Healthcare

To Become a Art Therapist in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook.

by Occupations.ca Team
12 min read

Have you ever wondered how creativity can become a powerful tool for healing—and how you could build a career helping people through art? If you live in Ontario and you love both the arts and mental health, becoming an Art Therapist could be a meaningful path for you in the healthcare field. In Ontario, Art Therapists work with children, youth, adults, and older adults in hospitals, schools, community agencies, private practice, and long‑term care. You use visual art and the creative process to Support mental health, reduce stress, and improve well‑being.

Job Description
Art Therapists in Ontario use drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and other creative methods to help clients express feelings, process trauma, build coping skills, and work toward therapeutic goals. You may work one‑to‑one or in groups, in person or virtually. In many roles, especially if you provide psychotherapy, you will either be registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or work under the Supervision of a regulated mental health professional.

Daily work activities

  • Meeting with clients to understand their needs and goals, and planning creative therapeutic sessions.
  • Facilitating art‑making that fits the client’s age, culture, abilities, and comfort level.
  • Observing and discussing artwork (if the client chooses) to explore emotions, beliefs, and experiences.
  • Using trauma‑informed and culturally safe approaches to ensure clients feel respected and supported.
  • Documenting sessions, writing progress notes, and maintaining confidential Health Records under Ontario’s privacy law (PHIPA).
  • Coordinating care with teachers, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, and families.
  • Preparing materials, setting up safe spaces, and adapting activities for virtual or hybrid sessions.
  • Managing caseloads, booking appointments, and communicating with referral sources.
  • If in private practice, handling business tasks such as billing, Insurance receipts, Marketing, and policies.

Main tasks

  • Conduct intake, assessment, and treatment planning.
  • Design and lead Art Therapy sessions for individuals and groups.
  • Apply evidence‑informed therapeutic models (for example, CBT‑informed art therapy, mindfulness‑based art therapy, trauma‑informed practice).
  • Monitor risk and Safety (e.g., self‑harm, suicide risk) and follow escalation procedures.
  • Keep accurate clinical documentation and treatment plans.
  • Consult with caregivers and interprofessional teams.
  • Maintain ethical standards, informed consent, and privacy Compliance.
  • Participate in clinical supervision and continuing education.
  • Facilitate community workshops, wellness groups, or psychoeducation sessions.
  • Contribute to program development and evaluation.

Required Education
In Ontario, there is no single, legally prescribed education path specifically labeled “Art Therapist.” However, employers and professional associations expect specialized Training in art therapy or expressive arts therapy, plus a strong foundation in Psychology and Visual Arts. If you plan to practice psychotherapy, you must meet CRPO’s requirements.

Diplomas (Certificate, College Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree)

  • Certificate (add‑on/continuing education)
    • Short courses or certificates in areas like trauma, addictions, group facilitation, or child and youth mental health can strengthen your profile. These do not qualify you on their own as an Art Therapist but add valuable competencies.
  • College Diploma
    • Related Ontario college programs (e.g., Community and Social Service Worker, Child and Youth Care, Addictions and Mental Health graduate certificates) can be part of your pathway, especially if you plan to work in community agencies while you continue art therapy training.
  • Bachelor’s Degree (typical foundation)
    • A Bachelor’s in Psychology, Fine Arts/Visual Arts, or a related field is strongly recommended. Many specialized art therapy programs will expect a portfolio (for art background) and foundational psychology courses.
  • Graduate‑level Art Therapy/Expressive Arts Therapy
    • In Ontario, most employers hiring specifically for “Art Therapist” or “Psychotherapist (Art Therapy)” roles look for graduate‑level training in art therapy or expressive arts therapy that includes supervised clinical practicum.
    • If you intend to use the title “Psychotherapist” or perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, plan on meeting the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) entry‑to‑practice requirements. Learn more: https://www.crpo.ca
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Length of studies

  • Bachelor’s degree: typically 3–4 years full‑time.
  • Art therapy or expressive arts therapy graduate‑level training: typically 2–3 years (full‑time or part‑time), including supervised clinical practicum.
  • CRPO registration timeline: varies. To become a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), you usually need to be enrolled in an eligible program. For full RP status, you must complete required competencies/hours and pass the registration exam. Details: https://www.crpo.ca/registration/

Where to study? (Ontario options and useful links)
Specialized art therapy training (Ontario)

  • Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI) – Toronto
    • Programs: Graduate‑level art therapy training with supervised practicum.
    • Website: https://tati.on.ca
  • The CREATE Institute – Toronto
    • Programs: Expressive Arts Therapy (three‑year part‑time training) with clinical practicum; graduates often qualify to apply to CRPO (check current requirements).
    • Website: https://www.createinstitute.ca

Related university programs (foundation in psychology or arts)

Related college programs (mental health and community services)

Professional associations and regulators (Ontario/Canada)

Important notes for Ontario

  • Art therapy itself is not a regulated profession under Ontario’s Regulated Health Professions Act. However, the title “Psychotherapist” is protected, and the controlled act of psychotherapy is restricted. If your work meets the threshold of the controlled act (e.g., treating serious disorders by psychotherapy), you need to be registered with CRPO or another appropriate regulated college. See CRPO: https://www.crpo.ca
  • Many employers prefer or require that you are a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or registered with a related college (e.g., social work) if your role involves psychotherapy.

Salary and Working Conditions
Entry‑level vs experienced salary

  • Employed positions (community agencies, hospitals, schools)
    • Entry‑level: approximately $45,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on setting, unionization, location, and whether you are registered (RP).
    • Experienced: approximately $70,000 to $95,000+ per year, particularly in Hospital or specialized programs. Leadership, program Coordination, or clinical supervision can increase earnings.
  • Private practice (fee‑for‑service)
    • Session rates in Ontario commonly range from about $100 to $180+ per 50–60 minute session for Registered Psychotherapists, depending on niche, experience, and location. As an Art Therapist who is also an RP, your services are more likely to be covered by extended health Benefits.
  • For market data on related roles, review Government of Canada Job Bank profiles for “Therapists in counselling (NOC 41301)” wages and outlook in Ontario:

Working conditions

  • Work environments: hospitals (inpatient/outpatient mental health), community health centres, schools, private practice, Rehabilitation centres, long‑term care and retirement homes, shelters, youth justice, and newcomer services.
  • Hours: typically weekdays; some evening or weekend groups. Private practice offers more control over schedule.
  • Nature of work: emotionally demanding but rewarding; includes clinical work, documentation, case conferences, and ongoing supervision/consultation.
  • Mobility: community roles may include Travel across locations; private practice can be in‑office, virtual, or hybrid.
  • Health and safety: follow infection control, materials safety, and privacy/secure recordkeeping; vulnerable sector screening is common when working with children or seniors.
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Job outlook (Ontario)

  • Demand is supported by growing awareness of mental health, increased integration of creative therapies in healthcare and education, and expansion of psychotherapy services delivered by Registered Psychotherapists. Review the Ontario‑specific outlook for “Therapists in counselling (NOC 41301)” on Job Bank: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/41301/ON
  • Employers often post roles under titles such as “Art Therapist,” “Psychotherapist (Art Therapy),” “Child and Youth Therapist,” “Group Therapist,” or “Recreation Therapist with art focus.” Broaden your job search terms.

Key Skills
Soft skills

  • Empathy, warmth, and excellent listening.
  • Cultural humility and anti‑oppressive practice.
  • Trauma‑informed care and emotional regulation.
  • Clear boundaries and ethical judgment.
  • Patience, flexibility, and creativity.
  • Collaborative teamwork and interprofessional communication.
  • Advocacy and client‑centred thinking.

Hard skills

  • Knowledge of art therapy theory, techniques, and materials (e.g., drawing, paint, collage, clay, mixed media).
  • Case conceptualization and treatment planning.
  • Risk Assessment and Crisis Intervention pathways.
  • Group facilitation and psychoeducation design.
  • Documentation and clinical note‑taking that meet Ontario standards.
  • Understanding of mental health presentations; awareness of scope (Art Therapists/Registered Psychotherapists do not diagnose unless also licensed for diagnosis).
  • Privacy and consent under PHIPA; secure digital practice for teletherapy.
  • Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR), outcome measures, and program evaluation.
  • Business basics for private practice (Invoicing, policies, consent forms, insurance receipts).

Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages

  • You help clients communicate in non‑verbal ways, which can be especially powerful for children, newcomers, trauma survivors, and people who find talk therapy difficult.
  • Strong alignment with Ontario’s focus on mental health promotion and recovery‑oriented care.
  • Diverse work settings and the option to mix clinical, community, and private practice work.
  • The work is creative and dynamic; you can tailor interventions to each person.
  • Opportunities to specialize (e.g., trauma, neurodiversity, oncology, seniors’ mental health, newcomer settlement, school‑based services).

Disadvantages

  • The title “Art Therapist” is not a regulated health profession in Ontario; some employers require you to also be a Registered Psychotherapist to provide psychotherapy and to ensure insurance coverage for clients.
  • Limited number of Ontario programs means admission can be competitive; training includes significant practicum and supervision hours.
  • Emotional load can be high; you must invest in ongoing supervision and self‑care.
  • Community agency roles may have modest salaries and heavy caseloads; materials and space can be limited.
  • Building a private practice involves business skills, marketing, and variable income.

Expert Opinion
If you are serious about becoming an Art Therapist in Ontario, plan your path with two goals in mind: strong clinical training and clear eligibility to work within the province’s regulatory framework.

  • Start with a Bachelor’s in psychology, fine arts, or a related field to meet prerequisites and strengthen your portfolio and clinical foundation.
  • Complete a specialized art therapy or expressive arts therapy program that includes supervised practicum with diverse populations. In Ontario, explore the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI) and The CREATE Institute.
  • To expand your job options and insurance coverage for clients, strongly consider registration with CRPO as a Registered Psychotherapist. This opens doors in clinical settings, improves third‑party insurance coverage for your services, and clarifies your scope when providing psychotherapy.
  • While studying, pursue placements in the settings you want to work in—community agencies, hospitals, or schools. Ontario employers value hands‑on experience with documentation, risk assessment, and teamwork.
  • Build a network through OATA and CATA, attend local workshops, and secure ongoing clinical supervision. Supervision is not only best practice—it’s expected in many Ontario workplaces and by CRPO.
  • Keep your practice current: trauma‑informed approaches, anti‑oppressive practice, and culturally responsive care are essential in Ontario’s diverse communities.
  • Think strategically about jobs and titles. Search for roles under “Art Therapist,” “Registered Psychotherapist,” “Child and Youth Therapist,” “Group Therapist,” and “Recreation Therapist (Arts).” In hospitals, broaden to “Mental Health Clinician” and check if they value art therapy expertise.
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FAQ
How does insurance coverage work for Art Therapy in Ontario?

  • In Ontario, OHIP does not cover psychotherapy provided by Art Therapists or Registered Psychotherapists; it covers services from physicians and psychiatrists. Many extended health benefit plans do cover psychotherapy provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO), Psychologist, or Social Worker. If you are an Art Therapist who is also a Registered Psychotherapist, your services are more likely to be reimbursed by clients’ benefits. Always encourage clients to check their specific plan.

Do I need to be a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO) to work as an Art Therapist?

  • Not always—but it depends on the role. If your duties include the controlled act of psychotherapy or if the employer requires it, you must be registered (e.g., RP with CRPO). Many clinical jobs in Ontario prefer or require CRPO registration because it clarifies scope, ethics, and insurance coverage. Learn about registration pathways: https://www.crpo.ca

What is the difference between Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy in Ontario?

  • Art Therapy focuses primarily on visual arts modalities within a therapeutic framework. Expressive Arts Therapy is intermodal, using multiple art forms (visual arts, Music, movement, Drama, writing). In Ontario, both approaches can align with psychotherapy practice if you meet CRPO requirements. Employers may list both; review each job’s expectations and required credentials.

Can I offer virtual Art Therapy in Ontario, and what are the rules?

  • Yes. Many Ontario clinicians offer teletherapy or hybrid care. You must protect privacy and confidentiality under PHIPA, use secure platforms, and adapt materials safely for home use. Have clear consent, emergency protocols for remote sessions, and age‑appropriate plans for minors. PHIPA overview: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/04p03

What steps are involved in opening a private Art Therapy practice in Ontario?

  • Key steps include:
    • Confirm your scope and, if applicable, CRPO registration and insurance receipts format.
    • Obtain professional liability insurance (check OATA/CATA member options).
    • Set up policies (informed consent, privacy, cancellation, crisis response, teletherapy).
    • Choose a secure EMR and billing system; understand record retention rules.
    • Register your business name (if applicable) and determine HST obligations.
    • Build referral networks (family doctors, school counsellors, community agencies) and clarify what insurance plans will cover your services.
    • Maintain ongoing clinical supervision and continuing education.

Useful Links (Ontario‑specific)

Key Takeaways for Your Ontario Pathway

  • Build a strong foundation in visual arts and psychology, complete a recognized art therapy or expressive arts therapy program with practicum, and consider CRPO registration to protect your scope and maximize employability and insurance coverage for clients.
  • Join OATA and CATA, secure supervision, and keep learning—these steps will help you grow a compliant, ethical, and client‑centred career as an Art Therapist in Ontario’s healthcare system.

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