Art therapists work in many different environments, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Medical and mental health hospitals and clinics
- Outpatient mental health agencies and day treatment facilities
- Residential treatment centers
- Domestic violence and homeless shelters
- Community agencies and nonprofit settings
- Correctional facilities
- Assisted living and nursing homes
- Art studios
- Museums
- Private practice
- Schools, colleges, and universities
An art therapist may work as part of a team that includes physicians, psychologists, nurses, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, rehabilitation counselors, social workers, and/or teachers. Together, they determine each client's therapeutic goals and objectives throughout the lifespan and implement a treatment plan. Other art therapists work independently and maintain private practices with children, adolescents, adults, groups, and/or families.
Both the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) have ethics committees. Hofstra is committed to educating their students to be ethical and reflective practitioners in New York state and to practice ethically nationally and internationally.