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.
Art therapy, at a glance
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 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.
We love Amanda! It's been over a month- seeing positive results
Parent of an 11 year old
1 hour ago
Amanda Crabtree, LMHC
Evelyn said she was really happy with the session.
Parent of a 9 year old
6 hours ago
Dr. Maritza Rodriguez, LPC-S, CCST
I like the fact that she suggested that we should do ADHD testing and I like that she was asking him questions that were making him think a little about his answers. It was very helpful and it sparked discussion for us afterwards
Parent of a 12 year old
7 hours ago
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
I love Quenton Kayd! I’ve had 18 sessions with him and he has helped me so much! He also takes the time to see things from my perspective and it means so much!
An Adult client
10 hours ago
Quenton Kayd, LPC
Ann is an excellent therapist. She’s been helping my daughter through her anxiety and her thoughtful and insightful guidance has had a meaningful impact on my daughter and managing her anxiety.
Parent of an 11 year old
23 hours ago
Ann Marie Driver, LCMHC-A
She’s very charismatic and easy to talk to. My daughter told me she likes her
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI
Catherine was warm and welcoming!
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
Catherine Campos, LCSW
My therapist was absolutely amazing I already can tell she is going to help me a lot!
An Adult client
1 day ago
Laura Doocy, LPC-A
Milton is very understanding and listened to my son rattle on and on lol and they're was no rush.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago
Milton Hernandez, LPC
JoeAnn Allen gave us key ways to handle some problems, we appreciate her very much
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI
Rating on behalf of my daughter. She's always in a better mood when she talks with Korina! ✨
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My son connects so well with Nathalie. He was skeptical at first now he sets up 10 mind before the session in anticipation for their talk time.
Parent of a 10 year old
2 days ago
Nathalie Fernandez Mendez, LCMHC-A, LMHC
Richard was excellent during my child´s session today. He was very informative, attentive, and truly focused on our specific needs. You can tell he genuinely cares and takes the time to listen and understand. We’re looking forward to future appointments and seeing growth with his support.
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
The coping mechanism you gave me felt extremely helpful
An Adult client
2 days ago
Marise Jimenez, RMHCI
Very attentive and caring. Took the time out to help us find the right therapist.
Parent of a 16 year old
2 days ago
Jennifer Guzman, LPC
great person easy to talk to. very attentive.
An Adult client
2 days ago
Dr. Joel Bell, PsyD
Sarah is incredible with my 7 year old. So great at building rapport and bringing in coping strategies.
Parent of a 7 year old
2 days ago
Sarah Newton, LMSW
Helped my child open up and feel more self confidence
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
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.
