Best LA Art Therapy Painting Groups 2025: Heal!

Why Art Therapy Painting Groups Are the Fast Track to Healing You’ve Been Missing

Struggling with stress, anxiety, or trauma? If you’re asking, “Where can I find a therapy group in Los Angeles that uses art therapy painting activities?”, you’re already on the path to healing. Art therapy offers a proven way forward when talk therapy isn’t enough.

What you need to know before you start:

• No art skills are required—the focus is on expression, not technique.
• Most structured groups run for 8-15 weeks.
• Insurance often covers group art therapy (always verify your benefits first).
• Virtual options are available, so you don’t have to deal with LA traffic.

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, or burnout, painting therapy groups provide a powerful, evidence-based path to recovery. As Anna Green, LMHC, LPC, Chief Clinical Officer at Thrive Mental Health, I’ve seen how creative expression accelerates healing for people who feel stuck. Our programs integrate art therapy with proven modalities like psychodynamic therapy and EMDR to help clients achieve lasting results.

“Where can I find a therapy group in Los Angeles that uses art therapy painting activities?” further reading:

• art therapy group activities
• art therapy activities for adolescents
• art therapy coloring pages

Why Art Therapy Painting?

If the idea of “self-care” feels like another item on your to-do list, art therapy painting activities offer a real pathway to healing—no masterpiece required. It’s not about the final product; it’s about what happens when you let your inner world spill onto the canvas.

• Cut stress and anxiety fast. Focusing on painting acts as a circuit breaker for anxious thoughts, calming your nervous system. The simple act of mixing colors and making brushstrokes brings you into the present moment, rooting you in your body instead of your head.
• Heal from trauma and loss. When words aren’t enough, art provides another language. Research shows art therapy helps trauma survivors by bypassing the part of the brain that struggles to articulate pain, allowing you to process grief in a way that feels safer.
• Find yourself—no art skills needed. This isn’t about talent. It’s about tapping into your innate creativity for healing. Many people uncover insights about their patterns, emotions, and memories that talk therapy couldn’t reach.
• Express what words can’t say. Depression, trauma, and loss can leave you speechless. Art-making externalizes what’s stuck inside, creating a symbolic space where difficult feelings can exist outside your body, making them easier to understand and work through.

Act now: Ignoring your mental health costs you peace of mind. You deserve to feel better, and art therapy is proven to help. Learn more about its profound impact by reading How Art Therapy Can Transform Mental Health.

Art Class vs. Art Therapy: What’s the Real Difference?

An art class and art therapy both use paint, but that’s where the similarity ends. Understanding the difference is critical for getting real mental health support.

• Art therapy is clinical treatment. You work with a licensed therapist (ATR-BC, LMFT, LCSW) in a confidential, goal-driven setting to process trauma, manage anxiety, or build self-esteem. The focus is on your internal process, not artistic skill.
• An art class teaches technique. You learn skills like color mixing or perspective. It’s a great hobby but is not designed to address mental health challenges, and the instructor is not a trained therapist.
• In therapy, the process is the point. Your therapist cares about what you experience while creating, not whether the final piece is “good.” Guided reflection on your creative choices is where healing happens.

To dive deeper into how therapy and art intersect, Read: Exploring the Intersection of Therapy and Art.

Where Can I Find a Therapy Group in Los Angeles That Uses Art Therapy Painting Activities?

If you’re searching for healing through creativity in Los Angeles, you have options. The key is finding a program that fits your life, schedule, and specific needs.

Where can I find a therapy group in Los Angeles that uses art therapy painting activities? Let’s walk through your best options.

While some university programs and local non-profits offer art-based activities, it’s crucial to find a program led by licensed therapists for true clinical support. Many community art groups focus on social interaction, which can be a great step, but they are not a substitute for formal art therapy. For structured, evidence-based care, look for programs that integrate art therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan.

To learn more about flexible programs that integrate art therapy into evidence-based treatment, visit our contact page.

Thrive Mental Health: Fast-Track Your Recovery with Virtual & Hybrid Art Therapy Groups

At Thrive Mental Health, we built our programs around one simple truth: healing shouldn’t have to wait until your schedule clears up. Our virtual and hybrid IOP/PHP programs bring expert-led art therapy painting activities directly to you—with the clinical structure you need and the flexibility your life demands.

• Evening and weekend sessions mean you don’t have to choose between recovery and your responsibilities.
• Covered by Cigna, Optum, Florida Blue, and more—we believe cost should never be a barrier to healing. Our team will help you verify your benefits in minutes.
• Serving California, Florida, Indiana, Arizona, South Carolina—access our virtual programs from home. No LA traffic, no parking stress.

To see how we integrate painting activities into comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plans, visit Learn about Thrive’s IOP/PHP Art Therapy Programs.

How to Find the Right Art Therapy Painting Group for You

Finding the right fit matters. When you feel understood and supported, healing happens faster.

• Look for specialized groups. Many groups exist for specific needs, such as grief and loss, trauma, chronic illness, young adults, or women’s issues. Being specific in your search helps you find a better match.
• Understand the cost. Session costs typically range from $40–$100. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees, and insurance often covers group art therapy. Always verify your coverage beforehand.
• Know the duration. Most structured groups run for 8–15 weeks. Talk with the facilitator about a timeline that aligns with your healing goals.

To get a sense of what you’ll do in these groups, check out Explore Art Therapy Activities for Adults.

What to Expect: Your First Art Therapy Session & Costs

Walking into your first art therapy session can feel intimidating, but you don’t need to be an artist or have all the answers. You just need to show up.

Most sessions follow a gentle, predictable rhythm:

1. Check-in: Briefly share how you’re feeling.
2. Art Activity: The facilitator provides a prompt, like “paint what stress looks like.”
3. Creation: You work with the materials in a way that feels right to you. There is no right or wrong way to do it.
4. Sharing & Discussion: You can share insights about your piece and your process. This is where the therapy happens.
5. Check-out: A final thought or feeling to close the session.

The foundation of every group is no judgment—just support and growth. Your artwork isn’t graded. The messy, imperfect pieces are often the most meaningful because they reflect what’s happening inside you.

Now, let’s talk money. Where can I find a therapy group in Los Angeles that uses art therapy painting activities that’s affordable? Costs typically range from $40 to $100 per session. The good news is that many providers accept insurance or offer sliding scale fees. At Thrive Mental Health, we work with major insurers like Cigna, Optum, and Florida Blue to make our programs accessible. We strongly encourage you to verify your benefits with any provider you consider.

If anxiety is your primary concern, read more at Art Therapy for Anxiety: What to Know.

What Qualifications Should My Art Therapist Have?

Not everyone leading a painting group is qualified to provide therapy. When your mental health is on the line, credentials matter.

A qualified art therapist should hold specific, verifiable credentials. Look for ATR-BC (Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist), the gold standard credential from the American Art Therapy Association. This means the therapist has completed a master’s degree, extensive supervised clinical hours, and passed a national exam. Many also hold licenses like LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and must be licensed in the state where they practice.

Always ask for a free consultation before joining. This is your chance to interview the facilitator, ask about their training, and see if their approach is a good fit. A good therapist will welcome your questions.

If you’re curious about specific therapeutic approaches that integrate art, explore more at Understanding Metallization Art Therapy Approaches.

Are Online Art Therapy Painting Groups Worth It? [2025 Guide]

The short answer? Absolutely. Virtual art therapy painting groups are a proven, accessible way to get high-quality support. If you’re searching for “Where can I find a therapy group in Los Angeles that uses art therapy painting activities?” while stuck in traffic, online options are your best path forward.

• Get support from home—no LA traffic. Virtual therapy eliminates the stressful commute. You can join a session from your living room or wherever you feel most comfortable. The privacy of your own space can even make it easier to be vulnerable and creative.
• Flexible scheduling (evenings, weekends). Unlike traditional therapy that disrupts your workday, virtual groups offer flexibility. Thrive Mental Health provides evening and weekend sessions designed for busy professionals. This convenience is often the difference between getting help and struggling alone.
• Covered by major insurance (Cigna, Optum, Florida Blue, more). Virtual art therapy is recognized by major insurance companies as legitimate treatment. At Thrive, we work with top providers to make our virtual IOP and PHP programs affordable. You save time and money on transportation without sacrificing quality of care.

Studies show that virtual art therapy produces comparable outcomes to in-person sessions for anxiety, depression, and trauma. You’re not settling; you’re choosing a format that works for your life. To explore our virtual offerings, visit See Thrive’s Virtual IOP Options.

FAQs: Art Therapy Painting Groups in Los Angeles

Here are answers to common questions from people searching for “Where can I find a therapy group in Los Angeles that uses art therapy painting activities?”

Do I need to be good at painting to join?

Absolutely not. Art therapy is about the process of creation and self-expression, not artistic skill. The focus is on what you feel and find, not the final product. No experience is necessary.

How much do art therapy groups in LA cost?

Most groups in Los Angeles cost between $40 and $100 per session. At Thrive Mental Health, we accept major insurance plans and offer sliding scale fees to make treatment affordable.

Will my insurance cover art therapy?

Often, yes. Many insurance plans, including Cigna, Optum, and Florida Blue, cover group art therapy as part of mental health treatment. Always verify your benefits first. At Thrive, we can help you check your coverage in minutes.

What’s the difference between art therapy and an art class?

Art therapy is clinical treatment led by a licensed therapist focused on healing and processing emotions. An art class teaches artistic techniques and is not a substitute for therapy.

Can I join a virtual art therapy group if I’m in California, Florida, Indiana, Arizona, or South Carolina?

Yes. Thrive Mental Health offers virtual and hybrid IOP/PHP programs with art therapy to residents of all five states. You get expert-led, effective care from the comfort of your home, with flexible evening and weekend scheduling.

Summary: Where Can I Find a Therapy Group in Los Angeles That Uses Art Therapy Painting Activities?

Finding a therapy group in Los Angeles that uses art therapy painting activities is more accessible than ever. Whether you’re seeking to reduce anxiety, heal from trauma, or simply explore your emotions in a new way, art therapy offers a powerful and proven path to healing. With options ranging from in-person groups in Santa Monica to virtual programs that span California and beyond, you can find a group that fits your specific needs, schedule, and budget. No artistic skill is required—just an openness to explore and grow. Art therapy painting groups in LA are accessible, affordable, and proven to help you heal—fast.

Ready for Support? Get Started with Art Therapy Today

Your healing doesn’t have to wait. If you’ve read this far, you’re already taking the first brave step toward change—and that matters. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety that won’t quit, trauma that feels too heavy to carry alone, or simply a sense that something needs to shift, where can I find a therapy group in Los Angeles that uses art therapy painting activities isn’t just a question—it’s the beginning of your path forward.

At Thrive Mental Health, we’ve designed our virtual and hybrid IOP/PHP programs specifically for people like you: busy professionals, young adults, and anyone who needs more support than weekly therapy but doesn’t require inpatient care. Our evening and weekend sessions mean you don’t have to choose between healing and your responsibilities. You can show up for yourself without putting your life on hold.

The best part? Getting started is easier than you think. You can verify your insurance coverage in just 2 minutes—no obligation, no pressure, just clear answers about what’s covered and what your next step could be. Many of our clients are surprised to learn that their Cigna, Optum, or Florida Blue plans cover art therapy groups, making this powerful healing modality both accessible and affordable.

Ready to take that next step? Visit our art therapy programs page to start your benefits check, or call us directly at 561-203-6085. Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through the process, and help you find the right fit—whether that’s virtual sessions from your California home or hybrid options that give you the best of both worlds.

If you’re in crisis right now, please call or text 988. You are not alone, and immediate help is available 24/7.

Don’t let another week slip by feeling the way you do today. Art therapy painting groups have helped thousands of people transform their relationship with stress, trauma, and anxiety—even those who thought they’d “tried everything.” Your breakthrough might be just one brushstroke away.