The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with increased mental health challenges, according to the CDC. Because of this and growing concerns about the availability for mental health services, it is a good time to consider the career of art therapy.
“It is vitally important to increase the number of mental health counselors in West Virginia and other states,” said Dr. Susan Ridley, Art Therapy program director at West Liberty University and resident of Wheeling. “The traumatic experiences of COVID-19 as well as underlying mental health issues that existed prior to the pandemic have increased the need for therapeutic services for all ages.”
Applications are now open for Fall 2022 for the Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling degree at West Liberty University.
“The graduate program will fill the gaps in services and has been designed for working professionals interested in continuing their education at an affordable cost. Classes are remote/virtual through synchronous Zoom in the evenings and weekends. There is a fall residency of 3-5 days that can also be virtual.”
“The graduate program complements our undergraduate Creative Arts Therapy program,” explained Ridley. “We provide a continuity of educational services, from an undergraduate degree in Creative Arts Therapy, a bridge program (3+2) into our graduate program, and post-graduate certificates for those wanting to learn more about art therapy.”
The program provides the education needed to pursue professional certifications such as art therapist registered (ATR) with the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), certification as a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA), and state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in West Virginia and other states.
Post-graduate supervision hours and successfully passing of exams are required for professional certification and licensure.
This new program is a 60-credit hour degree program that consists of 51 credit hours of coursework, 3 credit hours of supervised practicum, and 6 credit hours of supervised professional internship.
Prospective graduate students can find out more about financial aid by visiting the website or contacting the Office of Graduate Studies by visiting westliberty.edu/graduate-programs.
For more information about the art therapy specifically, contact Ridley via email at susan.ridley@westliberty.edu or by phone at 304-336-8251.
