Art is a natural form of expression for all ages. Art therapists at Riley at IU Health provide mental health counseling through expressive experiences that promote emotional health and physical healing.
Sometimes, words are not enough, and art can become a vehicle to express one’s inner feelings. The Art Therapy Program at Riley at IU Health helps children process the most challenging circumstances and emotions. At this time, Riley Art Therapy is only able to offer services to patients currently inpatient at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health.
By exploring their natural capacity for art-making, children can enhance their own mental, physical and emotional wellness. Art therapists use the creative process to:
- Process physical and emotional healing
- Express feelings about illness, medical treatment or traumatic experiences
- Provide a sense of control and mastery
- Provide grief and bereavement counseling
- Reduce anxiety and depression while building resiliency
- Foster self-awareness and increase self-esteem
- Increase positive coping and problem-solving skills
- Enhance overall quality of life
The Art Therapy Program at Riley at IU Health offers services through two master-level mental health professionals. These psychotherapists incorporate art-making in the therapeutic relationship. Both are licensed counselors, educated in art and psychology and specially trained to use art-making as a form of therapy to treat anxiety, depression, and psychosocial and emotional difficulties related to illness, trauma and loss.
The program is completely funded by generous contributions from the community through the Riley Children’s Foundation, allowing Riley at IU Health to provide assessment, mental health counseling and treatment to children and adults of all ages at no cost to our patients and families.
Related Programs
- Music Therapy Program
- Psychiatry
- School Program
- Social Work & Care Management
Related Support Services and Resources
Riley at IU Health Blog. This featured blog post at Riley at IU Health shares anecdotal information about the Art Therapy through patients who have participated in this program at Riley at IU Health.
American Art Therapy Association. This organization for art therapy professionals publishes a fact sheet that explains how art therapy can enhance health and wellness.
Related Educational Opportunities
The Art Therapy Program at Riley at IU Health currently offers internships only for second and third year art therapy graduate students. Shadowing opportunities are not available, however if you have any questions regarding the Art Therapy Program at Riley please email us at: rileyarttherapy@iuhealth.org.