ART THERAPISTS NSW

WELCOME

This site exists to support public understanding, client safety, and professional advocacy within the field of art therapy in New South Wales.

It provides:

a clear explanation of a registered art therapist
information about the training and registration required to practise ethically
a directory of clinically trained, registered art therapists

This site is intended for clients, families, referrers, organisations, and community services seeking accurate information about art therapy in Australia.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a recognised mental health and wellbeing profession that uses art-making within a therapeutic relationship to support emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing.

Professional art therapy:

is grounded in psychological and psychotherapeutic theory
is facilitated by a clinically trained therapist
prioritises safety, consent, and ethical practice
does not require artistic skill or experience

Art therapy can support people of all ages and may be used in individual or group settings, across community, health, education, and justice contexts.

Who Can Call Themselves an Art Therapist?

This is a common and understandable question.

In Australia, the term art therapist is sometimes used broadly in the community. However, there is an important distinction between a registered art therapist [AThR] and other creative or arts-based roles.

Clinically Trained & Registered Art Therapists, as defined by NSW Health and associated state awards, has:

a Master’s-level qualification in art therapy or creative arts therapy
completed supervised clinical placements
training in mental health, trauma-informed practice, and ethical care
ongoing professional supervision and development
adherence to a code of ethics and complaints process

Professionally practising art therapists in Australia are registered with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA), the peak professional body for the field.

Find a Registered Art Therapist

(NSW Directory)

This directory lists art therapists who:

are current professional members of ANZACATA

Listings may include:

location (NSW region)
client focus (children, adolescents, adults)
individual or group work
in-person or telehealth services

*Inclusion in this directory is voluntary and does not constitute endorsement.