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.
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 testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been doing a great job with helping my child!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She was really extensive and didn’t leave anything out.
An Adult client
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
The session was great! All of our concerns were addressed, we felt very heard, and it was an overall great experience
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms Richardson took her time to listen to my son's perspective and concerns as well as my own. She is open-minded and patient. We appreciated her help today
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
When she allowed both of us to speak and explained the next steps for our meeting in the future that was great . Thank you.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My daughter feels Dr. Jon has helped her more than any of her previous therapists. He does a great job with her.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
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.
