Art therapists have a considerable understanding of art processes underpinned by a sound knowledge of therapeutic practice, they can work with a wide range of conditions in a variety of residential and community based settings, with individuals and groups, for example:

• NHS -Adult Mental Health Services: with adult and older aged psychiatry such as Alzheimer’s syndrome, palliative care, head injuries and stoke victims, trauma Units, secure hospital settings
• Private Hospitals
• Hospice Services
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services
• Learning Disabilities Support Services and Educational settings: includes working with conditions such as physical and mental impairment, autistic spectrum, hearing difficulties and speech difficulties
• NHS and Community Health Centres including drop-in centres: for clients dealing with issues such as depression, bereavement an difficult life situations
• CAMHS – Child and Adolescent mental health Services
• Social Services
• Child and Family Centres
• Looked After Children (LAC) services
• Bereavement Charities
• The Prison Services
• Charitable Organisations
• Education Services: from nursery through to infant, junior, senior school and further education

The diversity of these areas of work is reflected in the number of special interest groups that have developed in affiliation with the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). More detailed information about these specialist areas of practice can be viewed on the BAAT website

Anyone from pre-school children to older adults, can all benefit from Art Therapy; in one-to-one therapy or group therapy, in private practice, educational, community or social care.

Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses. It can be particularly helpful to people who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally.

Art Therapy can be beneficial in working with:

• School Children
• Child Carers
• Looked After Children
• Women’s Refuge Services
• Women’s groups
• Post Natal Depression individuals and groups
• Parents and Carers supporting children with disabilities
• Adult Carer groups
• Older Adult Support groups
• Community Outreach groups
• Refugee groups
• Mental Health and Wellbeing groups
• Bereavement Services
• Support for Staff in the Caring Professions and Social Care
• Work Place, Wellbeing and Team Building groups
• Peer Group and Professional Supervision individuals and groups
• Teaching Staff in Schools individuals, groups and workshops