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American Art Therapy Association (AATA)

The AATA is the professional organization for art therapists in the US. Art therapy uses creative expression to help children process emotions, cope with trauma, and develop social skills - particularly effective for children who struggle to express themselves verbally.

Founded 1969Alexandria, VA
🧩 Pediatric Therapy

Services & Programs

Cost Information

Art therapy sessions typically cost $80-$200 per hour. Some insurance plans cover art therapy when provided by a licensed mental health professional. Many school-based programs offer art therapy at no cost.

Parent Tip

Art therapy can be especially effective for children who have difficulty expressing emotions through words - including young children, kids with autism, and those who have experienced trauma. Look for a registered art therapist (ATR) or board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is art therapy the same as an art class?
No. Art therapy is a clinical mental health treatment provided by a trained therapist. The focus is not on creating good art but on using the creative process to explore emotions, reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem, and work through difficult experiences.
What credentials should an art therapist have?
Look for ATR (Registered Art Therapist) or ATR-BC (Board Certified). These credentials require a master's degree in art therapy, supervised clinical hours, and passing a national exam.

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