Intersectionality and Art Therapy

Ethnic migrant youth in Australia face compounded psychosocial challenges due to the intersection of adolescence, migration, and systemic marginalization. These challenges include cultural dislocation, identity confusion, and limited access to culturally appropriate mental health services. Despite Australia’s multicultural policy commitments, conventional mental health interventions remain largely Western-centric and inadequately address the complex social determinants affecting migrant youth. This study undertakes a systematic qualitative literature review to explore the intersection of art therapy, intersectionality, and acculturation in supporting the psychological well-being of ethnic migrant youths in Australia. Guided by the PRISMA framework and using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, forty-two peer-reviewed studies were synthesized to identify key themes related to non-verbal therapeutic engagement, bicultural identity development, and structural barriers to mental health access. The findings highlight the potential of art therapy as a culturally responsive intervention capable of fostering emotional expression, resilience, and social inclusion. When informed by intersectionality theory, art therapy can more effectively address the unique and layered marginalization experienced by this population. This review offers a holistic framework for integrating intersectionality and creative therapeutic practices into youth mental health services, with implications for policy, education, and clinical practice aimed at enhancing outcomes for culturally diverse young Australians.