Art Therapy

At Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, art therapy services are provided to address educational goals of students who demonstrate therapeutic need and have difficulties expressing themselves verbally.

The purpose of art therapy is to provide opportunities for positive experiences that enhance classroom functioning and help with school performance. The primary goal is to help a student reach their full potential. Art therapy can be tailored to support a student’s academic, social, or emotional needs. Art therapy utilizes a variety of art materials and techniques including drawing, sculpting, painting and crafting.  

Art therapy is provided by a trained professional who holds the national ATR-BC (Art Therapist Registered, Board Certified) and is licensed by New York State as a Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (or LCAT).

Art therapy is provided to students in preschool through age 21 who qualify for art therapy services through a formal evaluation. Therapists use drawing assessments to determine a student’s emotional functioning, social and academic needs, areas of growth, and ability to engage with the materials. Based on the assessment, goals and objectives are established to meet the needs on the student’s IEP.

Students do not need any prior experience with art in order to benefit from art therapy. Services are contingent upon approval through the CPSE or CSE process.