Hoda,
Thanks for your reply. Inadequate compensation in any field is a valid reason to seek work elsewhere. No one is expected to forego their own needs in order to be an art therapist. Actually, art therapy recipients no doubt get better service from professionals whose financial needs are met.
No one "owes" art therapists either. Compensation is earned. As David Henley reminded us in the last Chicago conference, people are willing to pay good money (direct payment, not third party) to those who provide a quality service. So, I think it's important to remember that our earning potential lies somewhere between our refusal to be exploited and our ability to provide excellence.