AATA News
Mental Health Resources to Support Communities Coping with the Crisis in Afghanistan
The stories and images coming out of Afghanistan resulting from the Taliban takeover of the Afghan government are heart-wrenching. For so many who have a direct connection or unique perspective, this is a particularly difficult time, with serious mental health repercussions. AATA has compiled this list of mental health resources for emergency support and other assistance.
Art Therapy Program at Hofstra University Receives Initial CAAHEP Accreditation
August 9, 2021
AATA is pleased to announce that the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) awarded initial accreditation to the Art Therapy master’s program at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The CAAHEP Board approved the accreditation recommendation by the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) for the art therapy graduate program on July 16, 2021.
Announcing our Featured Keynote Presenter, Yassmin Abdel-Magied!
August 9, 2021 | Susan Boxer Kappel
We are pleased to announce our featured keynote presenter, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a Sudanese-Australian writer, broadcaster, and award-winning social advocate with a background in mechanical engineering. One of the 2020 LinkedIn Changemakers, Yassmin is a globally sought-after advisor on issues of social justice, focused on the intersections of race, gender and faith. Don’t forget that early bird registration is open through August 31st – so be sure to register before the cut-off to save! Going completely virtual this year means there’s no need to worry about extra expenses for travel and concerns about health or safety, because you will be able to join art therapy colleagues from around the world in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Update on Integrating DEI into All Aspects of the Association
July 29, 2021 | Gretchen M. Miller
The purpose of this update is to provide a status report on the ways in which AATA has begun to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the entire organization, and to communicate about the next steps in this ongoing process. Much like in national conversations, this process has included critically re-examining, dismantling, and transforming policies, structures, and identifying our biases throughout the AATA, and assessing impacts on the broader art therapy community.
Announcing AATA’s New Strategic Plan
July 29, 2021
The American Art Therapy Association’s Board of Directors recently completed a strategic planning process and we are pleased to introduce to you our new strategic plan to guide our association over the next three years. The new plan includes 5 Pillars or priority areas of focus — and a new Vision statement, which was based on feedback from our members!
Findings from AATA’s DEI Listening Session Series and Survey
July 29, 2021
Last winter, AATA conducted a series of listening sessions and an online survey to hear from members and the broader art therapy community about their experiences and suggestions in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Barriers to entering the field and lack of diversity in the profession were identified as the two overarching issues that need to be prioritized.
AATA’s 52nd Annual Conference is Going All Virtual: Early Bird Is Now Open!
July 15, 2021
After an intensive review of the 2021 Annual Conference we have concluded that our best and safest approach this year is to go completely virtual. Our primary priority is the safety and well-being of our members, attendees, and volunteers. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we completed this important decision-making process.
AATA Opposes the Redefinition of Art Therapy from a Separate Profession to a Form of Counseling in Texas
July 14, 2021
The regulatory structure of art therapists in Texas has recently undergone significant changes, both to the board with authority over the rulemaking process and to the rules themselves, including how art therapy is defined. The AATA submitted comment—first during the regular sunset review period with recommended improvements, and this week urging the rejection of a proposed redefinition of art therapy as a form of counseling.
2021 Conference Update
July 1, 2021
Thank you for your responses and input on the in-person conference surveys! We are planning to open registration on July 15, 2021. We have continued to monitor the status of the COVID-19 pandemic, and regardless of whether we are able to hold an in-person conference, we do plan to also offer a virtual conference.
Kat Michel’s Departure from AATA
July 1, 2021
It is with appreciation for all her contributions to this association that I announce the departure of Kat Michel, Sr. Manager, Member Services, from AATA as she begins the next phase of her career. She has shared with us an incredible 7 years of passion, grace, and impact for what is now a stronger AATA.