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Art Therapy

At Changing Tides Counseling, we offer art therapy as a creative, evidence-based approach to healing that works alongside talk therapy to help you express what’s difficult to say out loud. Whether you’re a kid who shuts down when asked “how do you feel?” or an adult carrying something you haven’t been able to name yet, art therapy meets you where words fall short.

You don’t need to be an artist. You just need to show up.

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What Art Therapy
Actually Is

Art therapy isn’t arts and crafts, and it’s not about being a good artist. Nobody expects you to walk out with something ready to hang in a museum. It’s a clinically guided process where a trained art therapist uses creative activities to help you explore emotions, process experiences, and work through situations that are hard to put into words.

What matters most is the process, not the finished piece. Sometimes what you make isn’t polished, but it’s meaningful because of what you were feeling and working through while you made it. That’s the whole point.

You’re not limited to drawing, either. Sessions might involve pencils, pens, pastels, paints, clay, collage, beads, or yarn, whatever medium fits what you’re working through. You don’t need any art experience going in. Your therapist is trained to guide you through different materials and techniques, and can even teach you how to use something new as part of the process.

It’s especially effective for people who feel guarded in traditional therapy settings, those who have experienced trauma, kids and teens who find it hard to verbalize emotions, and adults who feel stuck even after years of talk therapy.

Who Art Therapy Helps

Art therapy at Changing Tides is a good fit for a wide range of people and experiences.

Children and teens navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, or behavioral challenges often respond especially well to creative approaches that feel more like play than “doing therapy.” If your kid clams up the moment someone asks how they’re feeling, art therapy can be a game-changer.

Adults processing trauma, grief, life transitions, or chronic stress can find that art therapy helps them access and release what talk alone hasn’t reached. If you’ve ever sat in a session thinking “I don’t know what else to say,” this might be exactly what you’ve been missing.

LGBTQ+, queer, nonbinary, and trans individuals are fully welcome here. Changing Tides is an inclusive, affirming practice, and our therapists are experienced working with clients across all identities and experiences. Art therapy in particular can offer a uniquely low-pressure space to explore identity, emotions, and self-expression without judgment.

Anyone who feels blocked, shut down, or like traditional therapy just hasn’t clicked yet may find that creativity opens new doors.

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What to Expect in a Session

Your first session will feel a lot like any other intake at Changing Tides: relaxed, down-to-earth, no pressure to have it all figured out. From there, your therapist will introduce creative activities at a pace that feels right for you.

Sessions might involve drawing, painting, collaging, journaling, or other expressive activities depending on what you’re working through and what feels comfortable. Your therapist guides the process, helps you explore what comes up, and connects it back to the bigger picture of what you’re working on in therapy.

There’s no wrong way to do it. No talent required. No experience needed. Just you, showing up as you are.

Two Locations on the Southside of Indianapolis

We have two offices in Indianapolis, both on the south side.

Our original location at 8130 S. Meridian St., Suite 4A, is easy to reach from Greenwood, Perry Township, Garfield Park, Fountain Square, Bates-Hendricks, and surrounding southside neighborhoods.

Our newer location at 4016 S. Meridian St. is closer to downtown Indianapolis and right near the University of Indianapolis, making it a convenient option if you’re coming from that part of the city.

Both locations offer in-person sessions. We also offer telehealth for clients anywhere in Indiana.

Why Changing Tides

We’re a team of down-to-earth, warm, and genuinely approachable therapists who believe therapy should feel human, not clinical. No stiff waiting rooms, no judgment, no pressure to show up as anything other than yourself.

Art therapy fits right into that philosophy. For a lot of people, picking up a pencil or tearing up a magazine makes it easier to feel safe enough to go somewhere real. We’re here for that.

All of our therapists hold Master’s Degrees in Social Work and are licensed in Indiana. We’re an inclusive, affirming practice that proudly serves clients of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences. Art therapy is a newer service we’re excited to be offering, and we’re committed to making it as accessible and welcoming as everything else we do.

We have immediate openings and can typically get new clients in within a few days. Sessions are available mornings through evenings, Monday through Sunday.

Therapy That

In person, online, or on your schedule — we make starting therapy simple 
and stress-free.

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In-Person Sessions
  • Visit us in our south side Indianapolis office for your in-person therapy session.
  • Bring your coffee, snacks, lunch or come in your comfy clothes.
  • No judgement here!
  • We create a calm and relaxing environment.
  • Private waiting room for parents of minor clients.
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Virtual/Online Sessions
  • Have a therapy session in the comfort of your own home or in your office on your lunch break with our online therapy or telehealth therapy options.
  • Available anywhere in Indiana.
  • Therapy provided via video session.
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Flexible Sessions
  • Your schedule matters to us.
  • Daytime, evening or weekend appointments available.
  • No waitlists-we are ready to help now.
  • Frequently able to schedule a new client in within the same week you reach out.
  • Flexible scheduling with a therapist near you.

Therapy

Individual
Therapy
$140.00

per intake session
with LSW

$160.00

per intake session
with LCSW

$120.00

per ongoing session
with LSW

$145.00

per ongoing session
with LCSW

A space to focus on your personal growth, challenges, and goals with the support of a licensed clinician.

Individual
Therapy
$75.00

per intake session

$50.00

per ongoing session

Affordable therapy with master’s-level interns under close supervision by licensed clinicians. A great option for those seeking support at a lower cost. Interns do not accept insurance.

Insurance Billing

Our clinical social workers accept Anthem and United Healthcare insurance.

Our licensed social workers accept Anthem and Aetna.

Utilizing insurance can significantly reduce the cost of therapy. Please reach out to us and provide your insurance information for specific details on your insurance coverage and the cost of therapy.

Out of Network Insurance Billing

Changing Tides will happily provide you a bill for your services with us that you can provide to your insurance company for possible reimbursement called a “Superbill.” Each insurance company provides unique coverage or benefits and due to this we are unable to advise whether your insurance company will provide reimbursement. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company and ask if you have any “out of network” outpatient mental health coverage. We find that clients are frequently reimbursed for some portion of their services dependent upon their insurer.

*Associate Therapist Licensing Information

Our LSW therapists each hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work and are licensed social workers in Indiana. They are currently working towards obtaining their clinical social work license by practicing under a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides supervision for their work with clients. Due to this, they provide services at a reduced rate and only accept Anthem and Aetna insurance.

We also have Intern therapists, who are master’s students in counseling or social work programs completing their clinical training. They are closely supervised by licensed clinicians to ensure high-quality care and support throughout your therapy.

All clinicians are supervised by Krista Caughey, MSW, LCSW.

Ready to Try Art Therapy?

The first step is just reaching out. Our intake coordinator will help match you with the right therapist, answer any questions, and walk you through what to expect. You can call, text, email, or fill out our contact form. We respond quickly and we’ll make it easy.

Start Your Journey

Meet Your

Browse our team of licensed social workers—each one brings their own personality, specialties, and approach. Get to know who you’ll be talking to before your first session.

The Changing Tides

At Changing Tides Counseling, our mission is to make therapy feel human — warm, genuine, and approachable. We believe healing happens best in a space that feels comfortable, not clinical; connected, not intimidating. Our team provides compassionate, client-focused support that meets people where they are and helps them move toward where they want to be.

By creating a supportive environment for both clients and staff, we nurture growth, connection, and understanding that ripple far beyond our office walls — into homes, relationships, and the wider community.

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Frequently Asked.

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Where are you located?

We have two locations: 8130 S. Meridian St. Suite 4A, Indianapolis, IN 46217 (near Perry Meridian High School); 4016 S. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46217 (Just south of downtown Indy).

How much does therapy cost?

We strive to make therapy both accessible and sustainable.

  • Private Pay Rates: Our session fees range from $50 to $145, depending on the clinician’s level of training and licensure.
  • Insurance Coverage: We accept Aetna, Anthem, and United Healthcare. Using insurance often reduces the cost of sessions significantly.
  • Sliding Scale Options: Limited reduced-fee spots are available for qualifying clients with our LSW therapists.

Not sure what your out-of-pocket cost would be? We’re happy to help. Call or text us for a free insurance benefits check so you’ll know exactly what therapy will cost before getting started.

Do you accept insurance?

We accept Aetna, Anthem, and United Healthcare. Using insurance often reduces the cost of sessions significantly.

How long will I be in therapy?

The length of therapy looks different for everyone. Some clients come for a few months to work on a specific concern, while others stay longer for ongoing support or personal growth. We’ll create a plan that fits your needs and adjust along the way — and you’re always welcome to return if new concerns come up.

How often do I need to attend therapy?

Most clients find it helpful to start with weekly sessions to build consistency and momentum. As you begin to feel more stable and confident, we’ll talk together about moving to biweekly or monthly sessions. The goal is to give you the right level of support at the start and then gradually transition as your needs change. We’ll always move at your pace, and there’s no pressure to rush the process.

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Get In Touch

Ready to

Use our quick contact form or call. Our intake coordinator will guide you every step of the way and match you with the therapist who’s the best fit for your needs and goals.

317-889-0635Email Us

8130 S Meridian St. #4a, 
Indianapolis, IN 46217
4016 S. Meridian St. 
Indianapolis, IN 46217
Your journey starts here!
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