The proliferation of digital technology has significantly expanded the repertoire of art therapy methods. In contemporary practice, tablet drawing is progressively supplanting traditional paper drawing as a cutting-edge therapeutic tool. However, there remains a dearth of differentiated research on the healing effects of these two methods. This study employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and paired-sample t-tests to assess whether there exists a notable difference in the effectiveness of art therapy when utilizing tablet drawing as opposed to the traditional paper method. To structure the evaluation of art therapy’s impact, we first derived a hierarchical model through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature. Subsequently, we gathered pertinent evaluation data via questionnaires to ascertain the weights of each evaluation index. Two distinct sets of art therapy experiments were then conducted, with questionnaires collected for both digital drawing and paper drawing sessions. Finally, we analyzed and compared the data from these experiments using the paired-sample t-test. The outcomes of our experiments reveal a compelling result - there is no significant difference in the overall art therapy effect between the two drawing methods. This pivotal finding not only contributes empirical depth to the discourse surrounding art therapy but also serves as a practical reference for individuals and healing organizations, aiding them in informed decision-making when selecting painting therapy tools. The implications of this study extend to the evolving landscape of therapeutic practices, offering valuable insights into the integration of traditional and digital mediums for optimal healing outcomes.