Indiana art therapy education
Degree structures, accreditation, practicum requirements, and credentialing pathways for art therapy graduate study in Indiana.
Academic foundation
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
Three-year MAAT with a counseling emphasis. Online coursework with three residencies per year, plus clinical placement near the student.
Two-year, full-time program in an urban art school. Studio practice, trauma-informed care, research, and community partnership. Graduates are eligible for ATCB Provisional Registration (ATR-P) and Indiana LMHCA licensure.
Clinical 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.
What they are in the field
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.
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) credentials individual practitioners, not programs. ATCB grants Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P), Registered Art Therapist (ATR), and Board Certified (ATR-BC) status, and administers the board examination. Credentials are earned after graduation, through supervised experience and examination.
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
Complete an accredited graduate program, including required studio, clinical, and theory hours.
Apply for ATR-P at graduation, then accrue supervised clinical hours.
Earn ATR, then sit the ATCB board examination for ATR-BC.
Apply for LMHCA through the Indiana BHHS board, then LMHC. Indiana has no standalone art therapy license.
Applicant preparation
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
IndiATA provides education and advocacy. It does not provide clinical services or endorse any program. Details change — confirm with each institution before applying.
