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, the American Art Therapy Association is one of the world’s leading art therapy membership organizations. 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 furtherance 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 throughout the United States. Membership is comprised of, though not limited to: professional art therapists, students, educational institutions, and related mental health professionals. Members of the American Art Therapy Association have continuous access to a wide array of benefits. ADVOCACY An active Governmental Affairs Committee, supported by the National Office team and Public Policy Advisor, advocates for the profession on behalf of our members and the clients whom they serve. The Advocacy Center, exclusive to members, provides the latest information on public policy related to art therapy on the federal and state levels. CONTINUING EDUCATION An ever-expanding online Institute for Continuing Education in Art Therapy (ICE/AT) 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 (CECs). Members receive a significant discount. NETWORKING The Annual Conference is the premier event 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.