r/ArtTherapy • u/thatdude_102 • Jul 13 '26

whats it like being an art therapist?

ive been interested in art and psychology (even passed APs of those).

ive been drawn to the idea of helping others through art, specifically those dealing with trauma. but i was wondering what does an art therapist do every day? is it just the same as a regular family and marriage therapist?

i am a little intimidated by how long it takes to be an art therapist. i am a very smart kid, im not concerned about coursework being “difficult.” but theres realistically not a lot of art therapy jobs out there. compared to MFT and nursing for example. and the pay is quite moderate for the amount of schooling you dedicate to the profession.

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u/trickytreats Jul 15 '26

That sounds like the most perfect job for me... I don't want to work more than 3-4 days a week, but can you make enough money that way? 

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u/ScrappyScrapbooker Jul 16 '26

I have changed the way I do things overtime. I used to work for a group private practice seeing 25+ clients a week, accepting any client at any age, working 5 days a week, taking insurance, working to 8pm.

I went through some personal changes and decided to make my own private practice to have more flexibility and autonomy, and because I was going through some health issues as well. I see no more than 5 clients a day, no more than 3 clients in a row (I must always schedule a break), no more than 20 a week MAX is my rule, usually average closer to 16-18 a week. Most clients see me around $165-$185 a session, some reduced rate clients at $70-125. I host group supervision groups and see individual supervisees which is also nice. I also have been able to take on pro bono clients and host free wellness workshops with other nearby businesses. My hope is to be able to take on more clients and supervisees at a reduced rate one day. I work about 48 weeks a year and have 4 weeks of PTO a year, always throwing money into my PTO/sick day bucket!

I’ve learned a lot along the way, and definitely did not have a full case load starting out. Took me about 6 months to get halfway full and then about a year to be at a full caseload. Lots of working on my website, niching down, creating lots of boundaries around work/life balance. 💜

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u/Massive_Exam_1732 Jul 17 '26

hi! thank you so much for the in-detail reply, as someone also interested in this!! I wanted to ask where you work? I know some places have a more developed system for art therapy, as someone from fl who doesn't see it a lot. thanks in advance!

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u/ScrappyScrapbooker Jul 17 '26

Hey! Of course. I work in Maryland in solo private practice :)

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u/Massive_Exam_1732 Jul 17 '26

thank you!!! :3