About the American Dance Therapy Association 

The American Dance Therapy Association was founded in 1966 as an organization to support the profession of dance/movement therapy and is the only U.S. organization dedicated to the profession of dance/movement therapy. The purpose of the ADTA is to establish, maintain, and support the highest standards of professional identity and competence among dance/movement therapists by promoting education, training, practice, and research. The Association provides avenues of communication among dance/movement therapists and those working in related fields and increases public awareness of dance/movement therapy.

 

The ADTA:

  • Advocates nationally and internationally for the development and expansion of dance/movement therapy training and services.
  • Supports chapters and regional study groups throughout the United States.
  • Stimulates communication among dance/movement therapists through social media, publication of the American Journal of Dance Therapy, and the ADTA newsletter.
  • ADTA has members throughout the United States and around the world.
  • Holds an annual conference and sponsors webinars for continuing education, networking and the advancement of scholarship in DMT.
  • The ADTA is an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP solely is responsible for all aspects of the program.
  • The ADTA is an approved continuing education provider for New York Licensed Creative Arts Therapists.

 

The Mission Of The ADTA Is To:

  1. Define, promote and support the highest standards of education, credentialing, ethical practice and professional identity of dance/movement therapists;
  2. Increase professional opportunities for the membership by advocating for the inclusion of 
  3. dance/movement therapy in healthcare, legislative, educational and research systems;
  4. Support internal communication among members, 
  5. between the ADTA and the membership, and external communication nationally and internationally;
  6. Create opportunities for skill development, networking, community and fund-raising through an annual conference and other events and programs; and
  7. Support the growth of the ADTA and the profession by recruiting new members and responding to current membership needs.

 

ADTA & DMTCB: Guardians of Professionalism

  • Professional dance/movement therapists are registered, and board certified by the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board (DMTCB).
  • The ADTA and DMTCB set stringent standards of education, experience, and continuing education for professional Dance/Movement Therapists.
  • ADTA sets and monitors standards for masters degree programs and alternate route training that prepare people to become Dance/Movement Therapists.

 

Standards and Ethics: ADTA Code of Ethics

Members of ADTA and R-DMT or BC-DMT credentialed dance/movement therapists are required to adhere to the ADTA Code of Ethics and Standards of Ethical Practice. The Code defines responsible professional behavior and rules of conduct to protect the public. The Standards of Ethical Practice are specific guidelines that serve as a model for professional dance/movement therapy practice.

More information on the ADTA Code of Ethics