It is important for and beneficial to the state of Virginia to provide licensure for the field of Art Therapy. Other states are already doing this and have been for many years. This is a positive move for the state: licensure allows more protection for both the public and for providers, so there are more regulatory guidelines in place and less 'bad actors' who may be using it unethically, without training, and in a way that might harm others or allow primarily for personal gains. By offering licensure, the state could see growth instead of people moving out out of Virginia for jobs. Art Therapists in Virginia want to be recognized and also want to have the ability to help more people, as licensure will also allow for more individuals to access services through their insurance. Case studies and small experiments have suggested that art therapy can help with many different conditions, including depression, self-esteem, and social behavior. It can also help people express themselves non-verbally, which can be beneficial for people who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Thank you for the opportunity to make a public comment and I hope this regulatory action moves forward.