How I Built a Career in Art Therapy at Albertus Magnus

Contributed by: Devin Smith ’26 M.A.

I first heard about the field of Art Therapy while conducting my own research midway through my undergraduate degree. Already studying psychology, I knew I wanted to go into counseling. However, I also had a passion for art. Hearing about art therapy, it seemed like a great opportunity to combine my two interests. 

Albertus Magnus College was the perfect choice for me to proceed with my graduate education in art therapy. I wanted to move to a new area for grad school, and Albertus’ location in upper New Haven offered city living without the extra noise. As a summer applicant to the Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC) program, Albertus’ rolling admissions allowed me to submit my application at the time that was right for me, and still start school the following Fall semester. 

There were many things I loved about the MAATC program at Albertus. First, the MAATC program utilizes a cohort model, where students attend classes with the same group of students all three years. This gives students the opportunity to grow close with one another over time and support each other throughout their graduate studies. I know the peers from my cohort will stay close friends and colleagues throughout our careers. Second, the MAATC program provides graduate students with the opportunity to participate in multiple internships throughout the second and third years of the program. This allowed me to expand my clinical experience and learn more about myself as a budding therapist. Finally, the MAATC program sets graduates up to become both Licensed Professional Counselors as well as Registered, and eventually Board Certified, Art Therapists, expanding the services graduates are able to provide to future clients. 

After graduating in May of 2026, I will be practicing art therapy at the Green Lotus Creative Healing Center in Berlin, CT, an outpatient private practice where I completed my internship studies during my third year of the MAATC program. As I look forward into the future, I know that Albertus Magnus College has set me up with the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful counselor in a world where mental health care is becoming increasingly more significant. I will be forever thankful that I chose Albertus Magnus College to be my home and place of study for the past three years.