THE PROCESS

Dear Friend,

In this special Summer Edition, we’re excited to share an inspiring season of growth. From launching new program sites across the boroughs to welcoming talented new clinical staff to our team, our expanding capacity means one vital thing: delivering more free mental health services to even more New Yorkers who need them.

Read on to learn how our extended summer reach, growing team, and upcoming fall events are shaping our autumn season and beyond. 



Program Update

This summer we expanded our partnership with New Destiny Housing, initiating art therapy programs at a new site in Queens and expanding an existing program in South Brooklyn, opening four new groups for survivors of domestic violence including three serving youth and one for adults. 

Through July and August, we also continued offering art therapy at two Avenues for Justice sites, supporting community youth impacted by the justice system during a time when programs often take a break. Compared to last year, summer youth programming saw a 42% jump in sessions and a 34% increase in the number of youth clients served. 

With our extended reach, young people had a place to find strength and connection during the months when school was out of session. We're excited to carry this momentum into September and continue this work for communities who depend on us. 

Welcome Becca Spivak, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT 

Craft and Care Returns for World Mental Health Day 

Upcoming Event I SVA MPS Art Therapy Lecture

Join an upcoming lecture presented by the School of Visual Arts featuring TATP guest speakers Board Member Ian B. Kwok, M.D., and Clinical Director Joshua Brancheau, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT. 

About the Lecture: 

In medical settings, educational gaps and misconceptions (e.g. about the scope, indications, and process of art therapy) remain prevalent, representing major systemic barriers to effective art therapy integration. Our interprofessional team will discuss research in progress to address these gaps, including: 



• Experiential workshop development for medical trainees 
• Didactic curriculum-building 
• Strategic advocacy. 

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday Sept. 16, 2026 
• Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm 
• Location: Zoom Webinar 
• Cost: Free 

Staff and Board Retreat

This summer our board and staff gathered for our annual retreat, a day filled with collaborative planning, art-making & exploring what our future might look like. We welcomed special guest speaker Joan Garry the “nonprofit whisperer” who shared incredible energy, lived experience and insight into what successful long-term planning and growth might look like for The Art Therapy Project.  

Special thanks to David Willhoit, TATP Board Chair, for hosting at JP Morgan Chase. 

Interested in Getting Involved? 

Help shape our mission and expand our impact! We’re actively looking for passionate community members to join a TATP Committee or serve on our Board of Directors. 

Prioritize Team Wellness This Fall 

As summer soon comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reset. Bring your team or colleagues together for a hands-on art therapy-based workshop designed to recharge!

Led by our licensed art therapists, these sessions offer a meaningful, creative mental health break for any workplace. 

Creative Moments at the Beach

A little seaside creativity! These beautiful beach art projects were made during a summer getaway with Executive Director Martha Dorn and friends. 

Our Impact

As of July 31, 2026

13,220

Clients Served

11,149

Therapy Sessions

2,437

Wellness Workshop Participants

Expanding our reach is only possible because of the collective dedication of our community, partners, and supporters. As our team grows and our programs reach new neighborhoods, we look forward to sharing this journey with you. Thank you for your continued support as we build momentum into the new season together. 

Martha Dorn
Executive Director

Arts and Mental Health News

How Hospitals Are Using the Arts to Help Patients Recover 

Prince William Shared Princess Kate Loves This Therapeutic Hobby—And It's Under $11 



Child & Family Center Receives Grant to Support Trauma-Informed Art Training for Domestic Violence Services