UBCNews - Business - Why Art Therapy Works For Teens: Mental Health Experts Share Their Insights

Episode Date: January 13, 2026

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're talking about something that's really making waves in teen mental health treatment – art therapy. And I'm so glad to have you with me to discuss this. Mission Prep City: San Juan Capistrano Address: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. Website: https://missionprephealthcare.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're talking about something that's really making waves in teen mental health treatment, art therapy. And I'm so glad to have you with me to discuss this. Thanks for having me. You know, this is a topic that doesn't get enough attention, especially when we think about how hard it can be for teenagers to put their feelings into words. Exactly. I mean, one in seven teenagers between the ages of 10 and 19 experiences a mental health condition.

That's a huge number. So for parents listening, have you noticed your teens struggling to express what they're going through? Right. And that's where art therapy comes in. It gives teens a safe outlet to access and process those complex emotions that they might find really difficult to verbalize. I actually remember working with a teen once who couldn't talk about her anxiety at all. But when she picked up a paintbrush, everything just poured out. It was like watching someone finally find their voice, just not with words. That's powerful. Now let me ask, what makes me ask? What makes a picture? art therapy different from, say, a regular art class, because I think a lot of parents might wonder if they should just, um, sign their kid up for pottery instead.

Huh, well, pottery's great, but it's not quite the same. In a regular art class, the goal is to learn technique and produce a finished piece. But art therapy, the primary goal is emotional expression and self-discovery. The focus is on what the art reveals, the colors, the shapes, the symbols. All of that reflects emotions that might feel too big or confusing to name. Um-hum, interesting. And when emotions don't have a healthy outlet, they can show up in other ways, right? Absolutely.

Unexpressed emotions can manifest as isolation, irritability, risky behaviors, even physical symptoms like headaches. And research shows that bottling up feelings often increases anxiety, depression, and in some cases, can contribute to suicide. thoughts. So giving teens tools for emotional expression is really important. That's sobering. So what are some of the techniques used in art therapy for teens? Well, there are different approaches. Drawing and painting let teens choose colors and shapes that reflect their emotions, and those choices are often not even conscious. Then there's sculpting and collage, which can be especially effective for trauma processing.

The tactile process of working with clay or mixed materials can really ground them. them. And many teens today feel more comfortable with photography or digital media, capturing images or editing photos to reflect how they see the world. So it really meets them where they are. Now, let's talk benefits. What are we seeing in terms of mental health outcomes? The benefits are pretty significant. First, there's improved emotional awareness and regulation. Teens learn to recognize and name what they feel by putting emotions into colors or forms. In other words, there's They develop better insight into their emotional landscape. Second, reduce stress and anxiety.

Engaging in creative processes naturally calms the nervous system. Third, effective trauma processing, because trauma can be too complex for words. But art provides a safe way to approach those memories. Then there's stronger communication skills and boosted self-esteem. That point about emotional awareness and regulations sets up our next piece, how art therapy fits into broader treatment plans, But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're a parent or caregiver of a teen struggling with mental health challenges,

finding the right support can feel overwhelming. Mission Prep provides adolescent mental health programs in California and Virginia, treating the entire family system in a safe, sustainable way. Their approach combines evidence-based therapies to help prepare teens for life's challenges while giving families a fresh start. Learn more at Mission Prep, Health Care, Care.com. Picking up on emotional awareness and regulation, how does art therapy work alongside other therapeutic approaches in practice? Art therapy is often most effective when combined with

other evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, and dialectical behavior therapy, DBT. For example, pairing art with CBT can strengthen self-awareness. Teens create artwork that reflects anxious or negative thoughts, then use CBT techniques to reframe them. With DBT, teens can practice skills like mindfulness or emotion regulation through creative exercises. Maybe they paint a calming place they can visualize during stress. So it really builds on itself. Definitely. And in residential care settings, art therapy becomes part of an integrated approach. Programs bring it in to help teens process experiences in a structured, supportive environment, complementing other interventions. It helps them develop coping skills. It helps them develop coping skills

build self-awareness, and foster a sense of community among peers. Right, that connection with peers matters too. It does. When we embed art therapy within structured treatment plans, teens don't just find a creative outlet. They gain measurable improvements in mental health. Multiple studies have demonstrated that art therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

by providing an outlet for stress and emotional release. And research, including various studies and reviews, has found a positive impact on reducing depressive symptoms across various settings. So just for everyone listening, if they're wondering whether art therapy is right for their teen, what should they look for in a program or therapist? Look for licensed art therapists who understand adolescent development. Ask how they integrate art therapy with other treatments. And consider whether your teen needs a residential program or outpatient care.

Art therapy can support a wide range of mental health needs, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, self-esteem issues, identity questions, and communication challenges. The key is finding a program that treats your teen as an individual and creates a personalized plan. That's really helpful guidance. And it sounds like art therapy contributes to long-term healing by equipping teens with coping mechanisms and resilience for future challenges. Exactly. It gives them tools they're getting to. going to carry forward. And while talk therapy is effective, art therapy provides a unique nonverbal avenue for expression that can be particularly beneficial for teens who find it difficult to articulate

their feelings verbally. It complements traditional approaches by providing an alternative method for processing emotions, especially for those resistant to verbal therapy. This has been such an eye-opening conversation. For parents out there facing these challenges with their teens, remember that emotional expression matters. Finding the right. support can make all the difference in your teens' healing process. And the adolescent years are overwhelming. Social pressures, academic stress, family dynamics, hormonal shifts. But with the right tools and support, teens can learn to process their experiences,

strengthen coping skills, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. Well said, thanks so much for joining me today. And to our listeners, thanks for tuning in. Until next time, take care.