Hello,

I appreciate the consideration this reg gives for us to be able to use volunteer servce hours for continuing education credits. 

I have one suggestion: 

Please inlcude Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) as well as local chapters of National Social Workers Assocaition (NASW) as qualified providesr for continuign education. Much like myself, there are some social workers who hold the credentials of art therapist. Including these organizations as the CEU provider helps off-set the cost to maintain licenses tremendously. 

Thank you,

Miki Goerdt, LCSW, ATR-BC

Please expedite the credential process for Art therapists in Virginia.  Mental Health needs across all demographics in the state of Virginia are very high and Art therapist should be included to the list of clinicians available.   This would improve access to care for many more who need it, and it would open up more appropriate jobs to increase job satisfaction, job retention and reimbursement for Art therapists- issues that are sorely lacking in our State.

My wife is a licensed Art Therapist in Maryland and DC who's excluded from many Art Therapist jobs in Virginia due to the lack of licensure in Virginia. Because of this, she currently works in Maryland as an Art Therapist rather than her home state where she'd prefer to work and help those in need. As a result, the people of Virginia are losing out a wonderfully talented and experienced Art Therapist. Please expedite the credential process for Art Therapists in Virginia.

Virginians should have a range of mental health therapeutic options available so I am in support the passage of the Proposed Art Therapy Regulations. I support ensuring competency and accountability for Art Therapists and that they, as with other licensed mental health professionals, be reimbursed for their services by insurers/third-party payers. I recommend passage of the regulations.

Creative art therapy professionals continue to advocate for regulations to gain recognition and protect the clients we serve. Many people who seek out art therapy have come from circumstances such as trauma, abuse, substance use, and mental health challenges that can make them vulnerable. Lack of licensure regulations allows an untrained person to claim themselves as an art therapist, work with people from the above circumstances, and cause harm due to lack of knowledge. Just like social workers and licensed professional counselors are regulated, it is imperative that art therapists receive the same regulatory protections.

As an art therapist, I have found providing opportunities for creative expression to be incredibly important to reaching clients who do not respond to traditional talk therapy. Passing this bill will be essential to incorporating creative arts into therapy space under the specific standards of Virginia.