The following Art Therapy Training Programs have been approved by The Canadian Art Therapy Association.
Art Therapy Training Programs (accredited by CATA)
These programs include post-graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and master’s degrees; on-site or distance learning in art therapy, with content comparable to similar clinical graduate studies.
Vancouver Art Therapy Institute
British Columbia
- Web: vati.bc.ca
- Email: io.ca
- Offers distance program
British Columbia School of Art Therapy
British Columbia
Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
British Columbia
- Web: www.kutenaiarttherapy.com
- Email: ni_arerap.ca
- Offers distance program
Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy
Alberta
- Web: pieat.ca
- Email: carentelslanne
- Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Quebec
- Web: programmes.uqat.ca/ (French)
- Email: Di.ageuqaa
Scholarships and Bursaries from CATA
The Canadian Art Therapy Association provide Scholarships and Bursaries to selected individuals who are studying to become accredited Art Therapists. Download the CATA Scholarships and Bursaries application here.
To get answers to a question about scholarships and bursaries please contact: a.busa.ca.
What training/education does an Art Therapist need to have?
In Canada a Bachelor of Arts (art and psychology courses are recommended) is required before entering one of the Art Therapy programs. These programs include post-graduate diplomas, graduate diplomas, and Master’s degree programs (See the table above).
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour, and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.
Who can benefit from Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is effective for people of any age. An art therapist works with individuals, couples, families, or groups in settings such as counseling agencies, schools, treatment centers, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, correctional institutes, and elder care locations.
What is a Typical Salary for an Art Therapist?
Salaries range depending on whether an art therapist is in private practice or works for an agency or hospital. Salaries are comparable to those of social workers or counselors and therapists with graduate degrees.
Where can I find an Art Therapist in Canada?
On this website you can browse and search the CATA Membership Directory. You can also obtain information from these three provincial associations, the British Columbia Art Therapy Association, the Ontario Art Therapy Association, and the Association des art-thérapeutes du Québec.