AATA Blog

Featured Member: Violet Newborn

Featured Member: Violet Newborn

“I’m inspired by the transformative power of art to help trauma survivors find their voice and reclaim their stories. Witnessing individuals experience healing and empowerment through creative expression drives my passion.”

Featured Member: Elham Khezri

Featured Member: Elham Khezri

As a graduate student, I’m excited to blend various theories to shape my own path towards healing and creating an environment that truly reflects my identity, now melded with my aspirations as a future art therapist. I’m eager to explore new creative spaces that transcend cultural boundaries, making room for people from all backgrounds in diverse settings.

At the Intersection of Art Therapy and Public Health — Hear from the Presenters of our January 28 CE Event

At the Intersection of Art Therapy and Public Health — Hear from the Presenters of our January 28 CE Event

Join us as we kick off 2025 with Preventive Art Therapy: The Ethical Intersection of Art Therapy and Public Health, our first virtual continuing education session of the year. In this session, Erica, Ping and Nadia will use their combined expertise to explore the ethical intersection of art therapy and public health, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health proactively to create lasting, sustainable change.

ACATE Announces Adoption of Revised CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Art Therapy

ACATE Announces Adoption of Revised CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Art Therapy

At its November meeting, the Board of Directors of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) approved the revisions to the CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Art Therapy.  

Prior to the Open Hearing held on September 24, ACATE reviewed the 57 comments that were received during the preceding public comment period. A significant number of those comments suggested changes in specific wording.

Great News from Virginia! Licensure Regulations have been Signed by the Governor

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! 

Honoring Veterans Day, 2024

Honoring Veterans Day, 2024

While art interventions have long been used with veterans and service members, increases in mental health issues make it more important than ever to highlight the work art therapists do to support these communities and their families.

Texas Art Therapists Advocate for Independent Licensure at the Capitol

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

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.

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