This fact sheet covers the basics of art therapy registration and board certification (ATR/ATR-BC). The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is the national organization that safeguards and guarantees the educational and professional standards needed to be a qualified art therapist are met and maintained, essential in any human services field (www.atcb.org).

What are the credentials possible?

The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is a national organization that confers and administers four professional credentials for practitioners of art therapy. These four credentials are the following:

The Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-Provisional) is the credential that ensures an art therapist meets established educational standards, with successful completion of advanced specific graduate-level education in art therapy, and is practicing art therapy under an approved supervisor(s).

Registered Art Therapist (ATR) is the credential that ensures an art therapist has successfully completed specific graduate-level education in art therapy and gained supervised, post-graduate clinical experience.

Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) is the highest-level art therapy credential. ATR-BCs pass a national examination, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the theories and clinical skills used in art therapy.

Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS):  An experienced Board Certified Art Therapist may also apply for this advanced supervisory credential.

All ATCB credential holders must abide by the ATCB Code of Professional Practice.

Is licensing and registration/certification the same for an art therapist in NY State?

No. NY State Licensing and ATCB registration/certification for ATR and ATR-BC are not the same. They are similar with education requirements, school internship requirements, post-graduate requirements with internships at approved sites with approved supervisors, and an exam. However, the Office of the Professions for New York State regulates and oversees the licensing requirements for Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCAT). The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) oversees the registration/ certification requirements for ATR and ATR-BC.

Is Nazareth University’s Masters in Creative Arts Therapy program an approved education program for an ATCB credential?

Yes. Nazareth University’s Masters in Creative Arts Therapy with the art therapy focus is an approved education program for any ATCB credential. The art therapy program at Nazareth University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158. Clearwater, FL 33763, 727-210-2350, www.caahep.org.