As an expressive method, art-making sucessfully helps clients communicate, overcome stress, manage anxiety and explore different aspects of their personalities. The use of art media to care for psychological disorders and enhance mental health is known as art therapy.

The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as "A mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight."