Art therapy for kids, teens, & young adults

Healing through creative expression when words aren't enough

Art therapy uses creative expression and therapy together. It helps young people handle emotions, lower stress, and learn about themselves through art.

Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.

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10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families

A young Black child holds a colorful DNA model up, looking through it with an engaged and curious expression. The child is wearing a bright pink shirt in what appears to be an educational setting.

A young child, wearing a plaid shirt and a blue backpack, smiles broadly at the camera. Other children are visible, blurred, in the background outdoors, suggesting a school or play environment.

Art therapy, at a glance

Reduces depression

Youth receiving art therapy show substantial improvement in depressive symptoms (Bat Or & Gavrieli-Nuri, 2022).

Reduces anxiety

Children in art therapy show significant reduction in anxiety, a clinically meaningful treatment effect.

No skills needed

Art therapy is about the process of creating, not talent. Every child benefits regardless of ability.

What is art therapy?

How making art helps feelings get better.

A young child, appearing about 5-8 years old, is seated at a wooden desk, looking intently at a laptop screen. An adult therapist is visible on the video call, suggesting an online therapy session in a calm, indoor setting.

Art therapy is therapy that uses art to help people explore feelings, lower anxiety, build self-esteem, and solve problems.

Licensed art therapists have master's degrees and training in therapy and art. They know how making art helps people heal in ways talking alone might not.

Art therapy works great for kids and teens. It lets them express themselves through colors, shapes, and symbols when talking is hard.

Learn More

Evidence-Based

Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.

Art therapy is therapy that uses art to help people explore feelings, lower anxiety, build self-esteem, and solve problems.

Licensed art therapists have master's degrees and training in therapy and art. They know how making art helps people heal in ways talking alone might not.

Art therapy works great for kids and teens. It lets them express themselves through colors, shapes, and symbols when talking is hard.

Learn More

Art therapy approaches

Techniques your child's therapist may use.

Drawing & Painting
- Free drawing for emotional expression
- Guided imagery and visualization art
- Color and mood exploration
- Self-portrait work for identity and self-concept
Collage & Mixed Media
- Magazine collage for goals and values exploration
- Mixed media for processing complex emotions
- Vision boards for future-oriented thinking
- Texture and sensory-based art for grounding
Sculpture & 3D Art
- Clay work for processing anger and frustration
- Mask-making for exploring identity and roles
- Found object art for meaning-making
- Collaborative art for social skill building
Digital & Adapted Art
- Digital drawing tools for telehealth sessions
- Photography and photo-based narratives
- Comic strip creation for storytelling
- Music integration with visual art

How art therapy helps

Real results for young people.

Lowers anxiety and depression
Helps kids express and heal from hard experiences without talking
Builds self-esteem
Teaches how to manage emotions
Improves social skills and how kids talk to others
Helps teens understand who they are

Who benefits from art therapy

Common reasons families choose art therapy.

Mom drawing pictures with colored pencils with her daughter

Emotional Expression
- Difficulty expressing feelings verbally
- Trauma that is hard to put into words
- Grief and loss processing
- Low self-esteem and negative self-image
Clinical Applications
- Anxiety and depression
- Autism spectrum. Sensory and social skill building
- Behavioral challenges
- Medical illness and chronic health conditions

Why families choose Emora for art therapy

Real art therapists vs. others who use art.

General providers

Licensed art therapists (ATR-BC)

Therapists using art but not trained as art therapists

Art therapy combined with proven therapy methods

Art used as a side activity, not real therapy

Virtual art therapy with easy-to-find materials

Not much experience with online art therapy

Kids and teens at every age level

General practice without focus on kids

Progress tracked and measured

No formal way to track progress

Get started in minutes

Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.

1
Share what's going on
Tell us about your child's challenges and interests.
2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
3
Start therapy
Meet your matched art therapist and begin creating together.

Find Care

Frequently asked questions

What parents ask most about art therapy.

Not at all. Art therapy is about the healing that happens while creating. It's not about making pretty art. Kids don't need art skills. The therapist guides them and focuses on expressing and healing, not the final product.

Art therapy works for kids as young as 3 and up through adulthood. It's especially good for kids and teens who find it hard to talk about feelings or who like hands-on creative activities.

Virtual art therapy uses simple materials at home: paper, markers, crayons, glue, and magazines. The therapist guides what to do over video. Many kids feel comfortable doing this online.

Yes. Art therapy is a real licensed therapy job. Art therapists have master's degrees and special training. They pass tests from the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Lots of research shows it works.

Yes. Art therapy works well alongside other proven therapies like CBT and trauma therapy. Your therapist can mix art activities with talking therapy, based on what your child needs.

Real stories of growth

Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.

Ms. Anes understood exactly where we were coming from and how to help us when it came to our daughter. Totally recommend her!!

Parent of a 9 year old

6 hours ago

Provider:

Shannon Anes, PMHNP

Amazing! My daughter gets so happy when it is a therapy day. Ms. Christi has made my daughter so comfortable and provides a safe place for her to be open and honest, free of judgement. I am so grateful that she is my child's therapist.

Parent of a 9 year old

8 hours ago

Provider:

Christi Ford, LPC-A

TaKayah is awesome! Feels like talking to a friend.

An Adult client

11 hours ago

Provider:

Takahya Mcintyre, LCSW

Laquana is the best of the best!

Parent of a 7 year old

12 hours ago

Provider:

Laquana Richmond, LCMHC LPC LMHC LCAS CCS

Mrs. Katie is such a blessing. Thank you.

Parent of an 8 year old

14 hours ago

Provider:

Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC

I think just hearing the confirmation was a bit challenging as well as emotional. I love the Drs kindness and patience, it’s something I don’t get to experience often. I like the descriptions provided in the paperwork as well.

An Adult client

19 hours ago