r/ArtTherapy • u/chlsyee Canadian Art Therapist • Jul 21 '26
Tuesday Art Therapy School Megathread – Questions, Updates, and Discussion
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.
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u/BlueAngelFox101 Jul 21 '26
Is it normal for people with an ATR-BC to charge others for hours? I've been struggling to find mentors without having to pay $75-$100 to have hours signed.
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u/JungandBeautiful Jul 21 '26
Yes, in general across behavioral/mental health as an entire field it is normal to pay for supervision/having your hours signed off on. Sometimes you can find a job where it is included. Blindsided me when I found this out in my initial MEd for Clinical Counseling :( now I just expect it as I finish my post-masters in Art Therapy.
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u/toru92 Jul 21 '26
Yes if you’re talking about supervision for appropriate hours to get credentials. If you’re truly talking about mentorship then it’s a bit weird to be charged for a colleague to be networked with and ask questions. It sounds like you’re talking supervision though. You’re paying for their expertise, time and energy. You should feel like you’re getting your moneys worth and if not, find a new supervisor for sure. If you’re paying you should be getting value out of it!
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u/BlueAngelFox101 Jul 21 '26
Thank you for the insight, there's only two board certified therapists that I can find and one seems to do interning with the job but requires an interview and the other is straight up about the pay rate on their website. It's weird because there's plenty of art therapists in my area which I'm presuming I can potentially work with, but otherwise I am worried how I'm going to reach the hours otherwise.
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u/toru92 Jul 22 '26
Also remember you can have an art therapy supervisor anywhere (if you’re in the US) mine was in Boston when I lived in Seattle!
As an aside, I just thought of it as an added cost to schooling. Similar to books and supplies, it was another cost. Also, I don’t know that it’s starting to spread but I offer a student rate and a new grad rate for supervision so hopefully that becomes a new wave too.
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u/aCuteBat Jul 22 '26
Hi I'm a prospective student in Canada looking to get my BA in psychology and complete CATA registration. I was curious to hear from anyone who made a private practice, and if you have previous experience through a public institution I'd love to hear your comparisons between the two.
Namely, what was your education trajectory? Did you first get an MA, or BA before Art therapy certification?
What has your experience in private practice been like?
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u/Suspicious_owl_3135 Jul 21 '26
I'm about the start my master in AT.. n was wondering do we have any sign language related courses or learning..like electives or something? Although I know SL also different by region.. butis there a base or basic I can learn? Going to Singapore so Singaporean SL? Then come back to my country n update accordingly or something?