This is just a small selection of basic information about the fields of Art Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Therapeutic Art Educator/Coaching.

​What kind of degree do you need to be an art therapist?
You need a Master's degree in Art Therapy in order to pass the licensing exam and become 
a registered art therapist. There are also many other paths one could travel in order to become a licensed art therapist or a licensed/certified clinical counselor and registered expressive arts therapist. (REAT)

​Are there any specific colleges recommended for Art Therapy degrees?

Yes, they must be approved by the American Art Therapy Association. 
Here is a list of approved grad schools:
https://arttherapy.org/art-therapy-masters-education/


But a Master's is needed for the field....
There are a few undergrad degrees, but these must be combined with the Master's Degree
in Art Therapy for entry into the field.
https://arttherapy.org/art-therapy-undergraduate-doctoral-programs/


Here is a fact sheet about Art Therapy and Education:
 https://arttherapy.org/upload/media-kits/Education-fact-sheet.pdf


Are there required college classes you should take?   
You could do a major in art, but each Master's degree has specific requirements. 
If you do an art degree, you should load up on Psychology classes! 
Or- you can major in Psychology and minor in Art?
Or- major in Counseling, minor in Art and then add on the Expressive Arts Therapy training. 


Expressive Arts Therapy

https://www.psychologytoday.com/therapy-types/expressive-arts-therapy


A good book to order now and read is "Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy: Brain, Body, and Imagination in the Healing Process" by Cathy Malchiodi

Cathy Malchiodi is an internationally renowned  in the US and around the world.
From her website "Trauma Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute":

"Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy® and Trauma-Informed Art Therapy® are approaches developed by Dr. Cathy Malchiodi that integrate trauma-informed practices, "brain-wise" arts-based interventions and embodied awareness concepts to support trauma reparation and recovery. We believe expressive arts therapy [the integrative use of art, music/sound, dance/movement, enactment/improvisation, storytelling/narrative, play, and imagination] is a key psychotherapeutic strategy when addressing traumatic stress. The Institute is dedicated to professional education and distance learning on these practices that focus on the expressive arts as a form of body-based psychotherapy."

Here is the link to the book

American Art Therapy Association
arttherapy.org
Welcome to the American Art Therapy Association. AATA brings together professionals
dedicated to the belief that making art is healing and life enhancing.