What we do
We are the professional membership organisation for art therapists in the UK. We work to promote art therapy and provide professional support and advice to our members. We represent art therapy to commissioners, policy-makers and opinion-formers and work to ensure that the wider public understands what art therapy is and how it can help transform lives.
Who are our members?
Our full members are all qualified art therapists, regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), a statutory requirement in the UK for art therapists. Many of our full members are listed on our Find an art therapist page, where you can search for art therapists across the UK.
We have trainee members, who are all in training on one of the HCPC-recognised postgraduate training courses
Our associate membership category is open to anyone who is interested in art therapy.
Our publications
We publish the peer-reviewed journal, International Journal of Art Therapy, a regular online magazine, InSight, and a fortnightly Bulletin for members, to keep them up-to-date of all the latest developments in the art therapy field.
Developing the profession
We commission and run courses and training on art therapy, from courses for people thinking about training as an art therapist through to training for more experienced practitioners.
We are currently working on an NHS England (NHSE) Commission to support and develop art, drama, and music therapy for the future. The project is a creative and collaborative partnership between the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), the British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth) and the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT).
We are also members of the Allied Health Professions Federation and actively contribute to its work to ensure art therapy is recognised alongside the other allied health professions in the health service.