About AATA

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that the creative process involved in art making 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.

AATA has adopted the following human rights statement:  AATA is a life-affirming human service profession. We stand opposed to violence, torture and all disregard for human rights. AATA supports the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the General Assembly of the United Nations. We "shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance..." http://www.hrweb.org/legal/udhr.html

The AATA represents approximately 5000 members and 36 AATA State and Regional Chapters that conduct meetings and activities to promote art therapy on the local level.

The AATA promotes the therapeutic use of art by:

• Encouraging the highest quality of art therapy services to the public;
• Facilitating communication among members and colleagues;
• Supporting legislative efforts at the state and federal levels;
• Disseminating information to the general public, art therapists, and related mental health professionals;
• Recognizing excellence in clinical, professional, educational, and research activities.

Publications

• Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association;
• AATA Newsletter and AATA E-Newsletter;
• Monographs and books.

Meetings & Educational Opportunities

• Annual AATA Conference in November of each year;
• Continuing education opportunities through conference and symposia.

Website Resources

• Information on practice, legislative initiatives, public information, and research;
• Late-breaking news on art therapy and art therapists throughout the US and the world;
• Members Only Section provides exclusive access to job postings, publications, and on-line membership directory.