Online art therapy for kids, teens, and parents
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.
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
teens, & families
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The counseling went well. We’re learning more about ourselves. Thank you for helping us out!
Parent of a 14 year old
Sep 5, 2026
My therapist is extremely knowledgeable and is able to guide through finding out what the issue is without just telling me outright. She is also someone I can feel comfortable opening up to.
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Rachael Wade, LPC Associate
Very caring and very thoughtful
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Dr. Jesse Wallace, LMFT
I had a really good therapy session yesterday. I felt comfortable, heard, and supported throughout the entire session. It was a positive experience, and I appreciated having a safe space to talk openly without feeling judged. I left the session feeling better and more encouraged. I’m looking forward to continuing my sessions.
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Analinda Rice, LMFT-Associate
Catherine was insightful and engaging. Appreciate the time she took getting to know our family and connecting us to a therapist.
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
Great recommendations to help me have a better communication with my wife , thank You so much !!
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC
It was good like someone understanding me
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 5, 2026
Jasmine Eubanks, LPC
Dr. Apree addressed our fears and concerns regarding our daughter’s evaluation. She is so thoughtful. I feel like our daughter will have a ton of support.
Parent of a 15 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
She was amazing my son loved her and she made us feel heard!!
Parent of a 14 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elizabeth Lopez, LCSW
She was just really nice and I appreciated that.
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Megan Lundy, LCSW
Another wonderful session. I feel truly blessed with Elsie. She is extremely an amazing person.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
Eduardo was an amazing Therapist. I felt the great vibe and connection with him on our 1st visit. I’m really looking forward to seeing him again and our progress we’ll make throughout the Journey. I would rate him a 10/10 and would recommended him to anyone.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Eduardo Santana, LCSW
It’s hard for me describe my inner experience. I still felt heard and seen though I struggled during our call. I felt emotionally supported and reassured. I feel hopeful that this was a step in the right direction.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Liz Nitsch, PsyD
Dr. Clicque makes me feel very comfortable and supported during our sessions. I feel that she creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where I can openly express my thoughts and feelings. She is attentive, understanding, and genuinely listens to me. I feel that her approach has made it easier for me to feel comfortable opening up.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
I love how the provider made me feel comfortable, accepted, and heard. Did not rush me off, listened and provided great feedback.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Daniel focused on my daughter‘s strengths and was very tactful in leading the conversation about medication and diagnosis in front of my child.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Danielle Abali, RCSWI
I like that she listens to my son. She also gives him things to think about in regard to his actions and how he feels about consequences of his actions. She really does give him opportunity to think it through and understand how he could have handled things.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Melinda Labbe, LMHC
Paola was wonderful, extremely empathetic and showed genuine care. Never rushed for me to speak and really took in what I was saying. Made me feel very at ease.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Paola Bezek, RCSWI
Some things are easier to draw than to say
Art therapy gives your child a way to share what they're feeling. A therapist listens to what they create.
Not sure where to start? Book a matching session.
