Art Therapy and NDIS
It has been a while since I have posted a blog. I have been undertaking some professional development and busy creating an Art Therapy course for Aspiring Art Therapists. It is called “The Creative Caregiver: Art Therapy Essentials for Aspiring Art Therapists”. I also want to create a self-care Art Therapy course for support workers and Allied Health workers. Watch this space!
With the recent NDIS legislation changes I thought it was time to share some insights about Art Therapy regulations in Australia. It is really common for people to assume that you need a Master’s degree in Art Therapy to practice as an Art Therapist. You don’t! Here is why:
Art Therapy is not a regulated profession in Australia. “In Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, creative arts therapy is a self-regulating profession with no title protection. There is no restriction on who can call themselves an art therapist or creative arts therapist, and ANZACATA has no authority to stop this from occurring.” Source: https://www.anzacata.org/faqs October 13, 2022
Requiring membership and accreditation from a single organisation, to work with NDIS clients presents a significant barrier. This limitation disadvantages NDIS participants who benefit greatly from this evidence-based approach.
If an Art Therapist has completed a recognised course in Art Therapy and hold membership with their course provider, there is a strong case to support their eligibility to provide services to NDIS participants. Here is why:
1. Qualification and Training: Completing a course in Art Therapy signifies that the therapist has undergone rigorous training and education. This equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective therapeutic support.
2. Membership with Course Provider: Holding membership with a reputable course provider often entails specific standards and ongoing professional development. This membership acts as a quality assurance, indicating that the therapist adheres to established guidelines and ethical practices.
3. Self-Regulated Profession: In Australia, Art Therapy is a self-regulating profession. This means that there is no legal restriction on who can call themselves an Art Therapist. As such, the requirement for membership in a single organisation should not be the sole criterion for eligibility to work with NDIS clients.
4. NDIS Flexibility: The NDIS acknowledges various professionals under the “Other Professional” billing line, allowing for a broader range of therapeutic supports. If the provider deems the therapist appropriately qualified, they should be able to offer their services.
5. Participant Choice and Control: One of the core principles of the NDIS is Participant control. Limiting service provision to only those accredited by one organisation undermines this principle. Participants should have the freedom to choose from a diverse range of qualified therapists who meet their needs.
6. Evidence-Based Therapy: Art Therapy is an evidence-based practice with proven benefits from mental health and wellbeing. Denying participants access to trained Art Therapists who can provide these benefits based on membership criteria to one organisation in the whole of Australia alone is detrimental to their potential outcomes.
7. Support for Mental Health: Given the significant impact of Art Therapy on mental health, it is crucial to have as many qualified professionals as possible. Broadening the eligibility criteria to include those with recognised training and course provider memberships will enhance the support available to NDIS participants.
