Samara Matityahu
Samara M. is a dedicated Art Therapist and creative professional who transitioned from managing her own fee-based practice to full-time employment with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In her current role, she provides art therapy groups and services within residential programs, supporting veterans’ mental health and overall wellness. A strong advocate for mental health equity, veteran well-being, and expanded access to creative therapies, Samara combines her clinical expertise with a deep passion for driving meaningful change in the communities she serves.
She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Art Therapy and Counseling from Long Island University, where she was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Binghamton University. In addition to her VA role, Samara works as a freelance Art Therapist, offering therapeutic workshops, individual coaching, and group programming to organizations nationwide. She has been featured on podcasts and co-hosts a monthly segment, “Samara’s Self-Care Corner,” where she shares insights on mental health, stress management, and creative self-expression, highlighting her commitment to making art therapy both accessible and visible.
Beyond her professional work, Samara is actively engaged in her community. She supports nonprofits focused on veterans, arts access, and medical aid, participates in Jewish community outreach, and is passionate about animals and the outdoors. She champions celebrating small wins, authenticity, and third-party validation in emerging mental health careers, and views art therapy as a universal language for healing. Aspiring to advance within the VA, Samara is committed to elevating the visibility of art therapy nationally while inspiring others to embrace creativity, compassion, and resilience.
• Mindfulness within Clinical Practice
• Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Response to Opioid Overdose- Narcan (Naloxone)
• 2-Day: Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional: Two Day Competency Training
• Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Professional (CDBT) Training: 8-Week Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Course
• Licensed Creative Arts Therapist-LP
• Binghamton University - BA
• Long Island University - MA
• Honor Society- Omicron Delta Kappa
• Commencement Speaker - 2014
• American Art Therapy Association
• New Jersey Art Therapy Association
• New York Art Therapy Association
• New York Coalition of Creative Arts Therapists
• ODK Honors Societ- Omicron Delta Kappa
• Water & Stone: A Creative Arts Therapy PLLC - Social Media Coordinator
• Water & Stone, a Creative Arts Therapy PLLC -
Facilitator
• Orchid
• The Art Therapy Project
• CreateABLE (The Magic Paintbrush Project)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my persistence and unwavering determination. I’m stubborn in the best way; I don’t give up on where I see myself doing my best work, and I never let a “no” stop me from moving forward. My resilience, focus on long-term goals, and passion for helping others, especially through art, have guided me throughout my journey and continue to drive everything I do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to take things for what they are and come to my own understanding of what that means for me. This mindset has helped me stay grounded in my truth, trust my perspective, and rise above outside opinions or systems that may not fully recognize the value of art therapy.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to not be afraid to talk to people and introduce yourself. Networking can feel intimidating, but those conversations can lead to inspiration, collaboration, or even job opportunities. And when you achieve success, remember to give back and support those who are still finding their way. Channel your ambition into mentoring others and helping them overcome the same challenges you once faced.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the field of art therapy is the ongoing lack of recognition by insurance companies and some traditional mental health professionals, which limits access and affordability for those who could benefit most. Gatekeeping in higher education and certain clinical spaces also creates barriers for aspiring art therapists. However, there are exciting opportunities emerging especially as more organizations expand contracting opportunities for art therapists and recognize the power of creative, non-verbal therapies as essential tools for mental health. In addition, veteran services are increasingly embracing art therapy as a valuable approach to addressing PTSD, trauma, and substance abuse recovery.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are humility, open-mindedness, empathy, and perseverance. I strive to approach every situation with compassion for people and animals alike, and to remain grounded, understanding, and resilient in all that I do.