Animal-Assisted Therapy And Why It Should Be Mainstreamed In Mental Health Provider Settings

Research has shown that the use of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) reduces the rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness with a wide range of populations that have experienced trauma. The animal-human bond has the unique opportunity to help consumers feel more comfortable in a clinical and community setting. With healthcare costs on the rise, AAT coupled with traditional therapeutic techniques can help improve consumer’s overall well being and ultimately reduce the number of days in a hospital setting. This ignite talk is targeted to give providers information on why mainstreaming AAT will provide effective long-lasting treatment for consumers.