Lesley University’s Master’s program in Expressive Therapies: Art Therapy with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling equips students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to become an effective, qualified art therapist.
• Qualify for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential
• Qualify for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential in Massachusetts
• Graduate with a degree approved by the American Art Therapy Association
• Gain extensive, valuable field experience
• Learn from leaders in the fields of art therapy and expressive therapies
• Study full-time or part-time
The 60-credit Art Therapy program is ideal for visual artists who wish to use a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpting, and other media) to promote positive intrapersonal and interpersonal change with diverse populations. Art therapy is practiced in a variety of settings in the fields of mental health, rehabilitation, disease prevention, education, childcare, and geriatrics.
At Lesley University, Art Therapy students develop practical skills through self-reflection, collaboration with expert faculty and peers, and 1050 hours of field experience. Direct, supervised contact with clients from a range of populations is required so that you can leave the program fully prepared for professional practice.
View the program of study for the Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies: Art Therapy w/ a Specialization in Mental Health Counseling
Low-Residency Option
The M.A. in Art Therapy is now offered in a low-residency learning
model.
Learn more.
Sample Course Descriptions
Theories in Art Therapy
3 credits
Prepares students for the clinical practice of art therapy. Introduces a continuum of approaches from art as therapy to art psychotherapy with emphasis on the creative and therapeutic processes. Focuses on the experience, understanding and application of group dynamics in the core seminar as well as other groups.
Art Therapy Assessment
3 credits
This course examines the fundamentals of art therapy assessments from standardized to unstructured approaches and helps students understand the role of assessment in art therapy treatment. Students will learn to administer assessments and develop clinical writing skills necessary to complete clinical assessment reports. The course will focus on helping students learn to think critically and ethically about the use and limitations of art therapy assessments with different populations, developmental levels, and cultures.
Research and Evaluation
3 credits
This course introduces students to a range of research approaches in the social sciences, counseling, and expressive therapy. Qualitative and quantitative research methods, program evaluation, and critical evaluation of research studies are taught. Examination of the ethical guidelines for conducting research, issues of diversity in research and program evaluation, and familiarity with the research process are addressed.
Faculty Spotlight
Michaela Kirby
Assistant Professor, Art Therapy; Director of Field Training
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Michele Forinash
Professor of Expressive Therapies; Director of the Doctoral Program in Expressive Therapies
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