Numerous studies have explained the different healing benefits of art therapy to different people all over the world in recent times. However, irrespective of the outstanding benefits of art therapy to different people with mental disorders, psychological issues are still prevalent among college students all over the world, including China. This prevalence of psychological problems among college students is because art therapy is not implemented in most colleges and universities due to some challenges they face. This study specifically focuses on three main challenges encountered by colleges in applying art therapy. The study is anchored on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which describes the various complex systems that interact in individuals in influencing their development mentally, physically and socially. The research is a quantitative descriptive study aimed at determining the challenges facing colleges and universities in China in implementing art therapy for students with psychological problems. The study data were obtained via interview carried out online with the research participants. The research population included teachers and counselors from five schools (SCBC, GMU, BNU, CCOM and SHCM) selected in China. The responses from the participants were presented in tables and analyzed using descriptive analysis. The study results revealed that the challenges facing colleges in China in implementing art therapy for their students. The challenges are specifically insufficient funding for art therapy facilities and resources, lack of trained teachers and counselors and students’ attitude towards art therapy. This study aims to examine the challenges facing colleges and universities in China in implementing art therapy as an intervention for their students with psychological problems. This study proposed a sustainable art programme that can be applied to address these challenges, which would be of great benefit to students’ psychological development.
