ABOUT THE AMERICAN ART THERAPY ASSOCIATION
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-partisan, professional, and educational organization dedicated to the growth and development of the art therapy profession. Founded in 1969, AATA has been the membership association of US-based art therapists and today, has members from around the globe.
OUR MISSION
To advance art therapy as a regulated mental health profession and build a community that supports art therapists throughout their careers. Adopted July 2021.
OUR VISION
A world where everyone has access to professional art therapy for improved mental health and well-being. Adopted July 2021.
DEFINITION OF ART THERAPY
Art therapy is a mental health 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.
Visit our “About Art Therapy” page for more information about the art therapy profession and its practice.
WHAT WE DO
As the nation’s leading non-profit organization for advancing the art therapy profession, the American Art Therapy Association provides our members with the latest information, resources, and meaningful networking opportunities. The association advocates for the advancement of the profession and connects members to the important work of art therapists around the world.
MEMBERSHIP
The American Art Therapy Association represents individuals and institutions who are dedicated to the art therapy profession and who have an interest in promoting its growth. Membership is comprised of professional art therapists, students, educators, and related mental health professionals. Members of the American Art Therapy Association have continuous access to a wide array of benefits.
ADVOCACY
An active Professional Affairs Committee, supported by the National Staff, advocates for the profession on behalf of our members and the clients they serve. We also support the efforts of AATA Chapters and volunteers around the country to advance licensure and insurance reimbursement at the state level.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
An ever-expanding online Online Learning Academy puts relevant courses at your fingertips, enabling you to develop competencies and keep abreast of new trends in the field while qualifying for Continuing Education credits (CEs). Members receive a significant discounts and Student Members get access to courses at no cost.
NETWORKING
The Annual Conferences, hosted in-person and virtually, are the premier events connecting art therapists with colleagues from across the nation and around the world.
RESEARCH
Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association is the most prestigious publication in the field and showcases leading research, practice-based articles, and more; it is fully accessible to you as a member.