Advocating for Art Therapy Through Legislation: Practical Tips for Students and Professionals (AC6211)
Papers
Deborah Good, PhD, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPAT, LPCC
Deborah A. Good, PhD, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPAT, LPCC, is a past-president of the American Art Therapy Association and past-president of the Art Therapy Credentials Board. She wrote and advocated for the first Art Therapy licensure bill from 1989 to 1993, which the New Mexico Legislature passed as part of the Therapy and Counseling Practice Act. New Mexico Art Therapists were licensed for the first time in 1994 as Licensed Professional Art Therapists (LPAT). Deborah continues to advocate for LPATs to gain insurance reimbursement inclusion. Dr. Good worked 45 years as an Art Therapist and Clinical Counselor. She started the Art Therapy Program at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico and was the Director of that program for 10 years. Currently, she maintains an active clinical supervision practice.
Jenelle Hallaert, MS
Graduate student in MA Art Therapy Practice program at the George Washington University. Interested in advocating for the efficacy of art therapy through research, policy, and academia, particularly in Nebraska.
As art therapists, we advocate through many avenues, but the idea of working with our governments can be intimidating. Fear not, you’ll hear how two states are working with their local legislatures to advocate for art therapy, and walk away with practical tools to use in your home state.