Community Partnerships
"Art is my cure to all this madness, sadness and loss of belonging in the world and through it I'll walk myself home" - Nikki Rowe
East Bay Art Therapy partners with schools, government agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, treatment centers, senior services, and other community organizations to provide high‑quality creative arts therapy throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our credentialed clinicians offer Art Therapy, Drama Therapy, and Music Therapy, bringing therapeutic, culturally responsive programming directly to your facility. Virtual services are available for partners outside our geographic area.
Customized Creative Arts Therapy for All Ages
We design groups and workshops tailored to the unique needs of your community. Our services support participants ages 4 through older adulthood and can be shaped around the themes, goals, or challenges your site aims to address.
We offer a wide range of creative arts therapy group themes, including:
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Grief and loss support
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Trauma recovery
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Girls’ empowerment and boys’ groups
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LGBTQIAA+ support
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Depression and anxiety support
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Emotional regulation and anger management
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Healthy relationships
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Substance use recovery
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Open studio and expressive exploration
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Creativity, wellness, and self‑care
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End of Life Support
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Coping with Chronic Illess
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And many more
Whether your community needs structured therapeutic groups, wellness workshops, or full creative arts therapy programing, we provide engaging, clinically and trauma-informed offerings that meet participants where they are. Our services are neurodiversity, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming and catered to specific needs of the community to provide personally and culturally relevant care.
Experience Across Diverse Populations and Settings
Our team has worked with a broad range of communities and care environments, including:
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Acute inpatient psychiatric hospitals
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K–12 schools
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Senior centers and assisted living settings
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Affordable housing communities
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Residential treatment for teens and adults
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Outpatient programs (IOP/PHP)
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Medical hospitals
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Substance use treatment centers
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Justice‑involved youth programs
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Pregnant and parenting teens
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Cancer survivors and chronic illness support
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Immigrants and refugees
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College and university students
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And more
Bringing Creative Healing to Your Community
Through the power of art, movement, drama, and music, we help individuals express emotions, build coping skills, strengthen resilience, and experience meaningful connection. Our community partnerships make creative arts therapy accessible, inclusive, and impactful—where people live, learn, heal, and grow.
K-12 Schools
Unlock creative expression, build emotional resilience, and support healthy development through specialized art therapy designed for children and teens. Our licensed art therapists use drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed‑media art therapy activities to help students explore feelings, manage stress, and communicate in ways that feel safe and natural. Our services is trauma-informed, neurodiversity, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming and catered to specific school community needs to provide personally and culturally relevant care.
Why Art Therapy Helps K–12 Students
• Supports emotional regulation and reduces anxiety
• Builds confidence, self-esteem, self‑awareness, and problem‑solving skills
• Provides a nonverbal outlet for students who struggle to express themselves
• Strengthens social skills and positive peer interactions
• Helps students process change, trauma, or academic pressures
• Encourages creativity, focus, and healthy coping habits
Neurodiversity‑Affirming, Trauma‑Informed, and Culturally Responsive Care
Our art therapists prioritize safety, respect, and inclusivity. Sessions are tailored to each individual’s identity, needs, strengths, and lived experiences.
• Culturally affirming support that recognizes and honors diverse backgrounds and values
• Trauma‑informed practices grounded in safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment
• LGBTQIA+ affirming care that celebrates authenticity, identity exploration, and self‑expression
• Neurodiversity‑affirming approaches that respect sensory needs, communication styles, and processing differences
• Adaptable interventions that meet clients exactly where they are emotionally and developmentally
Our Services
• Individual and small‑group art therapy sessions
• School‑based programs for all grade levels
• Customized plans for emotional, behavioral, or academic needs
• Collaboration with educators, counselors, and families
Example Themes for Art Therapy Groups/Services
• General Art Therapy Group (for students with any identities / presenting concerns)
• Girls Group
• Boys Group
• Anxiety Support
• Depression Support
• Emotional Regulation
• Emotional Awareness and Expression
• Healthy Relationships
• LGBTQIA+ Group
• Substance Use Support
• Justice-Involved Youth
• Pregnant & Parenting Teens
• Grief Support
• Neurodivergence Support
• Newcomer Support (Immigrants / Refugees)
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
• Goal Setting and Motivation
• Cultural and Identity Exploration
• Building Self-Esteem
• Coping Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Bullying and Peer Pressure
• Hope, Motivation and Future Aspirations
• Developmental Disabilities
• Students with IEP's or 504's
• Custom Programming / Groups
A Supportive Space for Expression
Students do not need to have identified interest in the arts or any specific artistic skills to benefit from art therapy. At EBAT, we believe all young people are artists and accessing one's creativity is essential for mental and emotional well being so students can thrive.
Colleges
Support student well‑being, creativity, and emotional resilience with professional art therapy services designed specifically for college students and transition‑age youth. Our credentialed art therapists provide a welcoming, judgment‑free space where all students can process stress, explore identity, and reconnect with themselves through creative expression. Our services are trauma-informed, neurodiversity, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming and catered to specific school or department student needs to provide personally and culturally relevant care.
Why Art Therapy Matters for College Students
• Offers a healthy, nonverbal outlet for stress, anxiety, and overwhelm
• Supports students navigating identity development, independence, and life transitions
• Reduces burnout by promoting mindfulness, grounding, and emotional regulation
• Helps students process academic pressure, social challenges, and personal hardship
• Strengthens problem‑solving, self‑awareness, and overall mental wellness
• Encourages creative thinking that enhances personal and academic growth
Neurodiversity‑Affirming, Trauma‑Informed, and Culturally Responsive Care
Our art therapists prioritize safety, respect, and inclusivity. Sessions are tailored to each individual’s identity, needs, strengths, and lived experiences.
• Culturally affirming support that recognizes and honors diverse backgrounds and values
• Trauma‑informed practices grounded in safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment
• LGBTQIA+ affirming care that celebrates authenticity, identity exploration, and self‑expression
• Neurodiversity‑affirming approaches that respect sensory needs, communication styles, and processing differences
• Adaptable interventions that meet clients exactly where they are emotionally and developmentally
Our Services
• Individual and group art therapy sessions
• Campus‑based workshops for stress reduction, mindfulness, and resilience
• Programs tailored to student organizations, residence halls, and counseling centers
• Specialized support for transition‑age youth facing unique emotional and developmental challenges
• Collaborative care with campus wellness teams and student support staff
Example Themes for Art Therapy Groups/Services
• General Art Therapy Group (for any identities / presenting concerns)
• Stress and Anxiety Management
• Identity and Self-Expression
• Transitions and Change
• Trauma and Healing
• Grief Support
• Coping Skills
• Emotional Awareness and Expression
• Mindfulness and Relaxation
• Community and Connection
• Cultural and Identity Exploration
• Goal Setting, Motivation and Future Aspirations
• Healthy Relationships
• Newcomer Support (Immigrants / Refugees)
• Neurodivergence Support
• LGBTQIA+ Group
• Depression Support
• Custom Programming / Groups
A Supportive Space for Expression
Students do not need artistic experience to benefit. Art therapy focuses on expression, insight, and healing—meeting each student exactly where they are. Whether navigating academic demands, identity exploration, or the pressures of adult life, art therapy offers a powerful avenue for creative reflection and growth.
Hospitals
Art Therapy Services for Psychiatric Hospitals
Strengthen patient care with art therapy services designed to support youth and adults in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. Our licensed art therapists provide safe, structured, and compassionate creative experiences that help individuals express emotions, build coping skills, and engage meaningfully in their treatment journey. Our services are trauma-informed, neurodiversity, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming and catered to specific needs of a population or setting to provide personally and culturally relevant care.
Why Art Therapy Benefits Patients in Psychiatric Care
• Offers a nonverbal pathway for processing complex emotions and experiences
• Supports emotional regulation, grounding, and anxiety reduction
• Enhances communication and insight for patients who may struggle with verbal expression
• Encourages empowerment, agency, and confidence during vulnerable periods
• Complements clinical treatment plans and supports interdisciplinary care
• Promotes resilience and personal connection in environments that can feel overwhelming or isolating
• Offer patients the opportunity to build coping skills, plan for life after discharge and avoid triggers
Neurodiversity‑Affirming, Trauma‑Informed, and Culturally Responsive Care
Our art therapists prioritize safety, respect, and inclusivity. Sessions are tailored to each individual’s identity, needs, strengths, and lived experiences.
• Culturally affirming support that recognizes and honors diverse backgrounds and values
• Trauma‑informed practices grounded in safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment
• LGBTQIA+ affirming care that celebrates authenticity, identity exploration, and self‑expression
• Neurodiversity‑affirming approaches that respect sensory needs, communication styles, and processing differences
• Adaptable interventions that meet clients exactly where they are emotionally and developmentally
Our Art Therapy Services
• Individual and group art therapy sessions for all ages
• Crisis‑responsive programming tailored to inpatient and partial‑hospitalization units
• Goal‑oriented sessions to support stabilization, emotional regulation, and coping skill development
• Collaborative treatment planning with multidisciplinary teams
• Specialized groups addressing trauma, mood disorders, identity development, and recovery
Examples Themes for Art Therapy Groups/Servicing
• General Art Therapy Group (for any identities / presenting concerns)
• Emotional Regulation / Emotional Expression
• Healthy Relationships
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
• Identity and Self-Exploration
• Coping Mechanisms
• Empowerment and Strength
• Change and Transformation
• Hope, Motivation and Future Aspirations
• Isolation and Loneliness
• Anxiety Support
• Depression Support
• DBT-focused group
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
• Neurodivergence Support
•Custom Programming / Groups
Creating Space for Healing Through Creativity
Art therapy invites patients to explore, reflect, and reconnect with themselves in ways that feel accessible and meaningful. No artistic skill is required—only openness to the process. Our mission is to help individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered as they move through mental health treatment.
Art Therapy Services for Medical Hospitals
Provide holistic, patient‑centered care with professional art therapy services designed for youth and adults receiving medical treatment. Our credentialed art therapists support patients coping with cancer, chronic pain, long‑term hospitalization, surgical recovery, and other complex medical conditions. Through creative expression, patients can find comfort, regain a sense of control, and strengthen emotional resilience during challenging medical journeys. Our services are trauma-informed, neurodiversity, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming and catered to the specific needs of a population or setting to provide personally and culturally relevant care.
Why Art Therapy Supports Patients in Medical Care
• Offers a calming, creative outlet that reduces anxiety, fear, and emotional distress
• Helps patients express feelings that may be difficult to verbalize—especially during long or intensive treatments
• Supports pain management by promoting relaxation, distraction, and mind‑body connection
• Encourages a sense of agency and empowerment in environments where patients often feel limited or overwhelmed
• Enhances mood, motivation, and coping skills for patients facing chronic illness or prolonged hospitalization
• Strengthens overall well‑being and complements medical interventions as part of integrative care
Neurodiversity‑Affirming, Trauma‑Informed, and Culturally Responsive Care
Our art therapists prioritize safety, respect, and inclusivity. Sessions are tailored to each individual’s identity, needs, strengths, and lived experiences.
• Culturally affirming support that recognizes and honors diverse backgrounds and values
• Trauma‑informed practices grounded in safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment
• LGBTQIA+ affirming care that celebrates authenticity, identity exploration, and self‑expression
• Neurodiversity‑affirming approaches that respect sensory needs, communication styles, and processing differences
• Adaptable interventions that meet clients exactly where they are emotionally and developmentally
Our Art Therapy Services
• Individual and group sessions offered at the bedside, in outpatient clinics, and in family support areas
• Specialized programs for oncology, chronic pain, pediatric care, long‑term hospitalization, and palliative care
• Creative interventions that support emotional regulation, stress reduction, and coping skill development
• Collaborative work with medical teams, nurses, child life specialists, and behavioral health providers
• Sessions tailored to patient energy levels, treatment schedules, sensory needs, and cultural preferences
Example Themes of Art Therapy Group /Services
• General Art Therapy Group (for any identities / presenting concerns)
• Bedside Creative Arts Therapy Therapy
• Caregiver Support
• Grief and Loss
• Music Therapy in the NICU
• Family Art Therapy
• Stress Reduction and Relaxation
• Chronic Pain Support
• Hope and Healing
• Coping with Illness
• Transition and Adjustment
• End of Life Support
• Custom Programming / Groups
Creating Space for Healing, Comfort, and Expression
Art therapy helps patients feel seen, supported, and empowered—even during the most difficult parts of medical care. No artistic skill is required; the process is focused on expression, connection, and emotional well‑being. Through creativity, patients can find moments of relief, meaning, and personal strength as they navigate medical challenges.
Treatment Facilities
Support healing, resilience, and recovery with art therapy services designed for youth and adults in residential, outpatient, and intensive mental health treatment programs. Our credentialed art therapists offer structured, compassionate, and clinically informed creative experiences that help clients explore emotions, process challenges, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Why Art Therapy Matters in Mental Health Treatment
Art therapy provides a unique pathway for expression and healing that complements therapeutic, psychiatric, and behavioral interventions. Clients do not need artistic experience—art becomes a tool for insight, communication, and empowerment.
Benefits for Youth and Adults in Treatment
• Supports emotional regulation and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Helps clients express and process experiences related to trauma in a safe, grounded way
• Encourages healthy coping skills that support long‑term recovery
• Offers alternative modes of communication for clients who struggle with verbal processing
• Promotes self‑awareness, motivation, and engagement in treatment
• Provides structure and containment during periods of instability or emotional overwhelm
• Strengthens resilience and personal agency throughout the recovery process
Support for Substance Use, Dual Diagnosis, and Co‑Occurring Disorders
• Helps clients explore triggers, cravings, and recovery goals without shame or judgment
• Fosters self‑reflection and emotional clarity essential for relapse prevention
• Creates space to process the intersections of mental health and substance use
• Supports clients navigating complex or layered diagnoses with compassion and creativity
Neurodiversity‑Affirming, Trauma‑Informed, and Culturally Responsive Care
Our art therapists prioritize safety, respect, and inclusivity. Sessions are tailored to each individual’s identity, needs, strengths, and lived experiences.
• Culturally affirming support that recognizes and honors diverse backgrounds and values
• Trauma‑informed practices grounded in safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment
• LGBTQIA+ affirming care that celebrates authenticity, identity exploration, and self‑expression
• Neurodiversity‑affirming approaches that respect sensory needs, communication styles, and processing differences
• Adaptable interventions that meet clients exactly where they are emotionally and developmentally
Our Art Therapy Services
• Individual and group art therapy sessions for youth and adults
• Specialized groups for depression, trauma recovery, substance use, identity development, emotional regulation, self-harm and more
• Programming for inpatient, outpatient, PHP, IOP, and residential settings
• Creative interventions that integrate grounding, mindfulness, and strengths‑based practices
• Collaborative care with therapists, psychiatrists, case managers, and interdisciplinary teams
• Personalized treatment plans aligned with client goals and clinical recommendations
Example Themes of Art Therapy Groups / Services
• General Art Therapy Group (for any identities / presenting concerns)
• Anxiety Support
• Depression Support
• Emotional Regulation / Expression
• Healthy Relationships
• Hope, Motivation and Future Aspirations
• LGBTQIA+ Group
• Substance Use Support
• Trauma Processing
• Mindfulness and Relaxation
• Body Image and Self-Compassion
• Neurodivergence Support
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
• Coping Skills
• Neurodivergence Support
• Stress Management and Resilience
• Goal Setting and Motivation
• Building Self-Esteem
• Grief Support
• Custom Programming / Groups
Creative Expression as a Path to Healing
Art therapy gives clients a voice—sometimes for the first time. Through painting, drawing, sculpting, or mixed‑media work, clients can explore emotions, reclaim a sense of control, and build skills that support long‑term healing. The process is accessible, empowering, and deeply restorative.
Senior Centers and Facilities
Art Therapy Services for Senior Centers & Senior Living Facilities
Enhance the emotional, social, and cognitive well‑being of older adults across all levels of care with our specialized art therapy services. Whether in senior centers, assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing, or memory care units, our credentialed art therapists provide supportive, engaging, and meaningful creative experiences tailored to the unique needs of older adults.
Why Art Therapy Benefits Seniors
Art therapy offers gentle, accessible support that enriches daily life and promotes holistic wellness. For older adults—whether active, experiencing memory loss, or navigating medical or emotional challenges—creative expression becomes a powerful tool for connection, comfort, and joy.
• Enhances mood and reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression
• Stimulates cognitive function and supports memory retention
• Encourages social engagement and reduces loneliness
• Supports hand‑eye coordination, fine motor skills, and sensory stimulation
• Creates opportunities for storytelling, legacy work, and personal reflection
• Offers emotional support during life transitions, grief, or health challenges
• Builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment through creative exploration
A Supportive, Adaptable Approach for All Levels of Care
Our art therapy programs are designed for seniors with diverse abilities and care needs. We tailor every session to each individual’s physical, emotional, and cognitive strengths.
• Accessible activities for seniors with limited mobility
• Adaptations for visual, auditory, and sensory needs
• Memory‑care‑friendly sessions for dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Calm, structured environments that support focus and comfort
• One‑on‑one and small‑group formats available
Neurodiversity‑Affirming, Trauma‑Informed, and Culturally Responsive Care
Our art therapists prioritize safety, respect, and inclusivity. Sessions are tailored to each individual’s identity, needs, strengths, and lived experiences.
• Culturally affirming support that recognizes and honors diverse backgrounds and values
• Trauma‑informed practices grounded in safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment
• LGBTQIA+ affirming care that celebrates authenticity, identity exploration, and self‑expression
• Neurodiversity‑affirming approaches that respect sensory needs, communication styles, and processing differences
• Adaptable interventions that meet clients exactly where they are emotionally and developmentally
Our Art Therapy Services
• Individual and group art therapy sessions
• Specialized programming for assisted living, memory care, SNFs, and long‑term care
• Life‑review, storytelling, and legacy‑building art projects
• Creative activities that promote relaxation, grounding, and emotional expression
• Social and wellness workshops designed to enhance community connection
• Collaboration with care teams, activity coordinators, and family members
Example Themes of Art Therapy Groups/ Services
• General Art Therapy Group (for any identities / presenting concerns)
• Grief Support
• Depression Support
• Life Review and Legacy
• Building Connections / Relationships
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
• Coping with Change
• Custom Programming / Groups
Creative Expression for Joy, Meaning, and Connection
Art therapy empowers seniors at every stage of life to express themselves, connect with others, and experience moments of joy through creativity. No artistic skill is required—only willingness to explore. Our mission is to support older adults in feeling seen, valued, and inspired, wherever they call home.