CiiAT - Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy
Art Psychotherapy Diploma

Program Description

The Art Psychotherapy Diploma (APD) program is a dynamic, comprehensive, and academically rigorous program that nourishes creativity, encourages critical thinking, and welcomes unique perspectives. Experiential and theoretical learning experiences foster student competence, flexibility, and professional skill development that enables them to meet the complex demands of today’s clinical workplaces and diverse client needs. CiiAT ensures that students are actively involved in shaping their learning environment while implementing new research and ideas in practice. Graduates of the program become leaders in the field in the areas of professional practice, research, and theoretical implementation.

This diploma program prepares students for a career as a Professional Art Therapist and is recognized by:

This program has been approved by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training:

  • Title: Art Psychotherapist
  • Credential: Diploma (recognized by CRPO and CATA)
  • Tuition: $26,460 – $29,400
  • Delivery: Live Online (on-camera), some self-directed, and clinical placement (virtual or in-person)
  • Instructional Hours: 1200 hours
  • lHomework: varies week to week
  • Time Commitment: 20 hours/week over 30 months
CiiAT strives to be a community of equity and inclusion by welcoming students from many backgrounds and diverse cultures, creating space for all voices to be heard. The APD program helps students navigate political and cultural challenges by integrating traditional psychodynamic theories with contemporary theories in art therapy. Students are encouraged to explore the uses and potentials of different theories when dealing with various client populations, treatment goals, and the student’s own preferred therapeutic style of practice.

The APD program offers students innovative training while meeting the educational standards of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). Students who require Professional Membership with CATA must complete 350 hours of direct client clinical placement hours and 350 other non-direct clinical placement hours, otherwise known as clinical-related instructional hours.

Courses are taught online in real time and are heavily interactive. Coursework is delivered through Moodle, our comprehensive learning management system.

Graduates of the program become leaders in the field in the areas of professional practice, research, and theoretical development. In order to address the rising need for telehealth practices, post-APD graduates are also familiar with art therapy practices in a variety of environments both physical and virtual.

You can apply here, along with paying the application fee.

When Does it Run?

Diploma classes start at three different times throughout the year:

  • January
  • May
  • September.

We consider APD applications year-round. You can indicate which month you would like to begin classes when applying.

There are regional requirement differences for becoming a registered art therapist. It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that they meet the requirements of any regulatory bodies in their area of practice.

By applying to the program, you confirm that you understand it is your own responsibility to check with your provincial/state/country regulatory bodies for any additional requirements you may have in order to become an art therapist, and not that of CiiAT.

Successful candidates will submit their application package at least 3 months prior to the desired starting date.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify major relevant art therapy theories
  • Follow and implement the Canadian Art Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
  • Develop a thorough understanding of art media and its use in clinical art therapy
  • Recognize and summarize the symptoms experienced by people who have been diagnosed with a psychological disorder as defined in the current DSM with appropriate art therapy interventions

Tuition Fees

Post-BA $29,400 over a monthly payment period of 20 months ($1470 per month)

* Post-MA $26,460 over a monthly payment period of 18 months ($1470 per month)

* Pending transcript review

Admission Requirements

  • Undergraduate degree in Social Sciences, the Arts or a related field (the undergraduate degree requirement may be met through a documented Equivalency Assessment)
  • 3 psychology courses, such as, Introduction to Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Human Development, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Developmental Psychology, History of Psychology, and Counseling Skills.

NOTE: If students do not have their psychology prerequisites, they are able to enroll in the psychology course facilitated by CiiAT: Art of Psychology

 

  • A minimum of two years of experience in education completed in English
  • Current resume and/or transcripts and/or certificates
  • Portfolio of 10 pieces of artwork
  • Successful completion of an oral intake interview

Art Psychotherapy Diploma 30-Month Plan

APD info graphic Jan30 scaled e1706646976240

101 History, Theories, and Approaches

In this course, students will explore the historical and theoretical underpinnings of Art Therapy. They will investigate theories from traditional psychotherapy and apply them to client-inspired artworks. Theories covered will include psychoanalytic, object-relations, humanistic, developmental, cognitive-behavioural, gestalt, and phenomenological theory. Through reading, lectures, videos, art-making, and discussion with classmates and instructors, students will achieve a working knowledge of the similarities and differences between the various approaches, and be able to recognize when and how to apply particular theories and approaches to serve their clients better.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to identify the major relevant art therapy theories
  • Students will be able to identify the major art therapy pioneers and their contributions to the field
  • Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to use art therapy theories in therapeutic practice
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the use of art media and its use in therapeutic practice

102 Ethical, Legal, and Cultural Considerations

This course will educate students on the ethical considerations in art therapy that combine to form the basis of the practicing art therapist’s values and beliefs. Students will gain a thorough knowledge of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) Code of Ethics, evaluate the ethical dilemmas and make clinical decisions based on art therapy ethical principles and legal requirements.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be capable of explaining the purpose of the Canadian Art Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to avoid ethical breaches in their own practice by describing and illustrating specific case examples
  • Students will be aware of and able to describe the key legal considerations in the art therapy field of practice

103 Disorders, Diagnoses, and Assessments

Through a series of readings, videos, case studies, discussions, and assignments, this course examines the relationship between art, psychopathology, creativity, and healing. The intent of the course is to provide the student with the opportunity to study the progressive development and application of art therapy with various client populations. Students will investigate and learn how to use art therapy with clients experiencing symptoms of the major diagnostic categories described in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) published by the American Psychiatric Association, which includes effective therapeutic goals and interventions.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will recognize and summarize the symptoms experienced by people who have been diagnosed with a psychological disorder as defined in the current DSM.
  • Students will identify and describe effective treatment goals and interventions for various populations.
  • Students will describe and select specific art therapy interventions for treating most of the major diagnoses in the current DSM.
  • Students will recognize and explain various indicators in client artwork along the continuum of mental illness to mental health.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between art-making, psychopathology, creativity, and wellness.
  • Students will recognize and demonstrate an understanding of the connections between art therapy, trauma and neuroscience.

104 Attachment Informed Psychotherapy

This course provides a comprehensive overview of an attachment-informed art therapy model with a focus on dyadic work between children and caregivers, as well as adolescents and adults. Students will learn about the art therapy process as a vehicle for changing internal working models; creating a secure base in the therapeutic relationship with clients; formulating and processing relationship experiences; transference and countertransference; and working with different attachment styles or patterns, including insecure and conflicted.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will explain and summarize key attachment theories as they apply to art therapy.
  • Students will practice art therapy interventions, gaining an understanding of how those interventions can foster secure attachments between parents or caregivers and children.
  • Students will recognize and summarize the concepts of attachment as relevant to art therapy practice during each phase of the life cycle.

105 Art Therapy with Families

This course provides an introduction to the use of art therapy with families, including a review of the philosophy and epistemology of family therapy, systemic thinking, and attachment theory. We will explore various applications and assessment techniques for family art therapy and trauma, addressing family roles and hierarchies, strategic theory, re-framing, and role-playing. We also investigate the complexities of culture in families and groups, and how this impacts the therapeutic relationship.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will learn and reiterate key concepts in the theories of family art therapy
  • Students will become familiar with and demonstrate art therapy assessment skills for use with families
  • Students will develop and demonstrate art therapy directives and treatment goals for use with various family dynamics
  • Students will design art therapy interventions for specific family issues, including but not limited to trauma, substance use, marital separation, and divorce

106 Studio Art Psychotherapy with Individuals

This studio-based course focuses on art therapy with individuals. Students will learn how to work in a one-on-one model from the intake process through assessment, treatment planning, intervention, and closure. With a focus on applying theory, various techniques, and key factors in clinical practice, students will have an opportunity to create art and to practice the role of the art therapist with their instructor and peers.

Additionally, students will explore the dynamic interplay between creativity and the expressive therapies continuum, gaining a deeper understanding of how artistic expression contributes to healing and self-discovery. Throughout the course, the pivotal role of the therapeutic relationship and the person-centered approach will be thoroughly examined, highlighting their crucial roles in the art therapy process.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will summarize and illustrate their knowledge by giving examples of the current theories on art therapy with individuals
  • Students will develop and demonstrate treatment planning and goals for individuals presenting with various challenges
  • Students will be able to initiate and conduct appropriate art therapy interventions for individuals in class using therapist-client role plays and peer-to-peer roleplays
  • Students will practice art therapy interventions with a wide range of art media, including 2D and 3D activities

107 Studio Art Psychotherapy with Dyads

This studio-based course focuses on art therapy with adult dyads/couples, exploring ways to improve communication and build intimacy within a relationship. Students have the opportunity to actively explore their own self-reflective process, and to integrate their experience into current conceptual frameworks for clinical practice. Students will explore how art therapy techniques might be used to support the attachment theory taken by an emotionally-focused approach to couples therapy. Students will blend their interpersonal art processes through instructor-led art-making, with small group debriefing sessions and discussions focused on theory, technique, and clinical practice in art therapy with couples.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will summarize and illustrate the current theories on marital and couples art therapy as taught in this course
  • Students will develop and demonstrate treatment plans and goals for couples and dyads presenting with various relationship challenges
  • Students will be able to initiate and conduct appropriate dyadic and couples art therapy interventions in class through therapist-client role plays and peer-to-peer roleplays

108 Studio Art Psychotherapy with Groups

This studio-based course focuses on art therapy with groups. Students will learn group dynamic theories and approaches, and examine how to adapt facilitation practices for closed-ended and open-ended group formats. Mandated and volunteer groups and community studios, commonly referred to as art hives, will also be discussed. Students will experiment with a variety of art-making processes and materials and discuss their benefits in relation to a range of clinical presentations, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and stress-related disorders.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will summarize and illustrate the current theories on group dynamics in art therapy as developed by therapists such as Yalom, Riley, and Moon
  • Students will design an art therapy group program for a client population of their choosing
  • Students will be able to initiate, demonstrate, and explain appropriate art therapy interventions including opening a group, managing the dynamics, closing a group and reviewing artwork for a client population of their choosing

109 Research & Arts-Based Methodologies

This course provides students with a deeper understanding of the components needed to plan, carry out and complete an arts-based thesis; including selecting a topic, writing a research question, constructing and completing a literature review, choosing a methodology, selecting the method for disseminating the thesis findings and ethical considerations in research.

There will be a focus on critical thinking and further developing skills in understanding and analyzing research specific to art therapy. Research in art therapy is premised on a fundamental commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding of the usefulness, efficacy and legitimacy of art therapy. It also aims to raise the profile of the profession of art therapy in general.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements of art therapy research and methodologies
  • Students will explain and summarize current art therapy research methodologies as taught in this course
  • Students will demonstrate through discussion and assignments how they could implement these theories in their own research
  • Students will create a research proposal to conduct research using one of the methodologies taught in this course as a framework

110 Thesis or Arts-Based Project

In this course, students are provided with the framework to focus on the integration of research skills that are relevant to art therapy practice and to build an awareness of the ethical aspects of research and development work. With their research question at the forefront, students will gather data, analyze their findings, and synthesize the results to culminate in their final presentation.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will further contribute to the field of art therapy through their research study
  • Students will produce a research thesis that reflects the ability to synthesize knowledge acquired and to apply these learnings in the development, execution, and analysis of a research study relevant to art therapy practice and methodology
  • In their research and final thesis, students will demonstrate the ability to independently and creatively identify, formulate, and deal with complex issues in art therapy
  • Students will show an in-depth knowledge of the field of art therapy, including deeper insight into current research

111 Case Studies in Art Therapy

This course orients students to the value and structure of writing and presenting case studies that show a client's progress with a clinical team. Students gain an appreciation for the application of case studies in clinical settings as they learn to observe and succinctly present a client's therapeutic journey, including the intake process, assessment, identifying the presenting problem, developing the treatment goals, documenting the client's evolution through art images, and concluding summary.

Learning Outcomes

  • The student will demonstrate competency in formulating and structuring a case study
  • The student will build skills in succinctly conveying a client’s progress in art therapy from intake through to intervention and termination
  • The student will be able to outline the treatment approach and art therapy activities used to meet the treatment goals
  • The student will have submitted their own case study as part of the course criteria

112 Individual and Group Supervision

The focus of this course is for students to gain confidence and competence in working with clients in a therapeutic relationship. Throughout the course, a strong emphasis will be placed on confidential discussions of client sessions, the confidential handling of files, personal observations and assessments, and recognizing client growth and regression. Students will also explore nonverbal cues in the client’s behaviour and artwork. Transference and countertransference will be examined as they pertain to clinical work. Supervisors will assess the clinical abilities of the student.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to write and present a clinical assessment that includes discussing and presenting clinical case material clearly
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze the artwork and art-making processes presented in supervision
  • Students will demonstrate competency in their ability to notice changes in the artwork and clinical case material
  • Students will have the ability to identify and explore transference and countertransference material in themselves and clients
  • To demonstrate the ability to write a clinical assessment that includes an art analysis

113 Professional and Clinical Practices

Throughout this course, students will explore how they can shape their future professional practice with consideration to their career preferences and regional considerations and governing bodies. They will also become familiar with setting up security and safety protocols within a clinical practice. This course will cover basic job application processes and marketing skills in preparation for graduation and future clinical work.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate competency and understanding in professional preferences
  • Students will be familiar with regulatory bodies within art therapy and legal considerations
  • Students will be able to conduct career or business planning, including considerations for marketing, professional qualifications, and client populations

114 Clinical Interventions

Throughout this self-directed course, students will practice, adapt, and implement symptom and age-appropriate interventions for virtual and face-to-face clinical settings and for both individual and group work.

Through mock sessions and observation, students will learn to work with a variety of materials and become familiar with their inherent symbolism, meaning, metaphor, and sensory qualities.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to create appropriate interventions for a client’s treatment goals
  • Students will be able to adapt the demonstrated interventions according to cultural, time, and situational considerations
  • Students will be familiar with the application of appropriate interventions throughout a session

115 Through the Lens: Authentic Art Therapy Sessions

The focus of this course is to enhance students’ observational skills in a clinical setting. Students will navigate the therapeutic process from intake to review through an authentic unscripted video series of real art therapy sessions lead by an experienced art therapist. Through detailed analysis of the sessions involving note-taking, they will explore the effects of different art therapy interventions and learn how to witness, observe, analyze a client’s behaviour, the therapist’s response, and the choice of intervention while exploring adaptations and alternative processes for various client populations and symptomologies.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate competency in understanding predominantly nonverbal communications in the therapeutic alliance
  • Students will be able to apply previous learning to determine pivotal therapeutic moments throughout a series of sessions
  • Students will be able to analyze therapeutic practice in action through note-taking and discussion

116 The Reality of Virtual Art Therapy

In this course, students will explore the application of technology and its effect on art therapy practices. Students will become familiar with current platforms and equipment for telehealth; how to manage a virtual practice, including safety protocols; and how to ensure regional compliance from governing bodies for their practice. They will also learn how to appropriately create, handle, and store clinical files, including charts, intakes, reviews, and closure forms.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate understanding of various telehealth platform and technology options
  • Students will be able to learn how to create a safe space for both themselves and their clients when practicing art therapy by telehealth
  • Students will be familiar with their own regional compliance and governing bodies
  • Students will understand how to appropriately manage client files in a non-physical space, including intake forms, charts, reviews, and closure forms

117 Mind, Body, and Media

Throughout this course, students will explore how the use of media helps clients express emotions beyond words. With a focus on somatic experiencing—that of the body’s tendency to hold memories and trauma—students will gain a deeper understanding of the connection and disconnect of mind and body when various interventions are expressed in art therapy. Causes and treatment approaches to addressing somatic disconnection are also explored.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate understanding in using and manipulating various art media to express emotions in a predominantly nonverbal manner for somatic processing
  • Students will be able to utilize art therapy techniques to aid clients in connecting physical and emotional aspects of themselves
  • Students will be articulate and demonstrate an understanding of how and when somatic work is clinically useful for a client and when it is counter-therapeutic

118 Clinical Placement

Clinical Placement is the cornerstone of the Art Psychotherapy Diploma Program as graduates go on to practise as mental health professionals in Canada. Art therapy, as with other social work and counselling professions, requires significant fieldwork to solidify the foundations of the professional practice. Through observation, analysis, practice, and review, students will become familiar with current clinical practices. The skills and knowledge they gain through clinical placement will situate them for professional work in the field of art therapy. Activities conducted during the Clinical Placement meet the requirements of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), our clinical regulatory body.

Students will be placed at a facility that is aligned with their long-term career goals. Placements may include mental health centres, hospitals with in-patient or out-patient programs, wellness clinics, private and public schools, counselling agencies, seniors’ facilities, as well as virtual clinics. Students take the knowledge and skills gained in theoretical and clinical coursework and apply it directly to various client populations and diagnoses.

Students in Clinical Placement are supervised, assessed, and evaluated by both a site supervisor and a Registered Art Therapist school supervisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Art Psychotherapy Diploma (APD) at CiiAT?

The APD is a comprehensive, academically rigorous program designed to develop professional skills for careers in art therapy. It integrates experiential and theoretical learning, fostering competence and flexibility to meet diverse clinical needs.

What are the career prospects for graduates of the APD program?

Graduates can pursue careers as Art Therapists/psychotherapists, with the program aligning with NOC code 3144 for this occupation.

What is the accreditation status of the APD program?

The APD Diploma program is approved by the PTIB of the Ministry of Advanced Education and recognized by both the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

How is the APD program delivered?

The program is delivered through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous distance education methods, including live online interactions, streaming video platforms, and various online tools and platforms.

What are the admission requirements for the APD program?

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences, the Arts, or a related field, have completed three psychology courses, possess a minimum of two years of education in English, and fulfill other requirements such as a portfolio and an intake interview.

CiiAT’s Art of Psychology program is an ideal pre-requisite for the Art Psychotherapy Diploma Program as it offers a foundation in psychology through a therapeutic arts lens.

What are the requirements for CATA Professional Membership for APD students?

To qualify for CATA professional membership, students must complete a minimum of 500 academic hours and 700 hours of clinical hours.

What is the program duration and structure of the APD program?

The program spans 104 weeks, covering 1,200 instructional hours, including academic, clinical courses, and a clinical placement segment.

Students will be dedicating 15-20 hours a week to meet the Diploma requirements.

What equipment and materials are required for the APD program?

Students need art supplies, computer equipment, access to a web camera, microphone, and Wi-Fi. Course guides and textbooks are also required, with details provided course-wise.

How is student progress assessed in the APD program?

Assessment methods include demonstrations, participation in discussions, case study reports, presentations, quizzes, written assignments, art-making, and arts-based projects, among others.

What are the graduation requirements for the APD program?
  • Students must demonstrate competency in the program’s academic and clinical components.
  • Maintain a minimum attendance of 90%.
  • Complete all academic requirements to a minimum 70% (B-) grade.
  • Complete all clinical placement requirements in the time allocated and pass all clinical competencies.
What are the specific learning objectives and outcomes of the APD program?

Students will learn significant art therapy theories, adhere to the Canadian Art Therapy Association’s ethics, understand art media in clinical art therapy, and develop skills for treating psychological disorders, among other competencies.

What is the maximum number of students per cohort in the APD program?

The program admits 10-20 students per cohort, ensuring a more personalized and engaging learning experience.

What are the prerequisites for psychology courses within the APD program?

Applicants are required to have completed at least three psychology courses, ideal topics include – Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. However, if students haven’t completed the necessary psychology prerequisites, they can enroll in CiiAT’s intensive course, “The Art of Psychology,” to fulfill this requirement.

What does the program’s online/virtual learning entail?

The program’s online learning includes a blend of live virtual classrooms, pre-recorded lectures, forums, email communication, and the use of a Learning Management System for continuous engagement and resource sharing.

What does the clinical placement component of the program involve?

The requirement for graduation at CiiAT includes 700 clinical hours. 300-350 hours will be completed in Clinical placement working directly with clients. Clinical Placement can take place in the student’s own community or via CiiAT’s Virtual Art Therapy Clinic.

What are the guidelines for success in the APD program?

Success in the program is tied to mandatory attendance in on-camera classes, active participation, systematic engagement with course content, regular self-reflection, and office hours facilitated by instructors.

The Academic and Clinical Faulty as well as an Academic Advisor, are available to guide and support each student.

How is the Equivalency Assessment (EA) utilized in admissions?

The EA assesses applicants without a bachelor’s degree for equivalent knowledge and skills, determining their suitability for the program. The application for an EA costs $200.

How much time commitment is required for the program?

You should expect to dedicate approximately 15-20 hours per week to complete all aspects of classes, meetings, placement hours and homework.

What is the passing grade for the program?

You need to achieve a minimum grade of 70% in the assessment methods to pass the program in every course. This standard ensures a competent understanding and application of the course materials.

What are the attendance expectations for the program?

Students are expected to maintain a 90% attendance rate, tracked through the learning management system based on participation, submission of work, and engagement with course materials.

What support is provided for students in navigating academic and clinical challenges?

The Academic and Clinical Faulty support our students throughout their journey, and students have access to an Academic Advisor who is available to guide and support students individually.

Can I work during my program?

The APD Program is a rigorous part-time program, and students should expect to dedicate at least 15-20 hours per week to their studies. Many of our students work during their studies, arranging their work schedule with their employers accordingly. Note that work hours must accommodate on-camera class times and client appointments.

What is the difference between Post-BA and Post-MA in the Art Psychotherapy Diploma Program?

The only difference between the Post-BA and Post-MA streams is that Post-MA students are not required to write a thesis or complete the Research & Arts-Based Methodologies course, so long as a thesis was completed in their previous graduate studies.

How does your class schedule work? When does the school year start?

While we accept applications year-round, we offer three student intakes throughout the year: January, May, and September.

If you are applying to our program, please indicate which month you would like to begin classes. Please note that the admission process takes about 10-12 weeks from application to your first class. The deadline for each intake is usually 10 weeks before the start of classes. We encourage prospective students to submit their applications in advance when possible.

Students will attend one to two scheduled instructor-led online classes per week and will be expected to attend several other commitments, such as study labs, self-directed courses, clinical placement, and supervision throughout their schedule.

How long will it take me to complete my clinical placement?

You must complete 300-350 direct client contact hours as part of your clinical placement. Your clinical placements must be completed within 18 months.

Do you offer any online clinical placement opportunities?

Students may be eligible to complete some or all of their clinical placement hours in our Virtual Art Therapy Clinic (vatc.ca).

Can I accept paid positions for my clinical placement?

Yes, payment for clinical placement hours is possible. However, it is only possible when the student is already employed at a location that can accommodate art therapy as part of their current position.

I haven’t taken any psychology courses. Can I still apply for the APD program?

The psychology requirements must be completed before starting the program, but you are welcome to apply for the program before fulfilling this requirement, and your requirements will be discussed during the interview process for the APD program.

CiiAT’s Art of Psychology course is an intensive course that fulfills all three psychology requirements and can be completed within eight weeks. For more information, see Art of Psychology. https://ciiat.org/art-of-psychology/

Do you offer student loans?

Unfortunately, our programs do not currently qualify for student loans. We hope to be eligible for student loans in the future.

For the APD Program, we offer convenient payment plans. Students approved for the Post-MA track are exempt from the research and thesis classes. As such, tuition for Post-MA students is $26,460, while Post-BA students pay $29,400. The tuition is divided over 18 months for Post-MA students and 20 months for Post-BA students, with monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly payment plans available upon request. Your payments could be as low as $1,470.00/month if approved.

Furthermore, we offer a BIPOC scholarship that you are welcome to apply for if you qualify, and many of our students have found success receiving loans through their financial institutions. For more scholarships, please see the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) website for their offerings.

Is the APD program completely virtual?

We are a virtual school with students from all around the world studying with us. All that is required to study with us is a stable internet connection. International students must check with their country’s governing bodies and art therapy associations if they accept the CATA membership to practice art therapy in their home country. Another thing for international students to consider is the time difference. APD courses are delivered live online on Vancouver timings (PST).

Our Art Psychotherapy Diploma (APD) Program has a clinical practicum placement component that can be completed in person in a student’s community, or students may be eligible to complete their practicum online in our Virtual Art Therapy Clinic.

Is there a scholarship available?

The Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy offers a scholarship to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) students in an effort to provide greater accessibility to our programs. We want to recognize the marginalization that these communities face when entering the professional and academic sectors and to support bringing more BIPOC voices into the field of art therapy.

  • The scholarship is only honoured if you complete the APD program
  • The scholarship is in the form of a credit which is applied to your last tuition payments
  • Because there are limited scholarships, the amount of credit is variable, but can be up to $5000

Scholarship Application Requirements

  • A successful APD application which includes a note of intention to apply for this scholarship
  • A 2500-word essay written in APA format discussing how art-making provides a connection to culture.

Scholarship essays must be sent by email to [email protected]. All applications for the scholarship will be reviewed, and in circumstances where more than one applicant has shown potential, CiiAT may decide to split the scholarship accordingly.

Studying with CiiAT is more than just an education,

it’s a personal journey within a supportive community.

Whether it’s through our small, intimate classes, or through our friendly administrative and technical support team, we strive to provide personalized help and attention.

Moodle

Moodle

All of our programs have been designed with an optimal online learning experience in mind. Part of our highly interactive classes involves Moodle, an intuitive learning support software that provides a base for communication, assignments, feedback, and class resources. Never used Moodle before? Think of it as your very own virtual classroom space!

Virtual Art Therapy Clinic

Clinical Placement

As a school that is recognized by the Canadian Art Therapy Association, we match our Art Psychotherapy Diploma Program students with appropriate clinical placements in order to gain practical, real-life experience. In addition to clinical placements in a student’s local community, we also offer an online clinical placement option through our Virtual Art Therapy Clinic.

Graduation

Post-Grad

Graduates from our diploma programs go on to work as Professional Art Therapists in various settings. We offer various professional support and resources for finding work post-graduation.

I have had an exceptional experience

As a student, I have had an exceptional experience here. All of the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and supportive. Additionally, the course load was manageable as a working professional.

Jessica Hartig
Graduated Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student

It has been a wonderful journey

I have been a student of CiiAT for almost 2 years. It has been a wonderful journey. The instructors, TAs, supervisors, and all staff are very accommodating and helpful.

Teresa Wilcox
Graduated Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student

Strong foundation in therapeutic arts

TAPPs gave me a strong foundation in therapeutic arts and solidified my decision to apply to their Art Psychotherapy Diploma (APD).

Rachel Robbins
Graduated Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student

Being an art therapist is a long journey

Being an art therapist is a long journey, which is far more than gaining the diploma; it involves a lifetime exploration of my inner world and the collective psyche, which is shared by all human beings. I am now involved in creating art and on the way to the depth of my soul through the process.

Ju-Yi Chia
Graduated Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student

An amazing school!

An amazing school! I get to take classes with professionals and students from all over the world, yet there is a strong sense of mutual understanding, community and support.

Ulyana Omelchenko
Graduated Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student

Way beyond my expectations

The program’s curriculum is intellectually and emotionally rewarding; it goes way beyond my expectations. Love it!

Lilach Schonberg
Graduated Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student

I truly believe the healing power of art

I actually experienced several amazing healing moments in several of the classes. Of course, they are art therapy classes not therapy sessions. Because of those experiences in class and my studio experiences in the early years, I truly believe the healing power of art.

Ju-Yi Chia
Graduated Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student

The right educational international institute for you

If you are a professional who desires to become an art therapist, or just acquire extra knowledge about it, CIIAT is the right educational international institute for you.

Nathalie Paradis
Graduated Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student