The integration and application of art therapy in K-12 school counseling programs and the relationship to the ASCA national model

Art therapy programs have been successfully integrated and applied to K-12 public schools. Art therapy can be utilized to provide mental health services to students with varied learning and social needs and applied into numerous counseling theories to provide mental health services to youth, comply with legal mandates, and support a comprehensive school counseling program. This study focused on the history of specific public school art therapy programs, the art therapists who developed these programs, and the positive outcomes associated with integrated art therapy programs. The rationale for an integrated art therapy program is presented in this study with examples of best practices. This study explored the reported needs, challenges, and perceptions of school counselors such as increased demands, high caseloads, and the desire for professional development. This paper discussed the employment status of school-based art therapists and the challenges they experience when working in schools. This paper examined the interdisciplinary relationship between art therapy and school counseling and art therapy’s common goals with that of the American School Counselor (ASCA) National Model. Art therapy is applicable to a variety of brief-counseling approaches utilized by school counselors. Art therapy is a natural fit for school counseling and when art therapists are hired as school counselors they might assimilate into the educational system. This study resulted in the development of a website (toolkit) for school counselors and art therapists interested in integrated art therapy programs, professional development, and advocacy for the initiation and/ or sustainment of an integrated art therapy program in public schools.