Active Minds, a national non-profit mental health resource for students, works with students on more than 350 campuses across the country to create an open environment in which students can discuss mental health issues and connect to resources they need. Art therapists can assist Active Minds Chapters in developing awareness events and educational presentations on campuses and serve as a resource for students.

 

Access the Latest News, Information and Events!

Review this expanding resource center for journalists, researchers, educators, students, practicing art therapists, and other healthcare professionals to learn more about the profession of Art Therapy.

Breaking News

For the latest information and connections to events in the world of art therapy click here.
News & Updates

Los Angeles Art Program Gives Confidence To People With Epilepsy

Reaching Out To Families Affected By Superstorm Sandy

Art Therapy in Health Care (please click on organization)

American Cancer Society

Beth Israel Center, Department of Integrative Medicine

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Johns Hopkins University
Mayo Clinic

National Institutes of Health
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Art Therapy in Health Care Bibliography

Top Medical Centers

BBC News Magazine -- The Power of Art: Can creativity cure the sick?

Read what the
American Cancer Society says about art therapy

National Center for Cultural Competence - Body/Mind/Spirit Toward a Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Health
Religion and spirituality can impact the way children and families interpret and respond to physical and mental health concerns. This resource provides an overview of how health professionals can take a holistic approach to wellness by addressing biological, physical, and spiritual needs together.

National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention | Project LAUNCH 
The goal for Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children’s Health) is to promote child wellness by reducing fragmentation and integrating services at the state, tribal, and local levels. 

PBS Art Blog

Toolkits
Toolkits for Careers in Art Therapy developed in collaboration with leading employer groups to assist them to develop effective art therapy programs that produce results in growing career tracks.

The Assisted Living Federation of America and the American Art Therapy Association launch “Resident Art Activities Best Practices Toolkit”
Art can be a powerful activity for older adults. For many seniors art is a lifelong passion, for others, art is a hobby that they never had the time to pursue. No matter the situation, having an art program in your community can contribute substantially to the overall quality of life of your residents.

The Assisted Living Federation of America and the American Art Therapy Association have developed a new resource to assist senior living providers in implementing an engaging art program. This toolkit is a valuable member benefit that will aid communities looking to improve their activity program. 
This resource also provides background information on the benefits of art therapy, and how it can help older adults work through their psychological issues to maximize both their psychological and physical health. Additionally, case studies of senior living communities that have successfully integrated art into their community’s activities have been included to provide successful ideas and programs to inspire your own art program.

Whether you are looking to start an art program in your community or want to take your community’s program to the next level, this toolkit offers ideas and advice to help. 

Download the Art in Senior Living: Enhancing the Lives of Older Adults toolkit to learn more about how art can improve the quality of life of seniors, the benefits of art therapy, and how to effectively implement an engaging art program at your community.
ALFA is now accepting submissions for the 2013 ALFA Senior Living Art Showcase, a competition honoring the artistic talents of senior living residents. Through this year’s theme, Celebrating The Beauty of Life, residents of senior living communities are asked to submit digital photos of original artwork highlighting the many ways seniors add beauty to our world. The deadline for submissions is March 4.
Art Therapy & Autism Spectrum Disorder: Integrating Creative Interventions: New Resources for its Chapters, Caregivers, and People on the Autism Spectrum

The Autism Society of America joined with the American Art Therapy Association to develop this toolkit which provides information and resources for healthcare professionals individuals on the Autism Spectrum, their families, and caregivers; practical guidance to assist in building or expanding an effective art therapy program; and, addresses some of the many opportunities for successful application and engagement of art therapy in ASD.
eating disorder Art Therapy’s Notable Impact On Eating Disorders And Healthy Eating:  Art Therapy’s Notable Impact on Eating Disorders and Healthy Eating

Art therapy offers a unique treatment option for individuals struggling with eating disorders. This toolkit provides information and program options for art therapists working with this population.
Art Therapy: Enhancing the Lives of Patients: Art Therapy Supporting Patient Care in Medical Settings: Toolkit.

Art therapy provides therapeutic, healing benefits for patients in hospitals and other medical settings. To view the Association’s newest Toolkit and study model programs and read how art is being used to aid healing, please click here.

Implement A Successful Art Therapy Program With Youth Affected By Traumatic Events & Health Challenges: Implement a Successful Art Therapy Program for Youth Affected by Traumatic Events and Health Challenges to initiate and enhance an art therapy program for young people that helps them build resilience, improve self-esteem and competence, and develop coping skills. Explore the many positive outcomes of an effective art therapy program.
Gain Important Education Outcomes: Implement a Successful Art Therapy Program within K-12 Schools: K-12 Schools & Art Therapy - Gain Important Education Outcomes: Implement a Successful Art Therapy Program within K-12 Schools links art therapists, who provide professional and instructional services to students, with more than 13,000 public school systems nationwide in collaboration with the American Association of School Administrators.

Art Therapy: Enhancing The Lives Of Older Adults: Older Adults & Art Therapy - Art Therapy: Enhancing the Lives of Older Adults  provides links for senior living facilities, families, and community agencies to employ an art therapists for programs providing a safe, supportive, creative experience to help ease life transitions for older adults.
Launching and Managing Your Art Therapy Practice. This Toolkit assists practicing art therapists, new professionals, and students structure their practice effectively. The step by step guide and connection to resources is intended to be a convenient way for members to begin and continue to build a successful private practice career in art therapy. New information and practice management resources will be added to this on-line resource going forward. Members only access.

RESOURCES
Military Service Personnel and their Families & Art Therapy - Art therapists provide clinical and support services to military personnel and their families through military facilities, clinics, healthcare facilities and community organizations. Read more about art therapy and the military here.
The Department of Defense web site, "Virtual PTSD Experience", allows users to explore the causes and symptoms of post-traumatic stress in an anonymous setting on the Second Life virtual world platform. Visit the Virtual PTSD Experience web site.  More information and resources on PTSD

Media Requests

The Association connects you to the important work of art therapists around the world who use the creative process to help people of all ages improve their health and well-being.

If you are a member of the national media or would like to locate an expert speaker, please click here to email us.

The Association's 5,000 members are in communities around the world. For broadcasters, this means tremendous opportunities to localize your news. Many of our 38 chapters have personnel available to to help meet your media needs. To locate a local chapter, click here.

Research

Art Therapy Bibliography: Select Studies, Articles, and Publications
Art Therapy Outcomes Bibliography
Resources
Multicultural Committee Bibliography/Resource List
Publications


Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association is an informative member benefit that attracts a worldwide audience of art therapists who want to stay current in the field. Members receive the journal and archived issues FREE as part of their member benefits.

If you are interested in contributing to the Journal by submitting Cover Artwork or an Article, members may click here.

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