Indiana Art Therapy Education
Graduate Art Therapy Programs in Indiana
Degree structures, accreditation, practicum requirements, and credentialing pathways for art therapy graduate study in Indiana.
Academic Foundation
Preparing for Clinical Practice
Programs combine psychological assessment, human development, psychopathology, and cultural humility with studio practice across media.
Students complete supervised practicums and internships, delivering mental health services in hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, residential treatment, and private practice.
Institutions and Degrees
Accredited Graduate Pathways in Indiana
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, INThree-year MAAT with a counseling emphasis. Online coursework with three residencies per year, plus clinical placement near the student.
Herron School of Art + Design
IU IndianapolisTwo-year, full-time program in an urban art school. Studio practice, trauma-informed care, research, and community partnership. Graduates are eligible for the ATCB Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P) credential and Indiana LMHCA licensure.
University of Indianapolis
UIndyClinical mental health counseling degree with an art therapy track. Core counseling curriculum plus art therapy training, preparing students for both ATCB credentials and Indiana licensure.
Roles in the Field
Accreditation and Credentials
Program Accreditation: CAAHEP and ACATE
Graduate art therapy programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE). Accreditation covers institutional quality, faculty ratio, course standards, and clinical supervision. Status can change — check the CAAHEP directory or ask the school. Accreditation applies to programs, not to individuals.
Individual Credentials: ATCB
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) credentials individual practitioners, not programs. ATCB grants Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P), Registered Art Therapist (ATR), Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor (ATCS) status, and administers the board examination. Credentials are earned after graduation, through supervised experience and, for the ATR-BC, examination.
Professional Standards: AATA
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) is the national professional membership organization. AATA sets educational standards, publishes ethics guidance, and leads national advocacy. It does not grant credentials or licenses. IndiATA is the Indiana chapter of AATA.
Career Trajectory
From Graduate School to Practice
Graduate Degree
Complete an accredited graduate program, including required studio, clinical, and theory hours.
ATCB ATR-P
Apply for ATR-P at graduation, then accrue supervised clinical hours.
ATCB ATR / ATR-BC
Earn ATR, then take the ATCB board examination for ATR-BC.
LMHCA to LMHC
Apply for LMHCA through the Indiana BHHS board, then LMHC. IndiATA is pursuing an art therapy-specific license for Indiana.
Applicant Preparation
Admission Preparation Checklist
Show proficiency across media — drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media.
Undergraduate coursework in general, developmental, and abnormal psychology, plus studio art.
Human services, community art programs, volunteer work, or mental health support roles.
Academic and professional references, plus a personal statement on why you want this work.
Connect with IndiATA
Supporting Students and Future Clinicians
IndiATA provides education and advocacy. It does not provide clinical services or endorse any program. Details change — confirm with each institution before applying.