Military Art Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of defense and therapy, the role of military art therapists has never been more crucial.

As society becomes more attuned to the mental health needs of military personnel, the demand for creative professionals who can facilitate, nurture, and safeguard their psychological well-being is growing.

But what exactly does a military art therapist do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker keen to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager looking for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intersection of art, therapy, and the military,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable military art therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Military Art Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Military Art Therapists use art therapy techniques to help military personnel and their families address emotional and psychological issues.

They combine the creative process and psychotherapy to promote personal growth, improve mental health, and foster a sense of well-being.

The duties and responsibilities of a Military Art Therapist include:

• Providing art therapy interventions for military personnel dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions
• Designing and implementing individual and group art therapy sessions based on patient needs
• Assessing patients’ psychological condition and treatment progress through their art expressions
• Using art materials, creative processes and resulting artwork to help patients explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, and foster self-awareness
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement patient treatment plans
• Providing support and counseling for family members of military personnel
• Documenting and maintaining detailed patient records
• Adhering to confidentiality and ethical guidelines of the profession
• Organizing art exhibitions to raise awareness of the therapeutic benefits of art therapy
• Conducting research to contribute to the knowledge and practice of art therapy within a military context

 

Military Art Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Military Art Therapist to join our team.

The ideal candidate will utilize art therapy techniques to improve the mental health and emotional well-being of military personnel and veterans.

This includes helping individuals cope with physical injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions related to military service.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to identify appropriate therapeutic interventions
• Facilitate individual and group art therapy sessions
• Use art therapy to help patients express emotions, improve self-esteem, and reduce anxiety
• Create a safe and supportive environment that encourages creativity
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on patient needs and goals
• Document patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care
• Stay current with latest research and best practices in art therapy
• Comply with all professional, ethical, and legal regulations

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Art Therapy or related field
• Current board certification as an Art Therapist
• Prior experience working with military personnel or veterans is preferred
• Strong understanding of the unique mental health needs of military populations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care
• Proficiency in electronic health records and digital communication tools

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of military personnel and veterans

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Military Art Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting, with potential for outreach in military and veteran community settings
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head of Therapy Services
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a portfolio of your art therapy work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Military Art Therapist Do?

Military Art Therapists typically work within the military health system, providing therapeutic support to active duty personnel, veterans, and their families.

They use various forms of art to help individuals express themselves, cope with stress, and deal with trauma.

This includes drawing, painting, sculpture, and other forms of creative expression.

Military Art Therapists often work with individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues often associated with military service.

Their job involves encouraging individuals to explore their emotions through creative processes, then helping them analyze the produced artwork to gain insight into their feelings and behaviors.

They also collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, to develop comprehensive treatment plans for their clients.

Military Art Therapists also provide education and training to military personnel and their families about the benefits of art therapy and how it can be used as a tool for mental wellness.

 

Military Art Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A Military Art Therapist requires a unique blend of skills and qualifications to help service members and their families cope with the stress and trauma associated with military life and service.

These skills include:

• Master’s degree in Art Therapy or related field, with a strong emphasis on psychology and counseling.
• Registered with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) and adherence to the ethical standards of the profession.
• Knowledge and experience with military culture, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other service-related mental health issues.
• Strong communication skills to effectively facilitate therapy sessions and articulate concepts and emotions through the medium of art.
• Empathy and emotional resilience to support clients through difficult emotional experiences and traumas.
• Ability to design and facilitate art therapy sessions tailored to the needs of individual service members and groups.
• Knowledge of various artistic mediums and techniques, and the ability to adapt these mediums to therapeutic contexts.
• Proficiency in keeping detailed records and maintaining confidentiality of client information.
• Skills in building trust and rapport with service members and their families in a respectful and sensitive manner.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt therapy strategies as needed and to work with clients who may be resistant to therapy.

 

Military Art Therapist Experience Requirements

Military Art Therapists generally require a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field, such as counseling or psychology with a concentration in art therapy.

Prior to obtaining a master’s degree, candidates usually have a bachelor’s degree in art, psychology or a related field.

During their education, art therapy students gain practical experience through internships or practicums, often working under the supervision of a licensed art therapist in a clinical setting.

This experience is essential to understand the therapeutic use of art and the psychological theories behind the practice.

In addition, prospective Military Art Therapists should have experience working with military personnel or veterans.

This could be gained through internships at Veterans Affairs hospitals, military bases or other relevant settings.

Military Art Therapists should also have experience or training in trauma-informed therapy, as many military clients suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related issues.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience as an Art Therapist may be prepared for more complex or demanding roles, such as supervising other therapists or developing art therapy programs.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for leadership roles, such as managing an art therapy department or serving as a consultant to other healthcare professionals in the military community.

 

Military Art Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Military Art Therapist typically requires a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field such as counseling or psychology with a concentration in art therapy.

Before entering a master’s program, individuals must first earn a bachelor’s degree, preferably in art, psychology, or a related field.

They should also have a strong background in art, including coursework or experience in different media such as painting, drawing, or sculpture.

The master’s program will provide students with theoretical knowledge as well as practical training on how art therapy can be used to treat various psychological and emotional issues.

Additionally, they will learn how to work with different populations, including military personnel and veterans.

Most states require art therapists to be licensed.

Licensure typically requires a master’s degree and supervised clinical experience.

Further, the Art Therapy Credentials Board provides voluntary certification, which can demonstrate a high level of professional competency.

Military Art Therapists may also need to complete additional training or certification related to the military or veterans affairs.

This could include understanding the unique experiences and needs of military personnel, dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, and understanding military culture.

Continuing education is essential for a Military Art Therapist to stay updated on the latest research and techniques in art therapy, as well as issues related to the military and veterans.

This can be achieved through workshops, courses, or conferences.

Finally, practical experience, through internships or similar opportunities, particularly in a military or veteran-specific setting, is highly beneficial.

 

Military Art Therapist Salary Expectations

A Military Art Therapist can expect to earn an average salary of $48,600 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on the therapist’s experience, education, location, and the specific branch of the military they are employed by.

 

Military Art Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Military Art Therapist need?

Military Art Therapists should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills in order to engage effectively with clients, some of whom may be dealing with trauma or complex emotional issues.

They should also have a solid foundation in various art techniques and therapeutic methods, and the ability to adapt these techniques to suit individual client needs.

An understanding of military culture and the unique experiences of service members can also be advantageous.

 

What qualifications are necessary for a Military Art Therapist?

A master’s degree in art therapy or a related field is typically required, along with licensure or certification in the state in which they practice.

A combination of coursework in psychology and the visual arts is usually part of the degree program.

Experience working in a military setting or with veterans can be beneficial, but is not always required.

 

What should you look for in a Military Art Therapist resume?

Firstly, ensure that the applicant has the necessary educational qualifications and licensure.

Look for experience in art therapy, especially in military or similar settings.

Any additional training in areas such as trauma therapy or counseling can also be beneficial.

Strong communication skills and empathy are important, so consider any evidence of these in their prior roles or experiences.

 

What qualities make a good Military Art Therapist?

A good Military Art Therapist is empathetic, patient, and has a deep understanding of the healing power of art.

They should be adaptable, able to modify their therapeutic approach based on the individual needs of each client.

They should also be respectful of the military culture and sensitive to the unique experiences and challenges faced by service members.

 

How does a Military Art Therapist help veterans?

A Military Art Therapist helps veterans by using art as a form of expression to explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

This can be particularly beneficial for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, or other mental health issues associated with their service.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the truths and significance of being a military art therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about painting pictures.

It’s about providing healing and therapy, one brush stroke at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive military art therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next stepping stone to creating detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each stroke of the brush is part of a larger healing journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.

How to Become a Military Art Therapist (Complete Guide)

The VIP of Careers: The Most Prestigious Jobs in the Arena

Happy Hustling: Enjoyable Jobs That Make Every Day Brighter

Tech’s True Test: Jobs Where Humans Are Unbeatable

Money Without the Misery: Easy Jobs That Will Keep You Smiling to the Bank!