Art therapy is a profession that is eager and able to treat individuals who struggle with mental health issues by offering a non-stigmatizing mental health approach which has been shown to work effectively for the past 60 years. We aim to secure a wider reach to provide Floridians with the art therapy they need in community centers, homes, and schools across the state.
Below are some key points we want the community to consider about our profession.
Art therapy is a distinct mental health profession in which clients facilitated by master's level art therapists use art media the creative process and the resulting artwork to achieve mental emotional physical and spiritual goals. Art therapists are clinically trained to work with clients of all ages and provide services in community, medical, and private settings throughout Florida. Art therapy goals can range from coping with trauma and safe self-expression to enhancing cognitive and motor abilities in relieving stress and anxiety. (AATA 2022) Https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/
Credentialed art therapist art therapy students art therapy clients and mental health colleagues in Florida believe a state art therapy license through the department of professional regulation is urgently needed to:
Protect the public by ensuring that those in need of art therapy services receive them from qualified trained professionals who meet the approved mental health training educational and credentialing requirements.
Increase affordable access to mental health services by providing a distinct service and reimbursement code under public and private insurance for licensed art therapists.
Attract and retain qualified art therapy professionals and art therapy studentsin the state of Florida.
Contribute to the economy of the state through the expansion of art therapists' businesses and practices increased employment payment of taxes and state licensure and renewal fees.
State licensure of professional art therapists will also support assessment and treatment for but not limited to the following:
Veterans and active duty military members and their families,who are experiencing mental health problems including PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and increasing rates of suicide.
The growing numbers of older adults suffering from dementia and depression
People of all ages with Cancer who need complementary therapies to increase quality of life and cope with the physical and emotional symptoms of diagnosis and treatment
Individuals with developmental disabilities (i.e.Autism spectrum disorder) who needs specially trained qualified therapists.
Those experiencing trauma from natural disasters abuse drug dependency or other mental health problems in this general population
Your support and attention to a state art therapy license is greatly appreciated and vital to the health safety and well-being of residents across the state of Florida. Find your local Representative https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative