Updated November 21, 2022
As the nation’s leading non-profit organization for advancing the art therapy profession, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) provides our members and the public we serve with important content to support the wellbeing of all individuals, families, and communities. The following resource offer information about the traumatic impact and aftereffects of gun-related violence in our communities, families, and schools, as well as in the media.
Art therapists are master-level clinicians who facilitate active art making, the creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Through the use of art, individuals can express, manage, and explore coping strategies to aid in managing strong emotions, reactions, and effects experienced due to crisis and trauma. Art therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and are well equipped to support communities hit by tragedy and those who are distressed as a result of tragic events and experiences. In addition to providing support in the wake of a tragedy art therapists promote safe communities and support violence prevention strategies through the life-affirming efforts of art-making and creativity.
About Gun Violence, Trauma, Coping, and Mental Health
- The American Counseling Association (ACA): Gun Violence Trauma Resources
- American Psychological Association: Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
- National Center for PTSD: Effects of Traumatic Stress After Mass Violence, Terror, or Disaster
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Mental Health by the Numbers
- National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center: Resources for Victims, Survivors and Community Members
- The American Red Cross: The American Red Cross Sheltering in Place Fact Sheet
- Anti-Defamation League: Gun Violence and Mass Shootings
Mental Health Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community
- The Trevor Project: Reach a Counselor
- Sandy Hook Promise: Facts And Statistics About The Impact Of Gun Violence On LGBTQ+ People
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
- LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
- Steve Fund Crisis Textline: Text HOME to 741-741
- GLBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
Mental Health Resources for Children
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event- A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
- American Psychological Association (APA): Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
- The Child Mind Institute: Caring for Kids After a School Shooting
- National Education Association (NEA): Talking to Students About the Texas Elementary School Shooting Students Demand Action
- Anti-Defamation League: Discussing Hate and Violence with Children
SAMHSA Hotline
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Hotline: The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster.
- Online access to hotline information
- Contact the hotline by phone: 800-985-5990 (For TTY/hearing impaired access, call 800-846-8517)
- Contact the hotline by text: Text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746 (Spanish speakers: Text ‘Hablanos’ to 66746)
Resources for AATA Members
- Reach out to colleagues on the MyAATA Forum
- Update your contact information in the Art Therapist Locator via MyAATA.