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. We also have an associate membership category which is open to anyone who is interested in art therapy.
What we do
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 experienced practitioners.
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.
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.
Find out more
To read more about the work we do and how we support our members and the art therapy profession, you can read our annual report for 2024-25.
How we’re governed
We are governed by a Council who are elected by our full members. Our Council work closely with our Chief Executive. Council has overall responsibility for the organisation, agreeing our strategic direction and ensuring good governance.
Our work in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
As the professional association for art therapists across all of the UK, we work to support our members in each nation.