October 10, 2018
“World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”
-World Health Organization (WHO)
In recognition of this global awareness effort, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) offers the following resources on mental health, art therapy, and the Association’s advocacy and awareness efforts.
Mental Health Resources: Sites and Publications
- World Health Organization (WHO) Mental Health Resources
- World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)
- Trevor Support Center- Mental Health
- Mental Health America- Mental Health Resources A-Z
- Minority Mental Health Awareness
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
Art Therapy Resources
Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
- About Art Therapy
- Art Therapist Locator
- AATA Blog
- Art Therapy Today
- AATA Story Library
- AATA Video Series: Art Therapy in Action
Advocacy
The AATA is committed to engaging in state and federal legislative initiatives that advance art therapy and expand access to quality mental health care for all Americans. The AATA is a proud member of the comprised of leading mental health and addiction-focused organizations working together to advance federal policies that support prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery services and supports. Attending monthly MHLG meetings, Congressional briefings, educational seminars, and related events throughout the year, helps the AATA keep members apprised of critical legislation affecting communities served by art therapists.
National issues addressed in letters by the AATA and collaborating organizations in 2018 include:
- September 21, 2018: Letter urging congressional leaders to include Section 1003 of H.R. 6, the Demonstration Project to Increase Substance Use Provider Capacity Under the Medicaid Program, as they finalize legislation to address the opioid epidemic.
- August 2: Letter supporting the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2018, S. 3337.
- August 1: Letter responding to misguided remarks about mental health in higher institutions made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Turning Points USA High School Leadership Summit.
- July 23: Letter opposing cuts by Health and Human Services and the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services to the Navigator program, which is critical to educating the public about health insurance options.
- July 12: Letter urging Congress to reject renewed efforts to roll back the expansion in coverage and consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act, such as a recent proposal to eliminate Medicaid expansion and marketplace subsidies and replace them with an under-funded block grant to states.
- February 23: Separate letters notifying executive departments of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) publication of the first report of the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC), The Way Forward: Federal Action for a System That Works for All People Living With SMI and SED and Their Families and Caregivers. The letter also requests information and offers support regarding implementation.
- February 20: Letter expressing deep concern regarding the lack of focus on minority communities, including LGBTQIA individuals, in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Draft Strategic Plan for FY 2018-2022, and in subsequent actions taken by the Department.