AATA News
AATA Statement on the Supreme Court’s Harmful Decision to Lift Ban on Conversion Therapy
This week, the US Supreme Court ruled to strike down a Colorado law that banned conversion therapy for minors. By lifting the ban, this ruling will allow licensed therapists to attempt to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of young people—subjecting LGBTQ+ youth to dangerous and discredited practices that may cause significant harm.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Virtual CE Session: Recognizing and Responding to Sexual Violence
Join us April 7, 2026, for a virtual CE session with Doorways VA to understand sexual violence, its forms, and root causes, while learning how bystander intervention can prevent and stop it. FREE for AATA Members
Creative Arts Therapies Week 2026
March 15, 2026 During Creative Arts Therapies Week, the third week of March, we raise awareness about art therapy and other life-enhancing mental health professions. Creative Arts Therapists are mental health professionals who use arts-based interventions and...
Calming the Traumatized Brain: Brain-Based Techniques for Trauma and Anxiety
March 10, 2026 March 30, 2026, 7 - 9 pm ET | Virtual CE Event | Everyone is Welcome Register ($52 for AATA Members, FREE for AATA Student Members, $82 for non-members). Not an AATA Member? Learn more about Membership Join us for a virtual CE session, Calming the...
AATA Undergraduate Education Committee Updates
Welcome to the 2026 Winter Edition of the Undergraduate Art Therapy Educators Newsletter.
AATA and Art Therapists Submit Comments on Proposed Federal Student Loan Changes
March 3, 2026 – Yesterday, AATA submitted a public comment on a proposed rule from the Department of Education that would define “professional student” for purposes of determining federal student loan amounts based on the type of program in which a student is enrolled. We were joined by dozens of art therapists and art therapy students in submitting comments urging the Department to expand their definition. If these rules are finalized, art therapy students would not be able to borrow more than $100,000 total through federal student loans beginning July 1, 2026.
Take Action: Submit a Public Comment on Federal Student Loans Changes
Take action on changes to Federal Student Loans. The Department of Education has issued a proposed rule that would redefine “professional student” for purposes of determining federal student loan amounts, which will harm access to care.
Featured Member: Michelle “Starr” Starling
“I’m truly excited about having my presentation offered by AATA for free during Black History Month. It feels especially meaningful as a graduate of Wilberforce University, an HBCU, and as someone who has had the honor of serving on the Ursuline CAT Advisory Board for several years. This really feels like a full-circle moment for me. — Starr Starling
AATA2026 Conference Call for Proposals is Open!
We are excited to announce the AATA2026 Call for Proposals and share with you this year’s proposal process. The Call for Proposals invites submissions for the in-person conference and a two-day live virtual conference, both planned for Fall 2026.
Announcing a New Mentor Match Cohort for 2026!
Whether you’re just entering the art therapy field or looking for a new career direction – a mentor may be able to help you.