NADTA CONFERENCE 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana 

 October 16th - 19th, 2025

Location:  Marriott Warehouse 

Conference Schedule is LIVE

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Hotel Reservations are OPEN

Click here to book your room at the Marriott Warehouse today! 

Click here to register

Registration Rates

*To receive the appropriate discounted rate, please ensure you log into the system prior to completing your event registration.  

Student Discount Rate Limitations
Our student rate is designed to support those actively advancing professional training in drama therapy. To qualify for this discount, applicants must meet BOTH of the following criteria:

  1. NADTA Student Membership: You must be a current student member of the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA).

  2. Active Pursuit of Certification or Degree:

    1. For AT Contract Holders: You must have a current NADTA Alternative Training (AT) contract (updated, signed annually by you and your BCT) uploaded to your member profile, and be actively pursuing drama therapy education with the goal of becoming a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT).

    2. For Graduate Students: You should be enrolled as an active student in one of the NADTA accredited Drama Therapy (DT) graduate degree programs and must upload a copy of your current student ID each year that you renew your student membership.

Discount Rate for Retired or Paused Membership

Our discounted rate for Retired and Paused members is intended to support those who want to maintain their involvement with NADTA but are not currently using their credentials to earn income.

For additional information about membership levels or requirements, please refer to the NADTA Membership Categories page.

 
 *NADTA Cancellation Policy* 

Cancellations received in writing two weeks or more before the event (by October 1st) will be issued a refund less a $75.00 USD processing fee.  

No refunds will be processed for cancellations less than two weeks before the event. NADTA encourages you to send a substitute in your place if you cannot attend (USD $75.00 admin fee applies).

Cancellation or Format Change by NADTA 
  • The NADTA reserves the right to cancel any program or session or to change the format of the meeting to virtual. In the event of an event cancellation, NADTA will refund registration fees, but is not responsible for any costs, damages, or other expenses of any kind, including and without limitation, transportation and/or hotel costs incurred by registrant.  
  • Speakers are subject to change without notice. In the event the format changes to virtual only, in-person attendees will be refunded the difference in the registration rate, or they can cancel their registration less a $75.00 USD processing fee.
Exhibitor Cancellation 
  • The NADTA must be notified in writing in the event of cancellation. If cancellation of exhibit booth or sponsorship occurs prior to October 1, 2025, the exhibitor/sponsor will be refunded 50% of their total payment. After October 1, 2025, no refunds will be made. 

Conference App

Click on the link below to explore this year's conference app, Eventify.  You will find links to the schedule, presenter profiles, and more!

Click here to get started with the app today.

What is the theme of #NADTA2025?

Shared Stages: Drama Therapy and the Global Mental Health Movement
 

What are Shared Stages? 

The North American Drama Therapy Association's 2025 conference theme explores the many meanings of "stage"—as a space for performance, a phase of life, and a platform for advocacy and change. As clinicians we share the stage with our clients on their healing journey, challenging power dynamics and societal norms, and building mutuality and respect through dramatic exploration. Drama therapy offers a unique intersection of creativity and healing, and this year’s theme emphasizes the importance of collaboration with allied professionals to expand access to mental health care worldwide. By sharing stages—literal and metaphorical—we strengthen our collective ability to support diverse communities, address global mental health challenges, and create inclusive spaces for transformation and healing.

2025 Conference Committee
Vice President:  Emily Faith
Conference Chairs:  Nicole Ventura & Susie Schutt
Program Chairs:  Megan Svarich-Knights & Opher Shamir
NADTA Office
Office Team: Donna Blake-Weems, Rachel Dobson, Andrea Solis

Continuing Education (CE)
NADTA Conference sessions may be accepted for the following types of Continuing Education:
  • NADTA RDT/BCT/CHED CE Hours
  • NBCC CE Hours North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6819. Programs that do not qualify for National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) credit are clearly identified.  NADTA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Please contact your licensing or credentialing organization to ask if they will accept these CE Hours
Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit or NYS LCAT credit will be identified in the schedule. Instructions will be given at the conference for the procedures to follow in order to obtain CE Hours. Please note that you must request your NBCC or LCAT Certificate within 30 days after the conference.