What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

Who benefits from art therapy?
Art therapy is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, forensic, wellness, private practice and community settings with diverse client populations in individual, couples, family, and group therapy formats.
It is an effective treatment for people experiencing developmental, medical, educational, and social or psychological impairment. Individuals who benefit from art therapy include those who have survived trauma resulting from combat, abuse, and natural disaster; persons with adverse physical health conditions such as cancer, traumatic brain injury, and other health disability; and persons with autism, dementia, depression, and other disorders.
It helps people resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal skills, manage problematic behaviors, reduce negative stress, and achieve personal insight. Art therapy also provides an opportunity to enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of art making.
AATA Membership
You are invited to join with the American Art Therapy Association! Membership in the Association is a signal that you are an active participant in the field of art therapy, dedicated to the growth of the field and to increasing your knowledge in this specialized therapeutic practice. The American Art Therapy Association is an outstanding networking opportunity to increase your knowledge and career potential.
Please click here for a list of membership types and the membership benefits specific to each member category. Remember to join your local Chapter at the same time that you join or renew your National membership!
Please click here to learn more about the chapter in your state.
How Sam's Fans helps
Sam’s Fans’ goal is to share what this type of therapy is and does so that we can to bring more joy and comfort to those who need it as well as help the special people who provide these services. We cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor Sam's life than by sharing what she loved with the world!
