Since 1942 Clinical Art Therapy has been a stand-alone mental health practice. It is valuable for supporting individuals and communities in achieving mental wellness goals like cognitive development, accessing emotional intelligence, resolving conflicts and problems, developing interpersonal skills, managing behavior, reducing stress, increasing self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieving insight. While there are many ways that mental health professionals can incorporate creativity into their work, Art Therapists are educated at the masters level with an additional two years of supervised postgraduate training that allows them to practice art therapy as its own modality. Therefore, Art Therapists are uniquely skilled in the application of a variety of art techniques including drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media, as well as art-based assessments and art therapy treatment.

I understand the importance of prioritizing safety and wellbeing for those seeking therapy and mental health care. I support the Colorado Art Therapy Association’s effort to secure title protection as necessary to ensure the people of Colorado will obtain ethical and effective mental health treatment through the proper representation of credentials and qualifications. I sign this letter acknowledging my endorsement of these efforts.