How to Find and Check an Art Therapist

Finding a suitable art therapist takes some checking. The title is not the same everywhere, and not every person who offers art sessions is trained in therapy. This page explains how to check credentials in the United States and the United Kingdom, how to search the official register, and what to ask before a first session. It also covers what you can do at home while you look.

Who should you ask first?

Ask a doctor or a licensed mental health professional. They can tell you whether art therapy suits the person you care for, and they can make a referral. If the person has memory loss or dementia, the doctor who knows their history can also suggest a therapist who has experience with it.

If you cannot reach a professional quickly and the person is in distress or at risk, contact a doctor, a crisis line or emergency services.

How do I check credentials in the United States?

Look for the credentials listed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. The American Art Therapy Association describes them:

• ATR (Registered Art Therapist) requires a graduate art therapy education and supervised post-graduate experience.
• ATR-BC (Board Certified) is earned by passing a national exam, in addition to the education and experience requirements.

Some states also license art therapists. Your state’s licensing board can confirm whether a therapist is licensed to practice where you live. Ask the therapist to give you their credential name and number, and check it yourself.

How do I check the register in the United Kingdom?

In the UK, “art therapist” and “art psychotherapist” are protected titles. Practitioners must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The GOV.UK page on art therapist registration explains the requirement.

To check a therapist:

1. Ask for their full name and registration number.
2. Search the HCPC register, which is free to use online.
3. Confirm that the name and the title match what the therapist told you.

If you cannot find the therapist on the register, do not book a session. Ask them to explain.

What should I ask before a first session?

A short list of questions helps you compare options:

• Experience. Have you worked with older adults? With people living with dementia? How many?
• Setting. Where do sessions happen: at a clinic, a care home, your home, or online?
• Cost. What does one session cost? Do you accept insurance or other coverage? Is there a sliding scale?
• Format. What does a typical session look like? How long is it, and how many sessions do people usually have?
• Family. Will family members be involved? How will you talk about progress?
• Stopping. What happens if the person does not want to continue, or if sessions are upsetting?

A good therapist will answer these plainly. If you feel rushed or pressured, that is useful information.

What can we do at home while we look?

Waiting for a referral does not mean nothing can happen. Creative activities at home can be a pleasant part of your week, and they do not need to be called therapy. Some easy starting points are:

• Draw to music, letting lines and colors follow the sound.
• Make a greeting card for someone you both know.
• Arrange flowers together in a jar on the table.

For more ideas that suit different stages, see our arts and crafts guide. For a plain explanation of the difference between art therapy and a creative activity, read art therapy or a creative activity. Caring for someone takes energy too, so make time for your own rest. See our caregiver self-care guide.