Membership
Welcome to the AATQ Membership!
Our membership is comprised of Professional Art Therapists, Allied Professionals, Affiliated members and Student members. Although many of our members practise or study here in Quebec, many others are conducting art therapy in different parts of the country such as Alberta, The Maritimes, Ontario and British Columbia. Still others have travelled overseas and are working as art therapists in Europe.
All our Professional members have undergone a rigorous training program at the master's level in order to maintain the highest standards or have achieved educational equivalency status by submitting their credentials for thorough examination
If you are interested in becoming a member of the AATQ we are happy to respond to your individual queries. However, we ask that you first read these frequently asked questions before contacting us. The information most applicants require is given here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a member of the AATQ?
Application forms may be downloaded from our website. Please note that if you are a new professional art therapist (hold a master’s degree in art therapy) there is a special application form for Professional members. All other new applications are submitted on the [form for new applicants].
When can I apply to become a member?
New members can apply at any time to become members, but if the application is made after June, then the fee is reduced by 50%
Can I still become a member if I trained in an art therapy program in another country?
Yes. If the program you completed complies with the AATQ educational standards. For example, the American Art Therapy Association maintains a list of approved schools which the AATQ presently recognizes as complying with its own educational standards. In certain cases an evaluation of credentials by the AATQ Educational Equivalency Committee may be necessary. This committee meets three times a year in January, May and September.
What are the membership categories and how much does the yearly membership cost for each?
Membership categories are as follows:
Professional members $100.00
Professional members are art therapists who have a master’s degree in art therapy from a university recognized by the AATQ (please refer to the professional members list on our website). In addition, some art therapists who have studied in non-master’s level art therapy programs may also be eligible for Professional membership status if they satisfy the educational equivalency standards. Consult the AATQ training standards guidelines for more information. Evaluation of these files are carried out in January, May and September.
Allied Professional members $100.00
These are members who have a master’s degree in a creative arts therapy modality such as drama therapists, music therapists, and dance/movement therapists.
Student members $45.00
Students enrolled in a graduate art therapy program (or the equivalent)
Affiliated members
There are four kinds of affiliate memberships:
- Special affiliate members
(in Canada only) $80.00
These are individuals who are not qualified art therapists but have shown an active interest in art therapy through work or study in art therapy or a related field and who wish to support the purposes and objectives of the association. - Student affiliate $45.00
These are full time students of disciplines other than art therapy who are interested in the profession. - Foreign affiliate: $95.00
These are interested persons residing outside Canada who wish to support the purposes and objectives of the association. - Contributing affiliate: $95.00
These are individuals, organizations, institutions or foundations who annually contribute the amount specified above to the association. Contributing agencies shall have the privilege of assigning a specified representative. If eligible for Professional Membership, this representative shall have the privileges of such membership; others shall have the privileges of Special Affiliation.
What are the advantages of being a member of the AATQ?
Insurance
The AATQ offers its members comprehensive liability insurance at reasonable rates. Further information concerning this may be obtained by contacting the Chair, Professional Liability Insurance, AATQ
The Private Practice list
Only professional members who are insured may request to have their names and professional profiles placed on the Private Practice list that is on our website. Updates are done twice a year in March and September.
The Communiqué
Three times a year, the AATQ compiles “The Communiqué” which offers a wide variety of interesting articles, news about the art therapy community and much more. Members find this publication inspiring and an invaluable way to keep abreast of professional development.
The E-group
The e-group is a productive and convenient way to stay in touch with the art therapy community. In addition to serving as an electronic forum for the exchange of ideas and knowledge about art therapy, it will help keep you apprised of important news and professional opportunities in the field.
At what time of the year can I renew my membership?
- The renewal deadline is January 15th of each year.
- Renewals postmarked after January 15th are subject to a late fee of $20.00
- Renewals not received by February 15th (30 days after deadline) may be suject to a reinstatement fee of $50.00
Renewal forms are mailed directly to members in advance of the renewal period. The renewal forms can also be downloaded from this website.
Will I be able to obtain a receipt for tax purposes?
Yes, your receipt will automatically be mailed to you along with your membership card.
Who can I contact if I have any other membership questions?
Please direct other membership questions to the Chair, Membership Committee, AATQ.
