Best Art Therapy Certification Courses - Learn Art Therapy Online
Art therapy is a hybrid field that blends the disciplines of psychology and visual arts to support mental health and emotional well-being. It uses the creative process—drawing, painting, sculpture, and more—to help individuals explore emotions, improve self-confidence, resolve internal conflicts, and build social skills.
Practicing art therapy requires an understanding of visual art forms, human development, psychology, counseling theory, and creative methodologies. Expressive arts therapists often incorporate poetry, movement, music, and storytelling into their sessions, creating a holistic and therapeutic experience.
Keeping this in mind, we've curated some of the best online art therapy courses and creative arts therapy certification programs available in 2025. Whether you're just starting your art therapist career path or seeking art therapy certification online, these courses can help you build real skills and deepen your understanding of this growing field.
Top Art Therapy Certification Courses List
Disclosure: We're supported by the learners and may earn from purchases through links.
1. Therapeutic Art Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Instructor: Joeel & Natalie of Transformation Services
- Platform: Udemy
- Course rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Students: 54,400+
- Certificate: Certificate on completion
- Best for: Aspiring life coaches and therapists who want an accredited certification in art-based healing techniques.
This accredited course teaches how to use art as a tool for healing, stress reduction, and personal growth. You’ll learn techniques like mandalas, vision boards, journaling, affirmations, and guided meditation to help clients process emotions, increase self-awareness, and boost confidence. No artistic skill is required – the course is designed for both professionals and beginners seeking to use creative arts therapy in one-on-one sessions, groups, or workshops.
The course also covers supplemental psychology processes, including changing thoughts and beliefs, using affirmations to boost confidence, and visualization to rewire the brain and transform lives. In addition, the course offers other techniques like journaling, guided meditation, and stress-reducing art. Upon completion, participants will have the skills and knowledge to apply these therapeutic art techniques in their life coaching practice.
Quick highlights:
- Accredited certification with CPD/CEU credits
- Taught by 3 instructors with backgrounds in psychology and therapy
- Includes ancient and modern art-based healing tools (like mandalas & vision boards)
- Covers affirmations, journaling, guided meditations, and more
- Active Q&A and private Facebook group for support
- No artistic skills required – suitable for all levels
What you will learn in this art therapy course:
- Understand the psychology behind how to use therapeutic art to access the subconscious mind and change limiting patterns and beliefs.
- Use therapeutic art techniques with your clients to help them increase their happiness, manage their emotions in a positive way, and feel more confident!
- Use therapeutic art techniques to help your life-coaching clients reduce their stress and heal emotional pain.
- Use therapeutic art techniques to help your life-coaching clients increase their self-awareness, intuition, and self-expression.
- Help your clients create art without self-judgment. Use therapeutic art processes to help your clients create a tangible picture of their visions and dreams.
- Use proven step-by-step art processes including mandalas, affirmation art, vision/dream boards, guided meditation, and more!
Why It Stands Out:
This is one of the most popular accredited art therapy courses online with a strong focus on life coaching. It blends art, psychology, and practical coaching into a structured program, complete with a certification from Transformation Services.
2. Healing with the Arts
Instructor: Mary Rockwood Lane, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Michael Samuels, MD
- Platform: Coursera
- Course rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
- Duration: 12 Hours (3 weeks at 4 hours a week)
- Students: 100,000+
- Certificate: Certificate on completion
- Best for: Best for beginners seeking a university-led introduction to healing through visual arts, music, movement, and writing.
This Art Therapy training provides you with the tools to heal what you need to heal in your life, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing, through art projects such as visual arts, dance, writing, and music, as well as spiritual, practices and guided imagery.
Quick highlights:
- No prior experience or materials needed
- Includes visual arts, dance, music, and poetry
- Focuses on emotional, physical, and spiritual healing
- 99% learner satisfaction rate
What You’ll Learn:
- How creative practices promote self-expression and healing
- Techniques to integrate visual art, music, and writing into daily life
- The role of movement and word in emotional processing
- Simple guided practices for stress release and clarity
What You’ll Need:
- A stable internet connection
- Willingness to engage with expressive mediums like drawing or writing
Why It Stands Out:
This course makes expressive arts therapy accessible to anyone—no clinical setting, no pressure, just structured self-discovery. Its holistic approach (mind + body + spirit) and the credibility of a university-backed certification make it a standout for beginners exploring art therapy for mental health.
3. The Oxford Diploma in Art Therapy (Master Course)
Instructor: Mary Rockwood Lane, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Michael Samuels, MD
- Platform: Udemy
- Course rating: 4.3 out of 5.0
- Duration: 107 hours
- Students: 13,700+
- Certificate: Certificate on completion
- Best for: Students serious about pursuing art therapy professionally or using it for deep self-healing.
This is one of the most extensive and interactive art therapy certification courses online. With over 100 hours of content, 700+ exercises, and active Q&A discussion, it offers a detailed roadmap for emotional healing, mental health improvement, and professional training. You'll explore art therapy through diverse lenses—child therapy, DBT, stress relief, depression recovery, color psychology, and even art analysis. It also includes an optional Oxford Diploma of Achievement (challenging but recognized).
In this Art Therapy training, you will learn how Art Therapy helps you resolve complicated feelings, or find ways to live with them. You will learn how to achieve an Oxford Diploma in Art Therapy.
Quick highlights:
- Accredited and taught by experienced professionals
- Includes over 700 guided exercises and 15 workbooks
- Explores advanced topics like trauma, ADHD, autism, PTSD, and more
- Lifetime access with regular updates and instructor feedback
What You’ll Learn:
- How to apply art therapy for depression, trauma, loneliness, and mental illness
- Use of DBT, play therapy, and color therapy
- Case study-based learning for child and adult mental health
- How to use ASMR, nature, and even telehealth in therapy sessions
What You’ll Need:
- Dedication to participate in exercises and self-reflection
- Time to engage in discussions and practice the techniques shared
Why It Stands Out:
Unlike short workshops, this course is built for transformation over time. It demands active participation but rewards you with deep personal insight and professional-level skills. The volume of learner contributions and instructor interaction in the Q&A proves its strong community and lasting impact.
4. Art Therapy: Personal Development and Self Healing with Art
Instructor: Anike, ZSA Academy (Art Therapist B.A., Instructor, Creative Entrepreneur)
- Platform: Udemy
- Course rating: 4.7 out of 5.0
- Duration: 7 hours
- Students: 11,600+
- Certificate: Certificate on completion
- Best for: Anyone looking to use art for self-reflection, stress relief, and personal growth—no artistic skills required.
This course focuses on personal development and emotional self-care through art, offering 30 exercises for all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a creative therapy student, it helps you relax, reflect, and reconnect through structured and abstract exercises like mandalas, collages, self-portraits, and vision boards. You'll also explore concepts like color symbolism, emotional expression, SMART goals, and journaling.
In this Art Therapy training, you will learn how to use Mandala Art and more techniques for Self Discovery and Self Healing. You will learn to use self-reflection and how to use therapeutic art for self-awareness and personal development.
Next, you will learn how to improve your self-reflection and self-acceptance by making self-portraits. This course will help you gain symbolic release and express your personality in a safe and structured way through the use of Collages.
Plus, you will learn how to relax and express yourself through abstract and spontaneous paintings. You will also learn about the psychological effects of colors
Quick highlights:
- 30 unique art therapy exercises
- Includes guided meditation audios for mindful drawing
- Teaches how to use art for reflection, self-care, and growth
- No art background is required – just curiosity and materials
What You’ll Learn:
- Use therapeutic art to reduce anxiety and improve mental health
- Practice self-awareness through structured and spontaneous exercises
- Explore symbolic meaning in colors and materials
- Implement vision boards, journaling, and collage for emotional insight
What You’ll Need:
- Basic art supplies like paper, pens, paint, or collage material
- Willingness to reflect and express emotions through your creations
Why It Stands Out:
This is one of the most accessible and personal courses in the art therapy space. It encourages healing by doing, with plenty of practical tools and reflective prompts that support long-term emotional well-being.
5. Art Therapy: Art Therapy Exercises For Healing In Life
Instructor: Tatiana Ambrose
- Platform: Udemy
- Course rating: 4.2 out of 5.0
- Duration: 3 hours
- Students: 6,500+
- Certificate: Certificate on completion
- Best for: Beginners looking for stress relief through easy and engaging art exercises.
This Art Therapy training provides 35 hands-on art therapy exercises to help you relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with your emotions. Each activity encourages you to express how you feel through painting, drawing, mandalas, and crafts—all without judgment or the need for artistic skill. It’s ideal for those who want to work through emotions independently or offer these activities to others.
Quick highlights:
- 35 bite-sized therapy exercises
- No artistic experience required
- Tools include drawing, music, crafts, coloring
- Practical and accessible—designed for home use
What You’ll Learn:
- Reduce worry, depression, and stress with art
- Acknowledge unspoken emotions through creative output
- Celebrate happiness and emotional breakthroughs
- Use mandalas, music, and expressive tools for reflection
What You’ll Need:
- Basic materials like pens, markers, scissors, yarn, or popsicle sticks
- A willingness to get hands-on with emotional processing
Why It Stands Out:
The course is all about doing—you’ll jump into expressive work right away with clear demos and supportive guidance. The simplicity makes it great for first-timers, while the variety ensures there's something for everyone to connect with emotionally.
How to Choose the Right Art Therapy Courses
Choosing the right art therapy course depends on your goals. Start by identifying whether you want a certification program to pursue a professional career in art therapy or a short course for personal growth and self-healing.
Look for courses that cover essential topics like art therapy techniques, psychological theories, ethics, and hands-on creative practices. The curriculum should offer both theoretical knowledge and real-life applications to help you build a strong foundation.
Finally, and most importantly, check if the course is accredited by a recognized institution such as the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) or other reputable bodies. Accreditation ensures the course meets industry standards and can support your professional development.
Difference Between In-Person vs Online Art Therapy Courses
Both in-person and online art therapy courses have their advantages, depending on your preferences and lifestyle.
In-person courses are typically held in physical classrooms or studio spaces and include hands-on sessions, provided materials, and live interaction with instructors. They offer a structured environment and immediate feedback, making them ideal for those who thrive in a traditional learning setup.
On the other hand, online courses provide flexibility—you can learn at your own pace, revisit video lessons anytime, and participate in discussion forums for questions or peer feedback. Most importantly, they save time and cost by eliminating the need for relocation or daily commuting, making them accessible to learners around the world.
FAQ
Who can study art therapy?
One who has a keen interest in psychology, art therapy, counseling or therapy should consider pursuing these art therapy courses and learning art therapy techniques
What is the best certification for art therapy?
From our blog here are some high-rated art therapy certification online courses
- The Oxford Diploma in Art Therapy
- Therapeutic Art Life Coach Certification
These 2 courses provide in-depth training and accredited art therapy certification
How can I learn art therapy?
All 5 courses listed in the blog are top-rated art therapy online course offerings a good avenue to learn online art therapy. All these art therapy courses are available on platforms like Coursera and Udemy, offering flexible learning options
How do I start art therapy?
To begin your journey with art therapy, start with a beginner-friendly online course. Two great options are "Art Therapy: Personal Development and Self-Healing with Art" and "Art Therapy: Exercises for Healing in Life." These courses introduce the core concepts of art therapy and guide you step by step—from basic techniques to hands-on exercises—making them ideal for absolute beginners.
Hey! We hope you have found this Online Art Therapy training List helpful and intriguing. Since you've made it this far, you are willing to learn more, and here at Coursesity, it is our duty to enlighten people with knowledge on topics they are willing to learn.
Here are some more topics that we think will be interesting for you!