Interim study examines multiple benefits of art therapy, need for licensure

OKLAHOMA CITY – Art therapy is a regulated mental health profession in 15 states and the District of Columbia. The Senate Business and Commerce Committee held an interim study Monday, requested by Sen. Kevin Matthews, to examine the multiple benefits the discipline could provide to Oklahomans.

“Art therapy can be used to reduce suspension and expulsion in our schools, helping more students complete their educations, and that’s critical for success throughout their lives,” said Matthews, D-Tulsa. “We wanted to help our members and the public learn more about this discipline, and how state licensure can attract and incentivize art therapists to practice here in Oklahoma.”

During the study, members were told that art therapy is a regulated, integrative mental health and human services profession. Ebony Easiley is founder and executive artistic director of  Oklahoma’s first arts and wellness nonprofit, Art 4orms Foundation, based in Tulsa. Easiley said there are national studies attesting to the use of art therapy in helping individuals with depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and other conditions.

“It’s a preventative and strategic approach. No matter what kind of trauma you’ve experienced, you can communicate through art, enhancing emotional and mental well-being,” Easiley said. “When you make art, you’re using a part of your brain you don’t use when doing other activities, and there are national studies about the benefit of art therapy, working with individuals, families, and communities.”

Matthews said he was particularly interested in the use of art therapy in lowering suspension and expulsion rates in public  schools, something he said would greatly benefit students in his Senate District in north Tulsa, as well as other communities throughout the state.

“We learned that nationwide, high school suspensions cost $35 billion a year. The State Department of Public Education reported nearly 41,000 suspensions for the 2021-2022 school year, and it greatly impacts Tulsa Public Schools,” Matthews said. “By using art therapy to reach and connect with these kids, we can help them stay in school and graduate, which will set them on a path for success for the rest of their lives.”

The committee was told that by recognizing art therapy as a mental health profession in Oklahoma through state licensure, it would protect the integrity of the profession on behalf of therapists and the public. Matthews said funding the programs could decrease suspension rates in districts like Tulsa Public Schools, and attract qualified art therapist to live and work in Oklahoma.

“Licensure would also provide a new fee revenue for our state, and decrease government spending on health, social services and the justice system,” Matthews said. “I appreciate our Business and Commerce chair, Senator Bill Coleman, vice chair, Senator Kirsten Thompson, and everyone who participated in this interim study. Investing in art therapy will actually save our state money in the long run, and help countless young people lead more successful and productive lives.”

-END-

For more information, contact:  Sen. Matthews at 918-955-2283 or Kevin.Matthews@oksenate.gov.