Advocacy
Great News from Virginia! Licensure Regulations have been Signed by the Governor
On Monday, November 18th, Governor Glenn Youngkin officially signed the art therapy licensure regulations. This long-awaited milestone marks a huge victory for art therapists and their supporters. A heartfelt thank you to every advocate who helped make this possible, from the initial legislative efforts to the relentless push for final approval. This success is a reminder of the power of perseverance—slow and steady truly wins the race!
Texas Art Therapists Advocate for Independent Licensure at the Capitol
By Jen McSparron MA, LPC, ATR-BC
On September 3rd, a dedicated group of Texas art therapists traveled to Austin to advocate for independent art therapy licensure in Texas. Armed with goodie bags filled with information about art therapy and existing programs across the state, the team visited various legislative offices, sharing their personal stories and highlighting the critical need for licensed art therapists.
Laura’s Story: Why We Need Therapy Licensure
By Bridget Pemberton-Smith, ATR-BC
I first got to know Laura when I was her internship site supervisor. Despite coming to the field later in her career, she was all in as an art therapist from the moment she started—and a passionate artist too! However, when she graduated from her art therapy program, she learned that recent changes to counselor licensure in our home state of North Carolina now prevented her from obtaining a license! Here’s her story.
How We Secured Licensure in Nebraska: Building Relationships
By Dr. Jessica Stallings, ATR-BC, LIMHP, LPC, LMHP
The Nebraska Art Therapy Licensure Coalition was created in 2017 when then recent social work graduate and soon-to-be George Washington post-Masters art therapy student Jenelle Miller asked a simple question: How one might go about securing licensure for art therapists in Nebraska? A conversation with AATA’s National Office team gave Jenelle the idea to approach Nebraskans from the Arts—and a coalition began to develop.
Write a Letter to Help us License Virginia Art Therapists
We are excited to report that over 50 letters have been sent, but the work isn’t done yet. To ensure the licensure of our profession it is crucial we continue contacting with these individuals until our voices are heard. You can also attend the next Art Therapy Advisory Board meeting in Henrico, Virginia on October 18th to show your support.
Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association Hosts a Hill Day
On March 20, 2024, members of the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association (PAATA) met at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, PA for Hill Day. Several PAATA members convened to advocate and speak with the public about the need for an independent Art Therapy License in Pennsylvania (LPAT).
Chapter Advocacy Updates: Accomplishments from 2023 and 2024
Advocating for licensure isn’t just about advocating for practicing art therapists: it’s about calling for increased access to mental health professionals and keeping the profession sustainable for future art therapists. Here’s a look at AATA chapter advocacy and how you can help.
Florida Art Therapy Association Hosts a Licensure Advocacy Event
The Florida Art Therapy Association (FATA) in collaboration with the Florida State University (FSU) Art Therapy Program, hosted an art therapy advocacy convening on Friday, November 17th. The event brought together a diverse community to support House Bill 51 and Senate Bill 878, which would create rt therapy licensure.
Update on Virginia’s Licensure Regulations
On Oct. 6, 2023, the Art Therapy Advisory Board of the DHP of Virginia met for the first time since August 2021. Once the licensure regulations are approved, they will circle back to the Board of Counseling and then back to the desk of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and Virginia’s Governor. Learn more how you can get involved.
Big News for Art Therapists in New Mexico!
October 28, 2022 | Deborah Good, PhD, HLM, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPAT, LPCC
New Mexico LPATs are now eligible to apply for Medicaid reimbursement as private practitioners. This is a huge victory because, as many of you know, Medicaid approval status sets the standard for all other insurance companies. Art therapists in New Mexico have worked for 28 years to make this happen — and hope all of you will take advantage of this incredible recognition for the art therapy license.