Online 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.
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.
I already see a positive change in my daughter, she seems lighter and happier after only two sessions!
Parent of a 14 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
Very nice my son likes his therapist and said she really helps
Parent of a 12 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Rita Montoya-Gomez, LPC
EP really enjoyed the games! I like the calming box idea and the tips to help her during difficult times.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tracey-Ann Hutchinson, LMHC
She was very understanding and sweet toward my daughter during their session. She was understanding to our reasons for having to switch providers, and made it work very easily with our future schedule.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Mrs. Johnson is a wonderful and safe space for my daughter’s healing.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tameka Johnson, LPC
She provided great information, was transparent throughout the entire process, and took the time to make sure she would be a good fit for my daughter before moving forward. That really gave me confidence that her priority was making sure my daughter received the support she needed. My daughter also felt comfortable with her right away, which made the experience even better.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Katennia Thomas, LPC
Great experience - she listened and provided helpful tools
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Treshana Lewis, LCSW
He is so helpful.I mean, I appreciate everything he does for my family
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT
Lana was amazing with my daughter. My daughter felt heard, validated, and supported.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Lana Rodriguez, LPC
Very open and transparent, didn't tell me what I waned to hear but what I needed to hear. Very comforting and understanding and does what she can to come to a shared agreement about medication route.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Jahn Quattlebaum, our family therapist, has been an absolute gamechanger, by providing us with a safe, compassionate space to communicate and truly hear one another.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Jahn Quattlebaum, LPC
It was a great session. Nico practiced expressing his feelings to his dad when he felt sad and hurt. He was standing up for himself.
Parent of a 6 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Jacqueline Castaneda, LPC
She was wonderful and my daughter responded well and was able to talk openly. Alyssa gave us some techniques that we both are excited to try. My daughter was nervous before she began but now she is looking forward to her next session.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Alyssa Jimenez-Solis, LCSW
Great listener and helped set realistic goals to help achieve more positive outcomes!
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC-Associate
Very personable, makes the session welcoming and comfortable place to be
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Kayla Goodwin, LPC
Teah is very patient and attentive; her demeanor makes it possible to process and communicate in a very comfortable and safe environment.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Teah Polvado, LCSW
I feel like my therapist is very good at what she does, and is very kind. I go into each meeting expecting a welcoming environment, and I get what I expected and more. (From the 15yo)
Parent of a 15 year old
Jul 20, 2026
MaryBeth Borreca, LCMHC, LMHC
Charlene is always so welcoming and provides helpful strategies to manage ADHD and anxiety. She helps my 9 year old get focused and makes the session bith informative and fun. Her breathing techniques help him relax.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Charlene Childs, LPC-A
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.
