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Danielle E. Swan, "Still," 2021
Art Therapy and Counseling
Art Therapy and Counseling Department
At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, we know that art has the power to heal. In our Art Therapy and Counseling program, we train you as both a therapist and an artist, helping you use creative tools to support patients through life's challenges. You will explore various frameworks, methods, and clinical settings under the mentorship of our experienced faculty, so you can decide on the best course of treatment to meet your patient’s needs. Our graduates lead meaningful, purpose-driven careers as board-certified and licensed art therapists in hospitals, schools, community centers, and private practices.
Take a Campus Tour
Explore our campus by taking a student-led in-person or virtual tour.
Jess Bass, Goo & Ooo, 2022
Susannah Ward, "25: An Abstracted Retrospection," 2020
Artist, Therapist, Researcher
SAIC is one of the most influential, lauded colleges of art and design within the US, with world-class facilities and resources. SAIC's Art Therapy program is not simply a clinical training program. It's position within one of the most influential art and design colleges fundamentally shapes its curriculum. You'll take advantage of SAIC's studio, critique, and creative community so that you can move fluidly between the roles of artist, therapist, and researcher.
Our Faculty Have Diverse Interests and Experiences
Our faculty draw from a range of clinical and artistic experiences and are experts in many different research areas and theoretical frameworks, which means that students can explore a vast array of subjects.
Monica Rose Morris, "Out of Office," 2019, digital photographs
A Bridge Between Theoretical, Clinical, and Exhibition Practice
Unlike most art therapy programs, we offer our students the opportunity to exhibit their work as part of their research practice. This allows students to not only share their findings with an external audience, it also allows the public to engage with and participate in students’ research.
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Department of Art Therapy and Counseling
Sharp Building
37 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 713
Phone: 312.899.7481
Department Chair
Elia Khalaf ekhalaf@saic.edu
Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) Coordinator
Elia Khalaf ekhalaf@saic.edu
MAATC Graduate Director
Frederica Malone fmalon@saic.edu
Associate Director of Clinical Education
Deborah Ann DelSignore ddelsignore@saic.edu
Licensure Specialist
Valerie Vasquez vvasqu@saic.edu
Administrative Assistant
Kristi Moynihan kmoyni1@saic.edu