1199 Licensed Creative Arts Therapists joined a coalition of their fellow practitioners, educators and advocates in Albany on March 10, to lobby New York State lawmakers on their patient’s behalf. By utilizing art, music, drama and other techniques that do not rely solely on talking, LCATs are able to transform the lives of some of their most vulnerable patients who may not be reached by more traditional methods. The coalition called on New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to allocate $2 million dollars, and to add LCATs to the Medicaid Provider List.

Because patients who depend on Medicaid are rarely able to access specialized LCAT treatment under the current rules, many end up returning to hospitals again shortly after being stabilized.

Monica Lopez Gamboa, an 1199 LCAT who works at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, said many of her patients live below the poverty line and are often recent immigrants who speak languages other than English. Lopez added, “With more funding for LCAT treatment in the community, we could put an end to the revolving door of treatment.”