Is Art Therapy an Evidence-Based Form of Treatment?
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Teen art therapy is an evidence-based form of expressive therapy that teens and people can use when they are struggling to properly verbalize their emotions. At Nexus Teen Academy, we know how challenging it can be for teens to open up, especially when dealing with underlying issues like teen trauma. That’s why we offer teen art therapy sessions, where teenagers can express themselves through art.
In this article, we’ll discuss how teen art therapy works and why it’s effective for teens. If you notice any signs and symptoms of teen behavioral health issues that need immediate professional intervention, please contact us. Remember, early treatment is crucial in your teenager’s recovery.
Understanding Art Therapy for Teens
Art therapy is an expressive therapy that uses creative processes to help teens express their emotions. Teenagers enrolled in art therapy engage in activities like painting, drawing, or modeling to help them process their feelings. According to research, art therapy is good for mental well-being and helps teenagers develop positive coping skills. Rooted in the belief that individuals do not have to be artists to engage in art therapy, this form of treatment can help foster self-worth and self-discovery.
In mental health treatment, art therapy is used to address a wide range of conditions. This includes mental health disorders like anxiety, teen depression, PTSD, and trauma. Since art therapy is mostly nonverbal, it is a good avenue for teenagers who struggle with verbal communication or articulating their thoughts. Most teenagers with anxiety may have an intense fear of opening up to people. They may also experience difficulties such as isolation or withdrawal from friends and family. For such teenagers, art therapy is perfect as it provides them with a canvas to express their emotions without judgment.
During art therapy, teenagers’ artistic expressions are guided by trained therapists. These therapists help teenagers to interpret their emotions based on their creation. They work with your teen to help them get better, express their feelings more openly, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to personal triggers.
What makes art therapy evidence-based is the scientific data backing it up. Art therapy has been shown to benefit teenagers with mental health and addiction. The process of art creation influences mindfulness, which helps teens manage stress and stay in the moment.
Studies Supporting Art Therapy as an Evidence-Based Form of Treatment
Numerous research studies highlight the effectiveness of art therapy in treating mental health conditions such as anxiety. A study found that individuals engaging in art therapy experienced significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Another study demonstrated that trauma survivors using art therapy showed reduced PTSD symptoms.
Case studies further support these findings. For example, a 2020 case study on war veterans with PTSD revealed that structured art therapy sessions helped them process traumatic experiences and improve coping mechanisms. Similarly, research on adolescents with severe anxiety showed that participation in art therapy programs led to enhanced emotional expression and self-awareness. These studies prove art therapy’s tangible impact on mental well-being, making it a valuable therapeutic tool.
Art Therapy and The Brain
Scientific research has demonstrated that creative expression plays a significant role in brain function. Participating in art therapy activates multiple brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex. These regions are responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation. Studies using fMRI scans reveal that art therapy stimulates the brain’s reward system. This releases dopamine, a feel-good hormone that promotes positive emotional states.
Neuroplasticity also plays a crucial role in art therapy’s effectiveness. Creating art encourages new neural connections. This is very important, especially for teenagers recovering from trauma or mental health disorders. According to research, engaging in creative activities helps regulate the amygdala. This is the brain’s center for processing stress and fear, which is also responsible for addictions. When your teenager is engaged in art therapy, the brain can pick up positive behaviors such as these, helping them relieve stress and pent-up emotions. This can be beneficial, especially for teenagers experiencing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Art Therapy in Clinical Settings
Art therapy is widely used in hospitals, mental health clinics, and schools to support emotional and psychological healing. In hospitals, it helps patients cope with chronic illness, pain management, and post-surgical recovery. Most mental health clinics use art therapy with traditional talk therapy to address conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders.
Additionally, schools have increasingly adopted art therapy programs. Programs such as painting and sculpting are aimed at supporting students struggling with emotional regulation, as well as behavioral issues. If your teenager is struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders, it is important to discuss it with the school. Most schools have programs such as Individualized Education Plans to help your teenager fit in with the rest. Such programs ensure your teenager gets the best quality of education and professional help at the same time.
Limitations and Criticisms of Art Therapy Research
Despite its proven benefits, art therapy faces challenges in research and clinical validation. One major limitation is the difficulty in quantifying its effectiveness compared to standardized treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, creative therapies do not have easily measurable biochemical markers.
Another criticism is the lack of large-scale, controlled studies. Many existing studies rely on small sample sizes. This limits the generalizability of findings. Additionally, the psychological and medical communities often express skepticism about creative therapies; most do not see them as effective, hence the need for more rigorous scientific validation.
To create more confidence in art therapy as a treatment option, it is important for researchers and mental health professionals to address these concerns. More randomized controlled trials and standardized methodologies should be embraced to enhance the credibility of art therapy research.
How Art Therapy Fits into Holistic Mental Health Treatment
Holistic treatment refers to treatment approaches that focus on the body, mind, and soul. When integrated with other psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) or mindfulness, art therapy can help promote full recovery. For teenagers who have undergone traditional therapies but still struggle with verbal communication, art therapy may be recommended. Not only does it offer a nonverbal approach, but teenagers do not have to interact with others unless they want to.
While art therapy can be a standalone treatment, it is often most beneficial when used as a complementary tool. In cases of severe mental health conditions, it works best alongside medication and structured psychotherapy. When creative expression is complemented by traditional therapies, your teen can learn to manage their emotions, reduce stress, and maintain an overall mental well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Evidence-Based Art Therapy?
Art therapy has vast benefits and can benefit teenagers with a plethora of mental health and substance abuse disorders. For teenagers who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma, art therapy can offer an escape. The process of art creation is highly consuming and requires teenagers to focus on their creations. This process can help teenagers not focus on their intrusive thoughts much, but instead live in the moment. When teenagers do this repeatedly, they are likely to have better mental health and overall well-being.
For adolescents who struggle with verbal expression, art therapy is perfect. Your teenager can either enroll in individual or group art therapy. During individual therapy, your teen’s therapist can find a middle ground to help your teen with emotional expression without pushing their verbal abilities too far. If your teenager prefers nonverbal communication but suffers from isolation, group therapy can be a good platform to ward off loneliness. Such a setting encourages teens to communicate with one another and learn positive coping skills.
Additionally, teenagers with PTSD, autism, or ADHD can use art therapy to regulate emotions, improve focus, and develop coping skills. The structured yet flexible nature of creative exercises allows them to engage at their own pace. Lastly, if you are seeking nontraditional therapeutic methods, art therapy is best. It provides an alternative to conventional talk therapy. For teens enrolled, it fosters self-awareness, builds confidence, and promotes emotional healing in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Teen Behavioral Health Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Have you tried traditional therapies and are now considering art therapy for your teen? Look no further; let us help your teenager express their emotions creatively. At our teen mental health treatment center in Arizona, we offer comprehensive and tailored treatment to cater to teenagers’ needs. Our trained mental health providers work with teenagers and their families to create an environment that fosters healing. We complement traditional therapies with creative and experiential therapies like art to encourage holistic healing among teens. Additionally, we encourage family participation in therapy. We offer family therapy to help parents create a supportive environment for the teen.
If you are unsure about the type of treatment your teen needs or are interested in learning if insurance covers art therapy, you can reach out to learn more. We can provide expert insight and advice into your teen’s treatment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there specific age groups that benefit more from art therapy?
Art therapy benefits all age groups, but it is especially effective for teens and seniors. It helps them express emotions, build self-worth, and promote self-exploration.
How do therapists measure progress in art therapy?
Therapists track progress through behavioral changes, emotional expression, and engagement in sessions. They may also assess recurring themes in artwork and improvements in coping skills.
How long does it take to see results from art therapy?
Results vary depending on your teenager and their challenges, but some people may get emotional relief after a few sessions.
Are there any risks or downsides to art therapy?
There are no major risks, but it can bring up intense emotions that may be difficult to process. Working with a trained therapist ensures a safe and supportive experience.
What should someone look for when choosing an art therapist?
Look for a licensed professional with experience in art therapy and mental health. A good therapist should also create a comfortable, non-judgmental space for expression.
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
Is Art Therapy an Evidence-Based Form of Treatment?
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On June 21, 2025
Table of Contents
Teen art therapy is an evidence-based form of expressive therapy that teens and people can use when they are struggling to properly verbalize their emotions. At Nexus Teen Academy, we know how challenging it can be for teens to open up, especially when dealing with underlying issues like teen trauma. That’s why we offer teen art therapy sessions, where teenagers can express themselves through art.
In this article, we’ll discuss how teen art therapy works and why it’s effective for teens. If you notice any signs and symptoms of teen behavioral health issues that need immediate professional intervention, please contact us. Remember, early treatment is crucial in your teenager’s recovery.
Understanding Art Therapy for Teens
Art therapy is an expressive therapy that uses creative processes to help teens express their emotions. Teenagers enrolled in art therapy engage in activities like painting, drawing, or modeling to help them process their feelings. According to research, art therapy is good for mental well-being and helps teenagers develop positive coping skills. Rooted in the belief that individuals do not have to be artists to engage in art therapy, this form of treatment can help foster self-worth and self-discovery.
In mental health treatment, art therapy is used to address a wide range of conditions. This includes mental health disorders like anxiety, teen depression, PTSD, and trauma. Since art therapy is mostly nonverbal, it is a good avenue for teenagers who struggle with verbal communication or articulating their thoughts. Most teenagers with anxiety may have an intense fear of opening up to people. They may also experience difficulties such as isolation or withdrawal from friends and family. For such teenagers, art therapy is perfect as it provides them with a canvas to express their emotions without judgment.
During art therapy, teenagers’ artistic expressions are guided by trained therapists. These therapists help teenagers to interpret their emotions based on their creation. They work with your teen to help them get better, express their feelings more openly, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to personal triggers.
What makes art therapy evidence-based is the scientific data backing it up. Art therapy has been shown to benefit teenagers with mental health and addiction. The process of art creation influences mindfulness, which helps teens manage stress and stay in the moment.
Studies Supporting Art Therapy as an Evidence-Based Form of Treatment
Numerous research studies highlight the effectiveness of art therapy in treating mental health conditions such as anxiety. A study found that individuals engaging in art therapy experienced significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Another study demonstrated that trauma survivors using art therapy showed reduced PTSD symptoms.
Case studies further support these findings. For example, a 2020 case study on war veterans with PTSD revealed that structured art therapy sessions helped them process traumatic experiences and improve coping mechanisms. Similarly, research on adolescents with severe anxiety showed that participation in art therapy programs led to enhanced emotional expression and self-awareness. These studies prove art therapy’s tangible impact on mental well-being, making it a valuable therapeutic tool.
Art Therapy and The Brain
Scientific research has demonstrated that creative expression plays a significant role in brain function. Participating in art therapy activates multiple brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex. These regions are responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation. Studies using fMRI scans reveal that art therapy stimulates the brain’s reward system. This releases dopamine, a feel-good hormone that promotes positive emotional states.
Neuroplasticity also plays a crucial role in art therapy’s effectiveness. Creating art encourages new neural connections. This is very important, especially for teenagers recovering from trauma or mental health disorders. According to research, engaging in creative activities helps regulate the amygdala. This is the brain’s center for processing stress and fear, which is also responsible for addictions. When your teenager is engaged in art therapy, the brain can pick up positive behaviors such as these, helping them relieve stress and pent-up emotions. This can be beneficial, especially for teenagers experiencing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Art Therapy in Clinical Settings
Art therapy is widely used in hospitals, mental health clinics, and schools to support emotional and psychological healing. In hospitals, it helps patients cope with chronic illness, pain management, and post-surgical recovery. Most mental health clinics use art therapy with traditional talk therapy to address conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders.
Additionally, schools have increasingly adopted art therapy programs. Programs such as painting and sculpting are aimed at supporting students struggling with emotional regulation, as well as behavioral issues. If your teenager is struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders, it is important to discuss it with the school. Most schools have programs such as Individualized Education Plans to help your teenager fit in with the rest. Such programs ensure your teenager gets the best quality of education and professional help at the same time.
Limitations and Criticisms of Art Therapy Research
Despite its proven benefits, art therapy faces challenges in research and clinical validation. One major limitation is the difficulty in quantifying its effectiveness compared to standardized treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, creative therapies do not have easily measurable biochemical markers.
Another criticism is the lack of large-scale, controlled studies. Many existing studies rely on small sample sizes. This limits the generalizability of findings. Additionally, the psychological and medical communities often express skepticism about creative therapies; most do not see them as effective, hence the need for more rigorous scientific validation.
To create more confidence in art therapy as a treatment option, it is important for researchers and mental health professionals to address these concerns. More randomized controlled trials and standardized methodologies should be embraced to enhance the credibility of art therapy research.
How Art Therapy Fits into Holistic Mental Health Treatment
Holistic treatment refers to treatment approaches that focus on the body, mind, and soul. When integrated with other psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) or mindfulness, art therapy can help promote full recovery. For teenagers who have undergone traditional therapies but still struggle with verbal communication, art therapy may be recommended. Not only does it offer a nonverbal approach, but teenagers do not have to interact with others unless they want to.
While art therapy can be a standalone treatment, it is often most beneficial when used as a complementary tool. In cases of severe mental health conditions, it works best alongside medication and structured psychotherapy. When creative expression is complemented by traditional therapies, your teen can learn to manage their emotions, reduce stress, and maintain an overall mental well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Evidence-Based Art Therapy?
Art therapy has vast benefits and can benefit teenagers with a plethora of mental health and substance abuse disorders. For teenagers who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma, art therapy can offer an escape. The process of art creation is highly consuming and requires teenagers to focus on their creations. This process can help teenagers not focus on their intrusive thoughts much, but instead live in the moment. When teenagers do this repeatedly, they are likely to have better mental health and overall well-being.
For adolescents who struggle with verbal expression, art therapy is perfect. Your teenager can either enroll in individual or group art therapy. During individual therapy, your teen’s therapist can find a middle ground to help your teen with emotional expression without pushing their verbal abilities too far. If your teenager prefers nonverbal communication but suffers from isolation, group therapy can be a good platform to ward off loneliness. Such a setting encourages teens to communicate with one another and learn positive coping skills.
Additionally, teenagers with PTSD, autism, or ADHD can use art therapy to regulate emotions, improve focus, and develop coping skills. The structured yet flexible nature of creative exercises allows them to engage at their own pace. Lastly, if you are seeking nontraditional therapeutic methods, art therapy is best. It provides an alternative to conventional talk therapy. For teens enrolled, it fosters self-awareness, builds confidence, and promotes emotional healing in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Teen Behavioral Health Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Have you tried traditional therapies and are now considering art therapy for your teen? Look no further; let us help your teenager express their emotions creatively. At our teen mental health treatment center in Arizona, we offer comprehensive and tailored treatment to cater to teenagers’ needs. Our trained mental health providers work with teenagers and their families to create an environment that fosters healing. We complement traditional therapies with creative and experiential therapies like art to encourage holistic healing among teens. Additionally, we encourage family participation in therapy. We offer family therapy to help parents create a supportive environment for the teen.
If you are unsure about the type of treatment your teen needs or are interested in learning if insurance covers art therapy, you can reach out to learn more. We can provide expert insight and advice into your teen’s treatment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Art therapy benefits all age groups, but it is especially effective for teens and seniors. It helps them express emotions, build self-worth, and promote self-exploration.
Therapists track progress through behavioral changes, emotional expression, and engagement in sessions. They may also assess recurring themes in artwork and improvements in coping skills.
Results vary depending on your teenager and their challenges, but some people may get emotional relief after a few sessions.
There are no major risks, but it can bring up intense emotions that may be difficult to process. Working with a trained therapist ensures a safe and supportive experience.
Look for a licensed professional with experience in art therapy and mental health. A good therapist should also create a comfortable, non-judgmental space for expression.