Institute for Therapy through the Arts

11/11/2025

Across Chicago Public Schools, students rely on art, dance/movement, drama, and music therapy to express themselves, build confidence, and find healing through creativity.

But this year, a $1.4 million federal funding cut threatens to take away these vital programs — programs that help students manage emotions, build resilience, and thrive in and beyond the classroom.

At ITA, we know these therapies aren’t extras — they’re essential tools for learning, emotional growth, and mental health. Creative arts therapy gives students a voice when words aren’t enough — and we refuse to let that voice be silenced.

🧡This fall, we’re calling on our community to help us raise $100,000 to keep creative arts therapy thriving in Chicago schools.

Your gift ensures students continue to have a safe space to create, grow, and heal through the arts.

🎭 Give today. Protect creativity. Make healing possible.
👉 bit.ly/itafallappeal2025

11/07/2025

You’re invited to ITA’s Annual Open House on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12:00–6:30 PM at our Evanston location! 🎨

Come tour our creative arts therapy space, meet the ITA team, and connect with professionals and community partners who share a passion for supporting health and healing through the arts.

✨ Refreshments will be served — registration requested.
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/2025-ita-open-house

11/03/2025

📢 Deadline Extended: Call for Papers Now Open Until November 17!

We’ve extended the submission deadline for the 10th Annual Integrated Creative Arts Therapy (ICAT) Conference — giving you a little extra time to share your innovative work with the creative arts therapy community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to present your research, clinical insights, and creative practices at ICAT 2026: Moving Mountains.

🗓️ New Deadline: November 17, 2025
🔗 Submit your proposal today: https://itachicago.org/conference/

10/28/2025

Final reminder! ICAT 2026 Call for Papers closes November 3.

We’re looking for presenters who are ready to inspire, challenge, and uplift through creative arts therapy.

Don’t wait—submit your proposal today!
🔗 www.itachicago.org/conference

10/28/2025

Final reminder! ICAT 2026 Call for Papers closes November 3.

We’re looking for presenters who are ready to inspire, challenge, and uplift through creative arts therapy.

Don’t wait—submit your proposal today!

🔗 www.itachicago.org/conference

10/17/2025

At ITA, we stand firmly against harm and violence in any form.

Our mission has always been to empower individuals and communities to heal and grow — across Evanston, throughout Chicago, and beyond.

We remain committed to building a future where dignity, safety, and healing are possible for all. 🧡

Read our full statement: itachicago/press

10/01/2025

📢 Call for Papers is NOW OPEN!

The 2026 Integrated Creative Arts Therapy Conference: Moving Mountains is coming June 5–6 in Evanston, IL (with in-person & virtual options).

This year’s theme—Rooted in Creativity, Rising Through Change—invites clinicians, educators, and community leaders to share how strengths-based, embodied, and creative approaches can transform healthcare.

✨ Submission Deadline: Monday, November 3
🌐 Learn more & submit: itachicago.org/conference

Questions? Email us at conference@itachicago.org.

09/29/2025

🌄 Save the Date – ICAT 2026! 🌄

Moving Mountains: Rooted in Creativity, Rising Through Change

Instilling wellness, belonging, and resilience can feel impossible in today's divided healthcare climate. At the Institute for Therapy through the Arts 10th annual Integrated Creative Arts Therapy conference, discover how strengths-based, embodied, and creative approaches can shift the landscape of healthcare.

📍 Evanston, IL + Virtual
📅 June 5–6, 2026

Join creative arts therapists, clinicians, educators, and healthcare professionals for two days of inspiration, connection, and collaboration.

🔗 Details at itachicago.org/conference

09/25/2025

Voting has been extended to 11:59 PM tomorrow!! Get your votes in now!

🌟 New Deadline to Vote for the 2025 Commission Mission Award is Friday, September 26th 🌟
⏳ UPDATE ⏳ Due to the massive number of entries last night, our server went down. To make up for the lost time, we are extending the deadline by 24 hours. New deadline to vote for the 2025 Jackie Mack & More Commission Mission Award is Friday, September 26th at 11:59 p.m. Use the following link to vote: https://form.jotform.com/252505548544157

09/19/2025

Thank you for the spotlight Jackie Mack & More-Jameson Sotheby's International Realty!

Don't forget to get your votes in for ITA!

Evanston Non-Profit Spotlight: Institute for Therapy through the Arts
ITA’s Mission: Empowering individuals, families, and communities to grow and heal through advanced approaches in Creative Arts Therapy, setting the standard for treatment, practice and training within the field.
ITA’s Vision: A world where limits are transcended and possibilities are expanded.
What do we do?
ITA provides client-driven, strengths-based therapy through four primary Creative Arts Therapies: art, dance/movement, drama, and music therapy. Each service is led by a credentialed therapist with specialized training in their respective field — ensuring every individual receives expert, personalized care. We support people across the lifespan and from all walks of life — from young children to older adults, and from those navigating developmental or medical challenges to individuals seeking greater emotional wellness and connection.
We support individuals from birth through end of life, serving people across the lifespan and from all backgrounds and experiences. Our services are offered in a wide range of settings — including schools, clinics, hospitals, community centers, and via tele-health — to ensure Creative Arts Therapies are accessible, flexible, and responsive to each client’s unique needs.

For more information or to give a donation please visit www.ITAChicago.org
2025 Jackie Mack Commission Mission Vote here >> https://form.jotform.com/252505548544157
Track results here >> https://www.jackiemack.com/results-2025/

09/18/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Eddie on completing his Music Therapy internship at ITA!

Eddie brought a kind and thoughtful spirit to his time with us, and we’re grateful for the care he showed in connecting with clients through music.

Thank you, Eddie — we wish you all the best as you continue your journey in the field of Music Therapy! 💙

09/17/2025

Don't forget to get your votes in! Help ITA win up to $5,000 to expand access to Creative Arts Therapy in the Chicagoland Area.