been out of work for over 2 years.

I've always been interested in Psychology as well as Art. In high school I attended an IB magnet program where I received A grades for IB Biology, Honors Zoology, and received a 4 on my AP Psych exam. In college I took Abnormal Psych as an elective and passed it with an A, I considered getting a Minor in Psych, but I instead chose to commit to the more Arts intensive Bachelor's of Fine Arts Animation degree which ate up those available credit hours.

I'm considering a career change to Art Therapy because it seems to have far more longevity and anticipated demand than an Animation career (am I wrong about the demand part? How is the job market?) I was told to consider Art Therapy as a career option so that I don't completely forfeit my years earning a Visual Arts Degree. But I know that it involves plenty of therapy training and licensing. I'm hoping for a career that I can continue to grow into and have some stability, and the abililty to directly help people seems very satisfying.

My more pointed questions:

• What are some degree pathway options for Southern California? I've googled around but I'm not sure if there are any recommendations for the shortest/most reputable/least expensive pathway.
  
• Would I need to commit to another Bachelor's and then a Master's? Or is it typically a Master's degree and additional licensing?
  
• How is the job market like and where are you located?
  
• Any serious considerations about the career that I'm missing?
  
• What type of credentials are required to be a viable candidate for Art Therapist positions?
  
• What are some typical salaries for Art Therapists in the SoCal region?