The article presents the results of an empirical study, the purpose of which is to study the attitude of university students to the use of art therapy. It was assumed that students have insufficient knowledge about art therapy, and the study of art therapy courses by future psychologists and teachers is important for the development of their professional competencies. A questionnaire was developed that included eight questions characterizing students’ knowledge of art therapy (general understanding and familiarity with it, its definition, applicability and effectiveness, types, benefits for professional and psychological tasks). A survey of 42 students of the Faculty of Psychology and Social Pedagogy of the Taganrog Institute named after A.P. Chekhov (branch) of the Russian State Economic University (RINH) was conducted, as well as 39 students of technical areas of the Southern Federal University in Taganrog. The main result of the study was that students’ knowledge of art therapy was quite poor (especially students of technical specialties). At the same time, a significant part of students are interested in art therapy and consider it useful for professional development and psychological health. The results obtained can be used in the development of university academic disciplines in art therapy. A conclusion is made about the desirability of including some art therapy methods in the training program (primarily psychological and pedagogical areas), which will improve the quality of training of future specialists.