Spectrum of Art Therapy Practice: Systematic Literature Review of Art Therapy, 1983-2014

The objective of this study was to determine art therapists' fit in the continuum of health delivery services defined by behavioral health. All publications in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association from 1983 (Volume 1) to 2014 (Volume 31) were systematically reviewed to understand how art therapy has been applied. The results indicate that art therapy has included the five behavioral health practices (prevention, lifestyle management, wellness, therapy, and rehabilitation), but also expands into assessment and social action. The majority of practices identified were comprised of therapy and assessment. The study has implications for identifying a spectrum of art therapy practices and defining the profession.