Art Therapy Programs for Mental Health Disorders

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

14 minutes read
Psychologist writing notes during a mental health therapy appointment.

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A common component of A Mission For Michael Treatment Centers is holistic therapies, like art therapy. This creative therapy method can enhance the effects of our evidence-based treatment programs. We have multiple treatment facilities located with California, Washington, and Virginia. Each of our treatment centers provide individualized care, focused on addressing your unique mental health concerns.

Our mental health treatment facilities provide treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including dual diagnosis conditions. We combine traditional psychotherapy sessions with holistic treatment options, including creative therapy options. We are going to spend time exploring art therapy for mental health disorders, and how you can experience healing through art interventions.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that can be used to address emotional, mental, and some physical challenges. Therapeutic art techniques can help you find ways to express yourself, and to process your experiences. Art therapy exercises are done with the supervision and guidance of a licensed therapist.

Using art therapy for mental health concerns can be impactful in multiple ways. You’ll have an opportunity to express your thoughts and emotions, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness. You may be able find art therapy in counseling programs for trauma and mood disorders.

Art therapy retreats are an immersive art experience that can include a variety of art therapy activities with counseling services in a structured environment. Art therapy retreats are commonly held in settings that are calm and peaceful, helping you feel relaxed so that you can openly engage in various art therapy activities.

Art therapy retreats allow you to try different mediums, such as painting, sculpting and drawing. You may even find a something that could be a new hobby at home. These retreats can help you gain a more profound insight into your emotions and thoughts, help you grow and move forward in life.

Art therapy treatment centers can be found across the country. These treatment programs are helping those living with a range of psychological and emotional difficulties through creative expression. This includes those living with a history of mental health disorders, trauma, chronic illness, and addiction. Continue reading for examples of notable art therapy mental health programs in the U.S.

  • Cleveland Clinic’s Art Therapy Program in Cleveland, OH. This art therapy treatment center offers art therapy to those who are living with medical and psychological needs. The program focuses on helping individuals process emotions related to their health challenges.
  • The Counseling Center at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX. Here, art therapy is integrated into a mental health counseling and addiction treatment program. This can help address underlying emotional difficulties and promote healing. 
  • Cedars-Sinai Art Therapy Program in Los Angeles, CA. Individuals who are living with cancer and chronic illnesses can receive emotional support through the use of art therapy programs. This can help individuals learn to cope with the emotional impacts of long-term health struggles.
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Art Therapy in Philadelphia, PA. This treatment program provides art therapy for trauma, Expressive arts therapy methods are used to facilitate expression and emotional healing.

Art therapy has shown promise as a treatment for individuals living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Research indicates that cancer patients who engaged in art therapy reported significant improvements in mood. Outdoor art therapy sessions have also been linked to greater emotional expression compared to indoor settings, emphasizing the therapeutic value of nature.

In 2014, there were approximately 11,700 art therapists in the United States, with the field growing since then. Studies highlight the effectiveness of art therapy. As an example, one study involving women with depressive symptoms, found that 34% of participants experienced a 50% reduction in their symptoms after engaging in therapeutic art interventions.

Does Health Insurance Cover Art Therapy and Art Retreats Near Me?

Your policy may insurance coverage for art therapy. Insurance companies do not provide coverage for art therapy retreats. They do generally provide coverage for holistic therapy programs that offer traditional treatments and creative therapies. Your coverage can include inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

Insurance coverage can vary greatly, which is why we encourage you to call AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers directly to understand the scope of your coverage.

What is an Art Therapy Program?

An art therapy program can introduce you to creative art methods to address underlying mental health concerns and disorders. Art therapy can promote emotional well-being, and help you address underlying emotions. You may find that art therapy programs give you an outlet for self-expression.

Similar to traditional behavioral health treatment methods, art therapy programs use specific techniques to explore your emotions and thought processes.  Art therapy can be incorporated into holistic therapy programs for those who are struggling with a range of mental health conditions, including mood disorders, trauma, and chronic stress. If you would like to learn about how an art therapy program can support you in your recovery, we encourage you to begin by completing our confidential and free assessment. This allows our staff to highlight the specific benefits that you could experience. 

What Are the Benefits of Traveling for Art Therapy Programs

There are a number of reasons to consider traveling to an art therapy program. One factor would be that traveling to a treatment program allows you to engage in treatment in a new, and safe environment. Many art therapy programs take place in a peaceful environment that promotes creativity. This can also provide you with space from your stressors at home.

Traveling for treatment allows you to leave the typical stressors in your home environment, and focus on your counseling services. You may find that your new surroundings allow you to tap into your creativity, and have new experiences with art. You may find your focus, concentration, and mood improve.

Depending on how far you travel, you may have an opportunity to experience traditions and values of new cultures. This can be a grounding and inspiring experience, helping you gain a new perspective on life. This experience can also enhance your creativity for art therapy exercises.

Group art therapy sessions can help create a supportive community, among individuals who have similar psychological or emotional challenges. This can reduce feelings of loneliness, and allow you to gain new connections in a safe and supportive environment. This can also provide you with a sense of validation for your experiences.

Art therapy programs are often located in natural, peaceful, or calming environments. Being in nature can be relaxing and help reduce stress. This can help you fully engage in art therapy and additional counseling services, to work towards your mental health goals.

Natural settings can be scenic and relaxing. This can include mountains, desserts, beaches, and lakeside locations. Many find that being exposed to the natural beauty of these setting inspires them, and increases their creativity abilities. Additionally, these settings can promote mental clarity and overall emotional well-being.

By helping you express thoughts and emotions, art therapy can promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Using creative methods can help you feel recharged, and be a nice reprieve from traditional talk therapy methods. With mental clarity, you may feel better physically, and reduce the stress and tension being held in your body.

Mental Health Centers That May Offer Art Therapy Programs Near Me

At A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment Centers, you’ll have an opportunity to engage in a variety of treatment and therapeutic opportunities, including wellness programs. Our accommodations were designed with comfort in mind so that you can feel at home within our facilities. Dial (866)478-4383 today to explore available treatment options.

Common Meditation and Art Therapies Offered by Mental Health Treatment Centers

Mental health counseling programs can integrate art and meditation therapies with traditional treatment interventions to enhance your healing experience. This is a holistic approach to mental health care that can help you learn to manage stress, express emotions, and improve your overall well-being.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is commonly used as a component of mindfulness-based therapy. This practice can help you learn to remain in the moment, without judging your thoughts and other internal experiences. This can promote relaxation, improve concentration, and decrease anxiety. Meditation is commonly combined with art therapy activities to enhance your creativity.

Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is another mindfulness practice. This includes visualizing different environment and emotional experiences. Guided imagery has been found to reduce stress, improve focus, and increase emotional awareness. This can be used in addition to trauma therapy for those struggling with PTSD and trauma-related disorders.

Mandala Art Therapy

Mandala art therapy is a specific art therapy activity that involves creating circular designs as a form of self-expression. This activity can help you explore your subconscious, reduce stress, and create an overall sense of wholeness. This approach can be used with those struggling with anxiety and depression.

Collage and Mixed Media

Collage and mixed media exercises encourage creativity and self-reflection. This technique combines the use of more than one material, which can add an extra layer to your expressed emotions. This form of visual arts therapy is commonly used in addition to trauma therapy to address complex underlying emotions.

Breathing Exercises and Art

Breathing exercises can be combined with art therapy to help calm your nervous system, and improve your focus while creating art. With an enhanced focus, you can experience more creativity and a deeper healing experience. Breathing exercises can be a great emotion regulation tool.
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    What Do Art Therapy Programs Help With?

    Art therapy programs are incorporated into a variety of mental health counseling programs because of their wide range of benefits. This includes treatment programs focusing on mental, emotional, and physical health concerns. Examples art therapy benefits you can experience with an art therapy program include:

    Art therapy can help you develop a deeper sense of self-awareness into your thoughts and emotions. It can also introduce you to enjoyable activities and new coping skills that can be used when you find yourself experiencing hardships. Therapy programs can combine art therapy with other approaches to illustrate how you can implement similar practices into your self-care routine.

    Art therapy for anxiety symptoms can help you learn new and effective ways to manage stress and worry. Art can be a creative outlet for these uncomfortable emotions, and can help reduce some of the physical symptoms that are associated with stress and anxiety.

    Art therapy workshops and programs can use a variety of natural materials, or take place in nature. This allows you to reconnect with nature, and feel grounded in the world around you. The routine of life can take our attention away from what’s around us, and art therapy can help you feel connected, promote relaxation, and emotional clarity.

    Art therapy can be used in mental health counseling programs for a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. You may find that creative therapies help you process your emotions, create a sense of empowerment, improve your self-awareness, and build resilience.

    Group art therapy sessions can be used to help create a sense of connectedness and community. You can interact with others who have had similar emotional challenges, which can be a validating experience. Group therapy allows you to practice social skills, develop connections with others, and build empathy.

    Art therapy can help facilitate spiritual exploration with the use of creative expression. This can help you connect with your inner self, and explore a more profound meaning in life. It can also help you identify values that are important to you, and explore how your current behaviors align with them.

    Art therapy can help strengthen your motor skills and fine-tune your sensory awareness. This can be a valuable benefit for those who have experienced set-backs in the coordination or mobility due to their mental health. Art therapy can also help reduce the physical symptoms associated with mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

    Creative expression in therapy can help you explore your inner thoughts and emotions. This can help you strengthen your relationship with yourself, and gain a more profound understanding of who you are as a person. Art therapy can provide you with a healthy resource for self-expression, which can be helpful for challenges that are difficult to put into words.

    Mental health counseling programs use art therapy for emotional healing. Art therapy can reduce trauma symptoms and help you find an emotional balance. It can provide you with a safe place to feel and process your inner emotions and thoughts. Art therapy can also be added to your routine for continued support in your recovery.

    group therapy appointment, patients talking to eachother.

    How Much Do Art Therapy Programs Cost Near Me?

    When art therapy programs are available as a component of holistic therapy programs, their cost is worked into the overall cost of treatment. Inpatient treatment programs tend to cost between $500 and $2,000 per day, which may include the use of creative therapy methods. This price can vary among different treatment providers.

    Outpatient treatment can vary in price as well. Partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs tend to have higher expenses than traditional outpatient treatment. Individual therapy sessions generally cost between $100 and $200 per session. Group therapy sessions tend to have lower expenses. If you would like a personalized quote for mental health treatment, we encourage you to contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers today to review your treatment needs and ways to pay for treatment.

    How To Check My Health Insurance Coverage For Art Therapy Near Me?

    Insurance coverage can include the cost of art therapy programs, especially if they are a component of a comprehensive treatment program. Generally, those who use insurance tend to have lower treatment expenses compared to those who pay out of pocket for treatment.

    Because of the individualized nature of insurance plans, we would need to know more information about your policy to provide a quote for treatment. For assistance understanding the cost of art therapy with your policy, we encourage you to complete the AMFM insurance verification form and dial (866)478-4383 for support.

    • Art therapy can be an effective treatment intervention for those living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
    • Studies have found that patients experiencing depression and anxiety as a result of cancer found a significant decrease in their mood symptoms after participating in art therapy exercises.
    • Research has suggested that art therapy sessions that take place outdoors in nature can lead to a greater expression of concerns compared to indoor sessions.
    • There were an estimated 11,700 art therapists in 2014, a number which has likely grown since.
    • A study focusing on women struggling with depressive symptoms found that 34% of participants experienced a 50% decrease after participating in art therapy interventions.

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.