[Art Therapists in Health Care]

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Occupational Studies
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• The Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Künstlerische Therapien (BAG KT) identified a need to analyze the art therapy profession in Germany.
• Existing data on the demographics, qualifications, and practice areas of art therapists was limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the occupational group of art therapists in Germany.
• To gather data on socio-demographics, qualifications, practice settings, patient populations, and reimbursement within art therapy.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was developed and distributed to art therapists across various fields.
• The survey collected data on socio-demographic factors, qualifications, areas of activity, patient characteristics, institutional settings, and reimbursement.
• 2303 valid datasets were analyzed, with a focus on 2134 art therapists in the healthcare sector (SGB).

Main Results:

• The majority of art therapists in healthcare (83%) are female.
• Key practice areas include emergency medicine, curative treatment, rehabilitation, and youth welfare.
• Specialization in music and art therapy is prevalent, with most therapists holding graduate degrees and a significant portion licensed as alternative practitioners.

Conclusions:

• Art therapies are significantly implemented within the German healthcare system, particularly in emergency and curative settings.
• The findings provide a detailed profile of art therapists, informing professional development and policy.
• Quality management practices are widely adopted by art therapists.