What is art therapy, and what is an art therapist?

Art therapy uses art materials, art making, and the resulting art piece as a therapeutic tool. It can be used with all different ages and settings, from schools to rehabilitation centers to hospitals. Art therapy can help you to explore your emotions, reflect on difficult issues, improve self-esteem, reduce negative symptoms, and foster self-awareness.

Art therapists are master’s level or higher clinicians who have received training in art as well as therapy. They have received specific training and are guided by the Art Therapy Credentialing Board of Ethics. Art therapists receive post-graduate supervision to obtain credentialing as a registered or Board Certified art therapist.

To learn more about art therapy, and art therapists, you can visit the American Art Therapy Association, or the Art Therapy Credentialing Board.

Do I have to be an artist to do art therapy?

Art therapy does not require any previous art practice, training, or talent! As an art therapist, I am trained to facilitate the use of different art materials and media, and support you throughout the process.

Will we only do art therapy in our sessions?

Our sessions will be a combination of art and talk therapy. There may be sessions where we don’t utilize art therapy at all! Each session is tailored to what best suits your needs that day, and some days that may include more or less art making.

How can I tell if you’re the right therapist for me?

When looking for a new therapist, I encourage you to “shop around” and talk with different therapists to see if you feel they could be a good fit, both in therapy type as well as personality. This is part of why I offer a free consultation - no fee, no commitment, just a conversation to see what you’re looking for in a therapist, and if we’d be a good fit. It is important to me that you have a therapist who best meets your needs, and sometimes that might not be me!

How do I get started?

Prior to scheduling your first session, you will complete some intake paperwork, which will include consent forms, informational questionnaires, and billing information. If you are using insurance, you will also set up a client account through our third party billing, Headway.

What about pricing and insurance?

Self-pay sessions are $120 per hour. I currently accept the following insurances:

• Aetna

• Cigna and Evernorth

• Oscar Health

• Oxford

• UnitedHealthcare.

• Click here to see if your insurance plan is accepted

Why do I have to have a credit card on file?

As part of your intake paperwork, you will be required to provide a current credit card to reserve your appointment time slots. If you do not cancel your appointment with at least 24 hours notice, you will be charged the full session fee. For those using insurance, you will be charged the self-pay rate of the session.