American Art Therapy Association

Encouraging the highest quality of art therapy services to the public; facilitating communication among members and colleagues; supporting state and federal legislative efforts that impact art therapy; disseminating information to the general public; and, recognizing excellence in art therapy in clinical, professional, educational, and research efforts.

The American Art Therapy Association connects you to the important work of art therapists around the world who use the creative process to help people of all ages improve their health and emotional well-being. The Association represents more than 5,000 members around the world and in 40 Chapters.

NEWS

The American Art Therapy Association partnered with the Epilepsy Foundation of America to develop this practice toolkit which provides art therapy information and resources for healthcare professionals as well as those individuals living with seizure disorders, their families, and caregivers. Please click here to access the toolkit.

The Assisted Living Federation of America and the American Art Therapy launches “Resident Art Activities Best Practices Toolkit” Art can be a powerful activity for older adults. This resource provides background information on the benefits of art therapy, and how it can help older adults work through their psychological issues to maximize both their psychological and physical health. Additionally, case studies of senior living communities that have successfully integrated art into their community’s activities have been included to provide successful ideas and programs to inspire your own art therapy program.

Annual Conference
Advanced Registration for the American Art Therapy Association’s 44th 2013 Annual Conference, to be held June 26-30, 2013, in Seattle, WA is now open. Our theme is Art Therapy: Connecting Visual Expression and Healing. Most of the sessions will be held at the Washington State Convention Center, which is connected to the conference hotel, the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. Click here for more information.

For information about the 43rd Annual Conference that was in Savannah, GA, including the conference proceedings, and continuing education, please click here.

Click here for Sponsorship and Marketing Opportunities.

2014 Annual Conference – The Call for Proposals has been announced for the 45th Annual Conference, Art Therapy: Trailblazing the Future, to be held July 9-14, 2014 in San Antonio. Click here for more details.

The practice of art therapy requires a master's degree in art therapy and often a license and credentials, depending on state regulations. We invite the public, mental health professionals, and educators and community leaders to use use our on-line Find a Therapist (Art Therapist) and Art Therapist Locator to connect to local qualified art therapists.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Actions

Art therapists and Art Therapy Chapters across the country are engaged right now in programs that support children, their families, teachers, and their communities to address mental health issues. National Children's Mental Health Awareness is a time ofboth continuing and renewed arts therapy programming for this particularly vulnerable group. Explore http://www.samhsa.gov/children/national.asp for background, materials, and other resources and partners that can help throughout the year in addressing the positive mental health of young people.

American Art Therapy Chapters across the country are participating by holding their own Awareness Day events throughout May to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development from birth.

Virtual Event! Tune in for the premiere of the Awareness Day virtual event on May 7 at 3 p.m. EDT on www.samhsa.gov/children/virtualevent.asp.

**Time sensitive material**

Editor Sought for Art Therapy Journal
The American Art Therapy Association, representing approximately 5,200 members, seeks applications for the position of Editor of Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association. The journal is a peer-reviewed scholarly publication, which has a readership comprised of educators, practitioners, and students. Its mission is to inform the readership of research, recent innovations, and critical issues related to art therapy. To read the full announcement and job description please click here.

Educational Requirements for an Art Therapy Master’s program are set by the Education Committee of the Association. See Universities and Colleges and the Education sections for more information about the requirements for entry into the art therapy profession.Review the following information to explore opportunities available:

Master’s Level Educational Standards
Post Master’s Educational Standards

Art Therapy Master’s Programs – Approved by the Educational Programs Approval Board (EPAB)
Undergraduate and Post Graduate Programs – Not Included Under the EPAB Approval Process

Consider a career in art therapy, review some recent job openings and learn how art therapy is being used in top medical centers across the country, K-12 Schools, healthcare facilities and other community settings worldwide.

Art therapists are master’s level professionals working in a variety of settings to help people address their health and well being. More than 5,000 professionals, researchers, students, educators and healthcare providers find membership in the American Art Therapy Association a great investment in their continuing education and careers. Outstanding member benefits include: the Art Therapy Journal, practice insurance, health insurance, discounted electronic, office and art supplies from various companies exclusively for members.

Join your local Chapter to maximize your member benefits!

Read how art therapy is benefiting people around the world. Search the research and outcomes bibliography for in-depth information.

Plan to attend our 2013 Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington, June 26-30, 2013.

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Art Therapy Career Toolkits

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Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association is an informative member benefit that attracts a worldwide audience of art therapists who want to stay current in the field. Members receive the journal and archived issues FREE as part of their member benefits.

If you are interested in contributing to the Journal by submitting Cover Artwork or an Article, members may click here.

Not a member? If you are interested in subscribing to the Journal, please click here.

American Art Therapy Association Members and Chapters Begin Planning for National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day - May 9, 2013

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