Texas is on the brink of a major advancement in increasing access to different types of mental health care with the introduction of Senate Bill 1081 and Senate Bill 4557, which aim to establish an independent licensure for art therapists. If passed, this legislation would create a clearer professional pathway for art therapists, increase access to creative mental health care, and ensure that individuals receive services from trained, credentialed professionals.
A Brief History of Art Therapy
Art therapy as a profession emerged in both the United Kingdom and United States of America in the mid-20th century, combining principles from psychology and creative expression to support mental health. By 1969, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) was founded to establish professional standards and promote the field. The Art Therapy Credentials Board was established to protect the public by establishing and upholding the highest standards for competent practice of art therapy through the credentialing and certification process. In the past 25 years (2000-2025), the number of board certified art therapists has increased by over 250%.
Today, art therapy is an evidence-based mental health profession, helping people process trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. It is regulated in 15 states and the District of Columbia, where licensed professionals must meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards.
What is Senate Bill 1081 and 4557?
Currently, Texas does not have a stand-alone license for art therapists. Instead, qualified art therapists must obtain a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential with an Art Therapy designation (LPC-AT)—a process that requires them to meet the same education and clinical supervision requirements as counselors, in addition to their specialized art therapy training. This credentialing is administered nationally via the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Art Therapists must complete a minimum of 30 hours in graduate art therapy coursework, obtain post-graduate supervised experienced, and successfully complete the rigorous Art Therapy Board Certification Exam. Senate Bill 1081, sponsored by Sen. West, and 4557, a companion bill sponsored by Rep. Anchía, proposes moving art therapy from this “specialty designation” to an independent license, overseen by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and through the creation of the Texas Art Therapy Board.
This change would:
✅ Ensure that only trained professionals can call themselves "art therapists"
✅ Create a more direct and recognized career path for future art therapists
✅ Support the development of a graduate art therapy program in Texas
✅ Expand access to art therapy services across Texas, particularly in underserved areas
Challenges Faced by Art Therapists in Texas
Without independent licensure, Texas art therapists face unnecessary barriers. Many cannot bill insurance for their services unless they are dually licensed, limiting client accessibility. Additionally, the lack of in-state graduate programs in art therapy forces students to seek education elsewhere, discouraging local workforce growth.
As mental health needs in Texas continue to rise—1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth experience mental illness annually, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)—the demand for more accessible therapeutic options is clear.
How Independent Licensure Would Expand Mental Health Care
By formally recognizing art therapy as its own licensed profession, Senate Bill 1081 and 4557 would:
🎨 Increase the number of qualified art therapists in Texas by making it easier for professionals to enter the field
🏥 Improve access to creative mental health treatment, especially for trauma survivors, children, and individuals struggling to express emotions through traditional talk therapy
📈 Boost insurance reimbursement opportunities, making art therapy more financially accessible to those who need it most
How You Can Support Senate Bill 1081 & 4557
✔ Contact Your Representatives – Call or email your state legislators to express your support for SB 1081. Find your representatives at capitol.texas.gov.
✔ Share this message - Here is an open letter of support you can consider using to advocate your support.
✔ Spread Awareness – Share information about the bill with your community, clients, and colleagues.
For over 80 years, art therapy has been a transformative tool in mental health treatment, and with Senate Bill 1081, Texas has the opportunity to expand access to this valuable profession. By supporting this legislation, we can ensure that art therapists have the recognition they deserve—and that more Texans can benefit from the healing power of creative expression.
Would you like to learn more about the impact of art therapy? Let’s continue the conversation!
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