AATA News
The AATA’s Statement on the Traumatic Impact of Separating Children from Parents and Caregivers
June 20, 2018
The AATA wishes to respond to the deleterious and traumatic effects that separating children from their parents and caregivers can have on their well-being. Of great concern is the appalling separation of children from their parents as a result of the Trump Administration’s enforcement of the “zero tolerance” policy for families crossing the US-Mexican Border (June, 2018). Even as the separation practice is halted, steps need to be taken to re-unify the children with their families, ameliorate the trauma that has already been inflicted, and prevent future trauma.
Art Therapy Licenses Officially Implemented in Delaware
June 14, 2018
The AATA is thrilled to announce that art therapists in Delaware can now apply for the new Professional Art Therapist and Associate Art Therapist licenses. On June 7th, the Division of Professional Regulation announced new rules effective June 11, 2018 to implement the licenses. Read more about the advocacy journey that resulted in the enactment of this legislation on the AATA Blog.
“Stop Border Separation of Children from Parents!” — Sign the Petition
June 14, 2018
The AATA joined 10 mental health organizations and over 1,100 mental health professionals in signing a letter in opposition to the new Zero Tolerance policy that was sent to congresspeople on June 12, 2018. The letter cites clinical experience and decades of research on the psychological impact disrupted attachment [parental separation] has on children and asks policy makers to “remember what it feels like to be a child” as they consider the plight of over 700 children who have been separated from their families at the border between October 2017 and April 2018 in what amounts to systematic traumatization of children.
Call for Information: Art Therapy Programs Focused on Clients with Opioid Addictions
June 14, 2018
Given the national interest to address the opioid epidemic and the significant research supporting art therapy as an effective treatment for issues of substance abuse, the AATA is gathering information on art therapy programs with a focus on people who have been affected by opioids. If you work with clients struggling with opioid addiction, please contact the National Office (info@arttherapy.org) with some information about your clinical work.
Michigan Art Therapy Licensure Bill Introduced this Week
June 7, 2018
On Tuesday June 5, 2018, Representative Abdullah Hammoud introduced House Bill 6098. “By creating a clear framework for art therapists to provide services in the state, my legislation will help many vulnerable residents explore new ways of healing and addressing their mental health concerns,” says Rep Hammoud in a statement. Many thanks to our chapter the Michigan Association of Art Therapy (MAAT) for their hard and dedicated work leading to the introduction of this important legislation! The National Office will continue to work closely with the chapter’s Legislative Chair Amber James, MS as the bill progresses to the Committee on Health Policy.
New Scholarship Opportunity – Irene Rosner David Medical Art Therapy Scholarship
June 7, 2018
The American Art Therapy Association and its generous donor will provide a new scholarship opportunity this year for AATA’s student members. Application are being accepted now through July 1 for the Irene Rosner David Medical Art Therapy Scholarship. This scholarship focuses on the role of the medical art therapist. Please see MyAATA for more information and the full application. Questions can be directed to the National Office: info@arttherapy.org.
Accreditation Process Reaches Another Milestone
June 7, 2018
After years of discussion and planning, the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) is happy to report the accreditation application process for art therapy master’s programs is now active. By way of review, programs currently approved by the Educational Programs Approval Board (EPAB) are phasing into an accreditation process with ACATE.
Message of Support Following High School Shooting in Santa Fe, TX
May 24, 2018
We mourn the senseless loss of life and our hearts are with all those impacted by the mass shooting that took place in Santa Fe High School on May 18th. Our nation is facing a public health crisis, with the events of Friday morning marking the 41st school shooting in 2018. The AATA will continue to advocate for a path forward toward comprehensive legislative solutions to firearm-related injuries and fatalities and for stronger presence of mental health care providers, such as art therapists, in our schools.
Spring Issue of the AATA Journal Published Online
May 24, 2018
The spring issue of Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, Volume 35, Issue 1, is now available online for AATA members and subscribers. Connect with the latest in art therapy research and professional news by reviewing your copy of this leading publication today. AATA members can access the Journal online by logging in to MyAATA.
New Video on Art Therapy and Childhood Trauma
May 24, 2018
The AATA collaborated with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to create this video to showcase the benefits of art therapy for youth who have experienced trauma. The video was shown as part of the pre-event for SAMHSA’s 2018 annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Event, themed “Partnering for Health and Hope Following Trauma.”