professional membership

Featured Member

American Art Therapy Association

Art therapy, a growing allied health profession, is a mental health service that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional health of individuals of all ages. The American Art Therapy Association has developed great online toolkits free to the public to explore the many beneficial outcomes of an effective art therapy program. Each tool kit includes information on outstanding model programs as well as research and outcome studies, articles and videos, and potential funding streams. Here is a glance at some of the tool kits available to you:

Art Therapy with Youth Affected by Traumatic Events & Health Challenges [PDF]
Youth often find non-verbal expression the only outlet to their intense feelings of fear, isolation, sadness, anger, and loss. An art therapy program helps kids build resilience and move beyond life’s hurdles, promotes self-awareness, improves self-esteem and competence, develops coping and control skills, and leads to a stronger future. Learn about programs in settings including community, early childhood, juvenile justice, and medical, mental health, military, rehabilitation services. The tool kit is promoted in conjunction with the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

K-12 Schools & Art Therapy [PDF]
Art therapy is a creative and engaging way to address inappropriate behaviors such as bullying, identify an individual’s barriers to learning, increase student retention, support special needs students, enhance academic performance, promote socialization and interaction skills, increase motor and sensory skills, and excite kids’ learning experience. Featured are several successful art therapy programs in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The tool kit is promoted in conjunction with the American Association of School Administrators.

Enhancing the Lives of Older Adults Through Art Therapy [PDF]
Art therapy promotes wellbeing at every age. Active older adults relax, explore, and share in art therapy’s creative and social aspects because it is rewarding, appealing, and enjoyable. For older adults, art therapy helps individuals cope with complex age-related issues including mental and physical illness or limitation, lifestyle transition, end-of-life decisions, grief, and aids in self-expression and communication. Model art therapy programs addressed include day care, residential, medical, hospice, mental health, and private practice.

The American Art Therapy Association is an organization of more than 5,000 health and education professionals dedicated to the field of art therapy. To learn more about the Association’s services visit www.americanarttherapyassociation.org.