2 answers
Briryse
Student
Marysville, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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What education is required to become an art or music therapist? What does a typical day look like in these fields?
I was wondering what education is required to become a music or art therapist. Is there a scholarship available for either? Also, would it be possible to combine both into one experience and can you only do one at a time? I would like to do both at the same time because I like both art and music and find it interesting that I can use things that I love to help other people.
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2 answers
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
120
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Briryse, Good questions!
To work as a certified art, music, or expressive arts therapist you will first need an undergraduate degree (such as a BA or BS). Then you need to attend a graduate program (Master's). I recommend attending a program that has a dual degree in clinical counseling (marriage/family counseling, child/family counseling, psychology) with added coursework in the arts. My recommendation comes from my own educational choice(s). Currently there is no state licensure for arts therapies. Bear with me because it gets a bit complicated! After you complete your grad program, you will first apply for an associate license with the (state) department of health. Then you will gain post-graduate hours working with clients and also in your own professional supervision. A last step will be to take the state licensing exam for your specific license (such as LMHC, MFT, CFT, LPC). As for the art or music therapy piece, you will also need to gain hours working with clients and have supervision, but it will not be regulated by the state. This will be reported directly to the Association. Mine (art therapy) is AATA, the American Association of Art Therapy. AMTA is the American Music Therapy Association. First you apply for a provisional license. Once you gain all the hours required (per association), you can take an exam (yep, another!). After you pass you can then take on the extra credential (different from license) of art therapist, music therapist, or expressive arts therapist! If it sounds like a lot, that is because it is. But you make your way through it as everyone does. It can take anywhere from 2-4 years or more post- graduation. But first, (getting back to your bachelor's degree) plan to study a combination of psychology and fine arts or music. This way you will have your pre-req's covered. I did not take psychology in undergrad and took the three classes I needed at local community colleges prior to my MA application. I had my fine arts coursework covered as I was an undergraduate art student. Another thing most graduate schools ask is that you have a certain number of hours in therapy as a client. You may be able to do this while you are a graduate student. FYI expressive arts encompass all the arts- music, art, dance, drama, and creative writing. There are also programs in drama therapy and dance therapy. This is a career that counts on you wanting to be a lifelong learner. You will gain continuing education hours every year. If you miss studying something as a student, there will be time enough to explore it later.
I suggest focusing on the next two steps only. As for scholarships, look at the school websites, contact financial aid departments, and look at the professional association (for whatever path of study you choose). If possible, look up a music or art therapist in your area you can meet with to see their workspace or talk about their personal career trajectory.
As for your second question about a day in the life, it will be different depending upon many factors. Typical work environments may include community mental health, street outreach, hospital clinic, crisis center or hotline, school counseling center, integrative health clinic, group private practice, or your own private practice. Some positions are more sedentary than others, involving more sitting. Some require driving or visiting various locations such as school or home(s). In a private practice you have the most autonomy to create an ideal environment. You might have art supplies, meditation pillows, toys, puzzles, sand tray(s), musical instruments, and space for movement. I have worked in all kinds of situations with children, youth, adults, and in geriatrics. There will always be a component involving direct contact- providing therapy services. Each service or session will need to be charted for insurance or auditing purposes. You will learn how to chart for a medical record while a graduate intern. If you are billing for insurance, you will also need to provide a psychiatric diagnosis for the identified patient. Sometimes you may have clients complete screening tools or assessments to determine their state of mind and general mood. Psychologists (requiring a doctorate degree) have the chance to provide more complex testing and to diagnose developmental disorders such as ADHD or Autism. As you learn and grow you will naturally figure out what kind of work you most enjoy; you will also develop your skillset- which takes time.
Consider this all a process and a commitment. If this is something you truly want to pursue, the field definitely needs more people wanting to make a difference. It can be challenging work at times but also very satisfying to help others live more productive, meaningful, and healthy lives. You will also be changed significantly by doing this work! I can 100% say I am a better person because of what I do as a psychotherapist.
To work as a certified art, music, or expressive arts therapist you will first need an undergraduate degree (such as a BA or BS). Then you need to attend a graduate program (Master's). I recommend attending a program that has a dual degree in clinical counseling (marriage/family counseling, child/family counseling, psychology) with added coursework in the arts. My recommendation comes from my own educational choice(s). Currently there is no state licensure for arts therapies. Bear with me because it gets a bit complicated! After you complete your grad program, you will first apply for an associate license with the (state) department of health. Then you will gain post-graduate hours working with clients and also in your own professional supervision. A last step will be to take the state licensing exam for your specific license (such as LMHC, MFT, CFT, LPC). As for the art or music therapy piece, you will also need to gain hours working with clients and have supervision, but it will not be regulated by the state. This will be reported directly to the Association. Mine (art therapy) is AATA, the American Association of Art Therapy. AMTA is the American Music Therapy Association. First you apply for a provisional license. Once you gain all the hours required (per association), you can take an exam (yep, another!). After you pass you can then take on the extra credential (different from license) of art therapist, music therapist, or expressive arts therapist! If it sounds like a lot, that is because it is. But you make your way through it as everyone does. It can take anywhere from 2-4 years or more post- graduation. But first, (getting back to your bachelor's degree) plan to study a combination of psychology and fine arts or music. This way you will have your pre-req's covered. I did not take psychology in undergrad and took the three classes I needed at local community colleges prior to my MA application. I had my fine arts coursework covered as I was an undergraduate art student. Another thing most graduate schools ask is that you have a certain number of hours in therapy as a client. You may be able to do this while you are a graduate student. FYI expressive arts encompass all the arts- music, art, dance, drama, and creative writing. There are also programs in drama therapy and dance therapy. This is a career that counts on you wanting to be a lifelong learner. You will gain continuing education hours every year. If you miss studying something as a student, there will be time enough to explore it later.
I suggest focusing on the next two steps only. As for scholarships, look at the school websites, contact financial aid departments, and look at the professional association (for whatever path of study you choose). If possible, look up a music or art therapist in your area you can meet with to see their workspace or talk about their personal career trajectory.
As for your second question about a day in the life, it will be different depending upon many factors. Typical work environments may include community mental health, street outreach, hospital clinic, crisis center or hotline, school counseling center, integrative health clinic, group private practice, or your own private practice. Some positions are more sedentary than others, involving more sitting. Some require driving or visiting various locations such as school or home(s). In a private practice you have the most autonomy to create an ideal environment. You might have art supplies, meditation pillows, toys, puzzles, sand tray(s), musical instruments, and space for movement. I have worked in all kinds of situations with children, youth, adults, and in geriatrics. There will always be a component involving direct contact- providing therapy services. Each service or session will need to be charted for insurance or auditing purposes. You will learn how to chart for a medical record while a graduate intern. If you are billing for insurance, you will also need to provide a psychiatric diagnosis for the identified patient. Sometimes you may have clients complete screening tools or assessments to determine their state of mind and general mood. Psychologists (requiring a doctorate degree) have the chance to provide more complex testing and to diagnose developmental disorders such as ADHD or Autism. As you learn and grow you will naturally figure out what kind of work you most enjoy; you will also develop your skillset- which takes time.
Consider this all a process and a commitment. If this is something you truly want to pursue, the field definitely needs more people wanting to make a difference. It can be challenging work at times but also very satisfying to help others live more productive, meaningful, and healthy lives. You will also be changed significantly by doing this work! I can 100% say I am a better person because of what I do as a psychotherapist.
Thank you very much for your detailed answer. This is the exact answer I was hoping to get.
Briryse
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
For the therapist side, a psychology or counseling degree is usually helpful and a good knowledge base for supporting others. I like the idea of the music/art element. By doing a major and a minor, you could have the educational background to support your chosen career path.
Thank you for you response Mr Dees that was helpful but what educational field should I work on
Andres