The Arts & Wellness Program is Ventura County Behavioral Health’s innovative “Arts on Prescription” program, created in collaboration with Creativity Through Music to support mental health and trauma recovery of Ventura County Behavioral Health clients, between the ages of 16 and 25, through the power of the arts.

The Arts & Wellness Program connects eligible clients to trauma-informed arts classes and cultural activities designed to address their specific mental health needs.

Creative experiences are provided by The Arts & Wellness Community Network, a certified collaborative of artists and cultural organizations who have been trained in Trauma-informed Arts Practice, Social Emotional Learning Arts, and relevant Public & Behavioral Health certifications.

Our locations are physically accessible. If you require additional accommodations for your disability, please contact: vcbh-awp@creativitythroughmusic.com

“Arts on Prescription” (AKA: Arts Prescribing) is a way to boost your mental health and wellbeing through creativity. Complimentary to other traditional treatments, a doctor, therapist, or community worker can connect you with free or low-cost creative activities—like painting, music, dance, writing, photography, etc.

It’s all about helping you to express yourself, do something you enjoy, feel less stressed, meet new people, and feel more connected. No art skills or previous experience are needed—just a chance to do something fun and meaningful that can actually help you feel better.

At The Arts & Wellness Program, we connect you with an Arts & Wellness Coach and Community Arts & Health Workers who can provide health coaching and help you figure out the best activities for you, personally.

Dosage: An arts prescription “dose” lasts 3–6 months.

For more information on how to enroll in the The Arts & Wellness Program and receive your arts prescription, click below.

Artists, arts educators and administrators working in community settings regularly encounter people who have been affected by trauma. Training in Trauma Informed Arts Methods ensures that arts and culture providers have a comprehensive understanding of neurobiology, behavioral health, education and the arts. This training provides arts educators with creative approaches, relevant and specific to their artistic discipline, for engaging clients and leading them to whole health through the power of the arts. It will also support cultural partners in identifying people who are potentially trauma-impacted, or struggling with anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression, suicidal ideation or attempts, social isolation, etc for referral to services provided by VCBH.