Clinically Trained & Registered Art Therapists

A professionally recognised art therapist has:

• a Master’s-level qualification in art therapy or creative arts therapy

• completed supervised clinical placements. In Australia this is 750 completed hours minimum of clinical placement.

• training in mental health, trauma-informed practice, and ethical care

• ongoing professional supervision and development

• adherence to a code of ethics and complaints process

Registered art therapists in Australia are professional members of the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA), the peak professional body for the field.

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

See here for NSW government allied health art therapy definition.

Common Misconceptions

“Anyone can be an art therapist.”
Not accurate. While anyone can offer art classes or creative activities, art therapy requires specialised clinical training and professional accountability.

“Art therapy is the same as art classes or creative workshops.”
Art classes focus on skill or enjoyment. Art therapy focuses on wellbeing within a therapeutic relationship.

“If art is healing, therapy training isn’t necessary.”
Art can be meaningful on its own. Art therapy involves responsibility for emotional safety, boundaries, and ethical care — especially when working with vulnerable people.

Why Registration Matters

Professional registration helps protect both clients and practitioners.

Registered art therapists:

• work within clear ethical guidelines

• have accountability through a professional body

• are required to maintain clinical supervision

• are trained to recognise risk, trauma responses, and safeguarding needs

This is particularly important when art therapy is offered to:

• children and young people

• people with trauma histories

• people accessing NDIS or community services

• individuals experiencing mental health challenges

Registration supports informed choice and transparency.