AATA News
Art Therapy is Particularly Effective in Times of Crisis
September 24, 2020
In the survey, we asked respondents: “As an art therapist, how would you describe to someone unfamiliar with the profession why art therapy is uniquely suited to support mental health during this pandemic?” The survey takers explained that art therapy is particularly effective during times of crisis, especially in coping with isolation, changes in circumstance, trauma, and grief.
What’s Happening Outside the Virtual Learning Classroom at AATA’s 2020 Conference?
September 24, 2020 | Susan Boxer Kappel
The AATA 2020 virtual conference, Art Therapy Connected: Advancing Mental Health in a Virtual World will provide a rich and diverse program that includes exceptional education, networking and special features that will offer attendees with opportunities to connect, explore and reinvigorate their professional careers. Our presenters are in the process of having their sessions recorded, and we will be adding in educational program details to the agenda in early-October. In the meantime, please explore a sampling of the offerings we have planned outside the virtual classroom! We’ll have activities for personal growth and reflection, networking, community art projects, and celebrations!
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 2020
September 10, 2020
As we recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, we know that the added economic stress, social isolation, loss of loved ones and myriad hardships that accompany the pandemic are causing more people to consider suicide. Suicide prevention is more important now than ever.
Virginia Governor Announced Appointments to the Advisory Board on Art Therapy
September 10, 2020
On August 28, 2020, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced appointments to the Advisory Board on Art Therapy — the first step to implementing the art therapy license, which took effect on July 1st, 2020. The AATA congratulates each appointee for this accomplishment and thanks them for their service to the art therapy profession.
Statement by the American Art Therapy Association on Law Enforcement Response to Mental Health Crises
September 8, 2020
The American Art Therapy Association urgently calls on lawmakers to invest in community mental health services and shift response to mental health and substance-abuse emergencies from law enforcement to trained mental health professionals. These professionals can mitigate deadly and harmful incidents and reduce the number of unnecessary jail and psychiatric hospital admissions of people experiencing mental health and substance abuse crises.
Leading with Intention to Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
September 8, 2020 | Margaret Carlock-Russo
After July’s virtual member meeting, members told us they wanted to learn more about AATA’s next steps in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I)—and hear more from Gary Smith, our DE&I consultant. In response, we are excited to share with you this webinar, “Leading with Intention to Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.” Gary put our conversation into this current reality, referring to the Coronavirus pandemic and the unprecedented activism after George Floyd’s horrific killing. While we are defining diversity broadly, he posited in this moment, we may consider focusing on race.
2020 Candidate Slate & AATA Elections
August 27, 2020
The 2020 election season is here! Online voting for the Annual Election will commence on August 10. All voting members will receive a notice with voting instructions via e-mail.
Art Therapy Legislation 101 Learning Module
August 25, 2020 | By Ashley Skelly
As an art therapist or art therapy supporter, you are often asked to take action to contact state government legislators/leaders. Politics can be confusing to navigate, and the prospect of contacting senators/representatives may seem intimidating. However, legislators want to hear about the issues and changes needed from the people they represent – YOU!
Mental Health Policy Implications during the Coronavirus Pandemic
August 24, 2020
While the results of this survey of art therapists capture a particular moment during the Coronavirus pandemic—when 95% of Americans were under some sort of stay-at-home policy—the findings remain relevant as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise. We hope that these results will help inform how lawmakers address the ongoing mental health ramifications of the pandemic and better support mental health professionals.
Findings from AATA’s Coronavirus Pandemic Impact Survey
August 14, 2020
To better understand how art therapists are responding to the Coronavirus pandemic and coping themselves, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) conducted an online survey of art therapy professionals, educators, and students in May 2020. The findings offer a look into the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on art therapists, the clients they serve, as well as access to mental health care. (Download the full report.)