I’ve been a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) in NY for the past 17 years.
LCATs are trained in standard psychotherapy practices along with specialized training in using the arts as a tool for healing. Recently, there have been a series of mental health laws passed in NY that have excluded LCATs, despite the LCAT being one of four Licensed Mental Health Practitioner licenses in the state. LCAT psychotherapists include art therapists, music therapists, drama therapists, dance therapists, poetry therapists, and expressive therapists.
This article explains some of what’s been happening.
The LCAT Advocacy Coalition was recently formed to advocate for Licensed Creative Arts Therapists so that our services can be covered more widely and offered to the growing number of New Yorkers who need mental health support.
Part of this effort involves hiring a lobbyist to help navigate the complexities of insurance law and advocate for the LCAT in Albany. If you are inclined to contribute and support the expansion, please consider donating to this GoFundMe campaign.
It’s always been frustrating to me when the arts are seen as something “less than,” “extra” or insignificant. Yet, in times of overwhelming experience or trauma, when there are no words, the arts are so essential for healing. Creativity is intrinsic to being human, such a primal and instinctual way to process and make sense of the world (just hang out with a toddler or preschooler!)
Please consider supporting this unique helping profession.
