Help Us Advocate for Art Therapy and the LCAT!

Dear 

I am reaching out to invite and encourage you to submit a letter of support or testimony in favor of the upcoming bill supporting Licensed Clinical Art Therapist (LCAT) to support the field of art therapy more broadly.

Whether you are an art therapist, recipient of art therapy, educator, healthcare professional, business owner, insurance representative, treatment center staff, community agency member, or anyone connected to or impacted by art therapy, your voice matters—and we need you!

Your personal story, professional insights, or organizational perspective can make a meaningful impact as we work to strengthen awareness, access, and advocacy for this vital mental health profession.

We hope you will feel compelled to share your experience and lend your voice in support of this cause. Letters may speak to the effectiveness of art therapy, the value of the LCAT license, access and equity in services, or your firsthand connection to the field.

You are welcome to:

• Use this sample letter as a starting point (or write your own!). 

• If you are a professional clinician, we would love a letter on letterhead from your business if that feels right. Examples here. 

• Submit your support via email or mail (see details at the link above).

Every story helps. Every voice counts. We are stronger together—thank you for supporting the future of art therapy and the LCAT!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization or Affiliation, if applicable]
[Contact Info]

Dear Supporter of the Art Therapy Profession,

The Minnesota Art Therapy Licensure Coalition is currently collecting letters of support for the creation of a specialized Art Therapy license in our state. We are reaching out to those connected to the field—whether as art therapists, recipients of art therapy, educators, healthcare professionals, community agencies, or other allied professionals—to share your voice and help move this effort forward.

Art therapy is a distinct, evidence-based mental health profession that combines psychological theory and the creative process to support healing, insight, and personal growth. Practiced only by clinicians trained in both art and therapy, art therapy is not simply art-making for enjoyment or learning—it is a clinical service that requires extensive Master’s-level education in counseling, psychology, human development, and art-based interventions. Unfortunately, without licensure in Minnesota, the term “art therapy” is often misused, putting clients and providers at risk and diminishing the integrity of the profession.

A dedicated art therapy license in Minnesota would:

• Protect consumers from unqualified or unethical practice

• Recognize and validate the advanced training art therapists receive

• Distinguish art therapy from recreational or educational art activities

• Allow for insurance reimbursement and proper billing for clinical services

• Promote ethical standards, regulation, and accountability

Over 13 states—including our neighbors in Wisconsin and Iowa—have already established art therapy licenses or recognition within existing licensure systems. Minnesota’s growing population of credentialed art therapists deserves the same.

We are asking for letters of support from professionals and organizations to strengthen our case to legislators and regulatory boards. 

You letter should include: 

• Your position on the bill: (i.e. "Favorable or In support")

• To: Senate Health & Human Services & House Health Finance & Policy Committee 

• What your organization/ business does and how it serves. 

• In what way you are/ How it is connected to art therapy

• Your name, title, License # if applicable

Your letter might include:

• Why your organization or profession supports art therapy

• How art therapy has helped your community or clients

• Concerns you've observed related to misuse, false claims, or ethical violations

We have also included a link here to other testimonials and letters of support. You may use this sample letter as a reference or draft your own. (scroll to the bottom) of the page. Letters may be emailed.

We would appreciate receiving letters by August 15, 2025.

Please submit letters, follow our progress and/or contact us directly at mnarttherapylicensurecoalition@gmail.com or mnarttherapy.com.

Your support is vital to protecting and advancing the future of art therapy in Minnesota. We deeply appreciate your time, voice, and partnership in this important work.

Sincerely,

Bri, Nikki, Emily, Jessica & the MN Art Therapy Licensure Coalition Team

Benefits to an Art Therapy License in Minnesota:

+ Is required to practice 

+ Protects consumers and providers 

+ Prevents potential harm by ensuring non-trained professionals do not practice outside their scope of education and qualifications  

+ Promotes essential growth of a specific practice; something all mental health professionals must undergo 

+ Sustains equality and representation 

+ Ensures growth, necessary refinement, and adherence to state laws and regulations 

+ Influences policy making and standards of practice 

+ Qualifies practitioners for reimbursement from insurance companies 

+ Ensures quality of art therapy services by a specifically trained and experienced provider      

+ Provides a distinct service and reimbursement code under public and private insurance for which art therapists are qualified.  

+ Enables art therapists to provide their distinct services within state law

+ RECOGNIZES ART THERAPY AS AN IMPORTANT, UNIQUE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSION.