New Hampshire lawmakers are considering licensing art therapists as a way to combat the state’s mental health crisis.
Therapist Susan Reidl testified before a Senate committee Wednesday in Concord to endorse a proposed bill to license art therapists. WMUR reported Democratic state Sen. David Watters, of Dover, filed the bill on behalf of an art therapist in Dover.
Watters said those advertising themselves as art therapists should have credentials.
Republican Sen. John Reagan, of Deerfield, said the testimony shows that art therapists receive around four or more years of formal training in the field.
Republican Sen. Sharon Carson, of Londonderry, said the Senate will work to find a way to possibly license art therapists without creating a new oversight board, but said lawmakers will gather more information about the field.