Art therapist

Art therapists plan and manage art therapy programmes to improve clients' physical, mental or emotional wellbeing.

Also known as

Creative arts therapist, arts therapist, expressive arts therapist, visual arts therapist, drama therapist, dance therapist, creative writing therapist

Work environment

  • Usually work irregular hours and may work part time
  • Usually work in community health centres, private clinics, hospitals, prisons and schools and may travel locally
  • May do emotionally demanding work
  • Need to be creative, organised and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$50K-$106K 50000

Typical tasks

  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments
  • Record patient medical histories
  • Develop treatment plans that use non-medical therapies
  • Treat patients using psychological therapies
  • Evaluate patient outcomes to determine effectiveness of treatments
  • Analyse patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals
  • Collaborate with health care professionals to plan or provide treatment
  • Interact with patients to build rapport or provide emotional support
  • Prepare reports summarising patient diagnostic or care activities
  • Select medical equipment for addressing patient needs

Outlook

Art therapy is a small, developing profession in New Zealand. Interest is supported by wider efforts to improve mental health and wellbeing services, and by international evidence on the value of arts-based approaches. However, funding and the availability of roles can vary between services and regions. Art therapists are also adapting to more culturally responsive practice and, where appropriate, online delivery.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Empathy, active listening and respectful communication
  • Cultural safety and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
  • Ability to build trusting professional relationships
  • Creativity used thoughtfully to support therapeutic goals
  • Strong observation, assessment and record-keeping skills
  • Ethical judgement, professional boundaries and ongoing learning

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.