This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of coping competence and ethical awareness of art therapists in the era of COVID-19. The participants were students and graduates of art therapy programs in South Korea who are currently working as art therapists. There were 95 survey participants and seven in-depth group interviewees. Quantitative data was collected via online survey from July 2020 to September 2020. An in-depth interview was conducted with those who voluntarily participated. All statistical analyses were conducted using PASW Statistics 18. Qualitative interview data were divided into three themes (a) experience of the therapist, (b) coping competence and capacity of the therapist, and (c) ethical principals and education of the therapist and 17 semantic classes. The results were as follows: First, the subjects of art therapists’ awareness were the changes in their clinical status; their rights toward safety; and experiences and potential problems of virtual art therapy. Second, the topic relating to coping competence was developing capabilities as a therapist under the COVID-19 situation. Third, the themes of ethical issues during the era of COVID-19 were a new ethical responsibility, a lack of education, and ethical principals for new situations. These results will provide guidelines for art therapists in era of the COVID-19 so that they can effectively focus on clinical practice.