Art therapy vs. therapeutic arts: What’s the difference?

Art therapy and therapeutic arts are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct purposes, practices, and settings. Understanding the difference helps people choose the approach that best supports their creativity, healing, or personal growth.

Art therapy

Art therapy is a regulated mental health profession that combines psychological theory with creative expression. It is practiced by trained and credentialed art therapists who use art-making as a clinical tool to help clients explore emotions, address trauma, and support well-being.

• Sessions are led by certified art therapists with specialized training in psychology and the arts.

• The focus is on the process of making art as a means of communication when words may be difficult.

• It can be used in hospitals, schools, community health centers, and private practice.

• Art therapy is evidence-based and can complement treatments for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and other mental health challenges.

In art therapy, the artwork itself is not judged for skill or aesthetics; instead, it becomes a reflection of inner experiences that can be safely explored with professional guidance.

Therapeutic arts

Therapeutic arts (sometimes called creative arts for well-being) are non-clinical experiences that use art-making for relaxation, self-discovery, and personal growth. They are often facilitated by artists, educators, or wellness practitioners rather than licensed therapists.

• Sessions can look like guided art journaling, expressive painting, collage workshops, or creative retreats.

• The emphasis is on self-expression, stress relief, and building community through shared creative practices.

• Participants may gain insights, confidence, or emotional release, but there is no diagnosis or clinical treatment involved.

• Therapeutic arts are accessible to anyone, regardless of skill level, and often focus on the joy of making.

These practices help people reconnect with their creativity, explore their inner world, and cultivate resilience, but they are not considered mental health treatment.

Key differences

Why this distinction matters

Recognizing the difference helps people choose the right support for their needs. Someone coping with grief, trauma, or mental health challenges may benefit most from art therapy, where a trained professional can guide the healing process safely. Someone seeking stress relief, creative connection, or personal exploration may find therapeutic arts to be the perfect outlet.

Both approaches honor the deep connection between creativity and wellness—they simply serve different roles in that spectrum of care.