AATA Membership

Apply for/Renew Membership

		THE ORGANIZATION The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1969, is a national association that represents a membership of approximately 4,500 professionals and students. It is governed and directed by a 11-member Board, elected by the membership. AATA has established standards for art therapy education, ethics, and practice: AATA committees actively work on governmental affairs, clinical issues, and professional development. AATA's dedication to continuing education and research is demonstrated through annual national conferences and regional symposia, publications, videos, and awards. AATA MISSION STATEMENT The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life enhancing. Its mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy. ART THERAPY: DEFINITION OF THE PROFESSION Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art. Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families groups and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practices. The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) sets educational, professional, and ethical standards for its members. The Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB), an independent organization, grants credentials. Registration (ATR) is granted upon completion of graduate education and post-graduate supervised experience. Board Certification (ATR-BC) is granted to Registered Art Therapists who pass a written examination, and is maintained through continuing education. Some states regulate the practice of art therapy and in many states art therapists can become licensed as counselors or mental health therapists. CHAPTERS AATA chapters have been established throughout the United States. Chapters conduct meetings and activities that promote the field of art therapy on a local level. Chapters provide a forum for addressing professional issues as well as a network for members working toward common goals. The Assembly of Chapters provides information and support to chapter members at the local level. You must be an AATA member to become a chapter member.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Publications

• Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association (published quarterly).
• AATA Newsletter (published quarterly).
• AATA e-newsletters and e-blasts
• Substantial discounts on AATA publications (e.g., Annual Conference Proceedings, professional journals, videos, and Membership Directory.
• AATA literature (e.g., Educational Program List, Standards of Practice, and mailings of professional interest).

Services

• Access to AATA's on-line Members Only Section, which includes job opportunities
• Insurance, including professional liability, life, accident, and health through Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO).
• Access to national experts in art therapy.

AATA Meetings

• Discounts on registration fees to AATA national conferences and regional symposia.

Nationwide Advocacy

• Governmental affairs activities including congressional review and monitoring.
• State legislative and regulatory activities.
• Promotion of recognition and reimbursement of art therapists by third party payers.
• National liaison with related professional organizations for recognition and promotion of art therapy.

Professional Standards

• Development of Model Job Description and recommendations for licensing standards.
• Development and implementation of National Education Standards for approval of graduate level art therapy programs.
• Development and implementation of nationally recognized Standards of Practice and Ethical Principles for Art Therapists.

AATA MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

AATA and ATCB are administratively independent. Membership in AATA and Registration (ATR) with the ATCB require separate application and approval. ATR Registration applications are available from the ATCB at 1-877-213-2822 (toll free).

For ALL NEW Memberships, please follow the dates below when submitting membership applications. Applications received between:
January 1 to May 31: Full dues payment; membership expires December 31 of the same year.
June 1 to September 30: Half-year dues plus $5.00 payment; membership expires December 31 of the same year.
October 1 to December 31: Full dues payment; membership for remainder of the current year and the next full year. The membership year is the calendar year January 1 to December 31.

Please note: If you are renewing your membership, your renewal must be submitted by April 1st in order to avoid a disruption in member benefits, such as receiving AATA Publications and access to the Members Only section of the AATA website. If membership dues are not received by April 1, renewal fees are $160.00 plus a reinstatement fee of $25.

Membership Categories

Professional Member- Individuals who have completed graduate level educational training in art therapy. May vote, hold office,and serve on committees. AATA's annual dues are $164.00 per year.

New Professional Member - Individuals who have graduated from a Master's art therapy program within the last 12 months can apply for Professional Membership at student membership rates for one year. May vote, hold office, and serve on committees. AATA's annual dues are $72.00 per year.

Credentialed Professional Member-Individuals who are registered by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) as an ATR or an ATR-BC may submit a current ATCB registration card to AATA and will be accepted as an AATA Credentialed Professional Member. May vote, hold office, and serve on committees. AATA's annual dues are $164.00 per year.

• The registration fees for the ATR and the ATR-BC credentials are billed on an annual basis by the ATCB.
• ATR and ATR-BC applications are provided, reviewed, and approved by the ATCB. For more information, contact the ATCB at 1-877-213-2822 (toll free).

Associate

Individuals interested in the therapeutic use of art who support the purposes and objectives of AATA. This category is not open to Master's level art therapy program graduates. Associates may not vote, hold office, or serve on committees. Dues are $164.00 per year.

Student

Individuals who are taking courses in art therapy or a related field. A copy of student ID and either a letter of verification from the program director or a current schedule of courses is required. Students members may not vote or hold office, but may serve on such committees as the Board of Directors may delegate. Dues are $72 per year.

Contributing

Individuals, organizations, institutions, or foundations which contribute annually to AATA may be eligible for Contributing Membership. Contributing Members are entitled to receive all official publications and to attend the annual meeting, but do not have the right to vote, hold office, or serve on a committee. Annual dues are $210.00.

Retired

Individuals who are at least 65 years of age and who are no longer practicing. Retired Associates receive publications. Retired Professionals receive the same benefits as Professional Members, may vote, hold office, and serve on committees. Application provided upon request. The service fee is $82.00 per year.