Art Therapy: Education Requirements
Educational Requirements:
A master’s degree in a mental health field or art therapy is required, with up to 15 graduate credits permitted outside of the degree program if needed to meet content requirements. A supervised practicum or internship of at least 700 hours is also required, including 350 hours of direct art therapy with clients. Supervision must be provided by a qualified professional, and include a minimum of 70 individual or 105 group supervision hours. These comprehensive educational standards ensure that art therapists are well-prepared to provide ethical, culturally competent, and effective therapeutic services.
Art Therapy Credentialing:
ATR-P (Provisional Registered Art Therapist)
This is the first step toward becoming a credentialed art therapist. To qualify for the ATR-P, you must have a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field with specific coursework in studio art and psychology. The degree must be from an accredited institution and meet the educational standards set by the ATCB. The ATR-P allows you to begin supervised post-education experience as you work toward full registration and, as of July 1, 2024, an ATR-P is required to become an ATR.
ATR (Registered Art Therapist)
To earn the ATR, you must first complete the education requirements and hold an ATR-P. Then, you need to complete at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of supervision from a qualified supervisor. These hours must be completed over a period of at least two years. Once you meet these experience requirements, you can apply for the ATR credential, which signifies you are fully registered as an art therapist.
ATR-BC (Board Certified Art Therapist)
After achieving the ATR, you can pursue the ATR-BC by passing the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Exam. This credential shows you have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skill in the field. The ATR-BC must be renewed every five years and requires continuing education to maintain board certification.
ATCS (Art Therapy Certified Supervisor)
The ATCS is for experienced art therapists who provide clinical supervision to others. To qualify, you must hold the ATR-BC and have extensive post-credential experience, including at least 1,500 hours of providing supervision. This credential recognizes advanced expertise in supervising art therapists and is ideal for those in leadership or teaching roles.
A master’s degree in a mental health field or art therapy is required, with up to 15 graduate credits permitted outside of the degree program if needed to meet content requirements. A supervised practicum or internship of at least 700 hours is also required, including 350 hours of direct art therapy with clients. Supervision must be provided by a qualified professional, and include a minimum of 70 individual or 105 group supervision hours. These comprehensive educational standards ensure that art therapists are well-prepared to provide ethical, culturally competent, and effective therapeutic services.
Art Therapy Credentialing:
ATR-P (Provisional Registered Art Therapist)
This is the first step toward becoming a credentialed art therapist. To qualify for the ATR-P, you must have a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field with specific coursework in studio art and psychology. The degree must be from an accredited institution and meet the educational standards set by the ATCB. The ATR-P allows you to begin supervised post-education experience as you work toward full registration and, as of July 1, 2024, an ATR-P is required to become an ATR.
ATR (Registered Art Therapist)
To earn the ATR, you must first complete the education requirements and hold an ATR-P. Then, you need to complete at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of supervision from a qualified supervisor. These hours must be completed over a period of at least two years. Once you meet these experience requirements, you can apply for the ATR credential, which signifies you are fully registered as an art therapist.
ATR-BC (Board Certified Art Therapist)
After achieving the ATR, you can pursue the ATR-BC by passing the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Exam. This credential shows you have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skill in the field. The ATR-BC must be renewed every five years and requires continuing education to maintain board certification.
ATCS (Art Therapy Certified Supervisor)
The ATCS is for experienced art therapists who provide clinical supervision to others. To qualify, you must hold the ATR-BC and have extensive post-credential experience, including at least 1,500 hours of providing supervision. This credential recognizes advanced expertise in supervising art therapists and is ideal for those in leadership or teaching roles.
Code of Ethics:
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) maintains and regularly updates its Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Disciplinary Procedures to ensure high standards of professional practice in art therapy. All credentialed art therapists are expected to adhere to these ethical guidelines.
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) maintains and regularly updates its Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Disciplinary Procedures to ensure high standards of professional practice in art therapy. All credentialed art therapists are expected to adhere to these ethical guidelines.
Continuing Education (CE):
Credentialed art therapists are required to engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in theory, research, and clinical practice. The ATCB mandates a minimum of 100 continuing education (CE) credits every five years for recertification. These credits must cover key areas including ethics, professional issues, assessment methods, multicultural competence, psychological theories, media and materials in art therapy, and core art therapy practices. While state licensure requirements may vary, Pennsylvania currently defers to the ATCB’s recertification standards in the absence of separate state-level CE requirements.
Credentialed art therapists are required to engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in theory, research, and clinical practice. The ATCB mandates a minimum of 100 continuing education (CE) credits every five years for recertification. These credits must cover key areas including ethics, professional issues, assessment methods, multicultural competence, psychological theories, media and materials in art therapy, and core art therapy practices. While state licensure requirements may vary, Pennsylvania currently defers to the ATCB’s recertification standards in the absence of separate state-level CE requirements.
Master's Art Therapy Programs in Pennsylvania
Cedar Crest College
100 College Ave.,
Allentown, PA 18104
Drexel University
60 North 36th Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
PennWest University
310 Scotland Rd
Butterfield Hall
Edinboro, PA 16444
Jefferson University
East Falls Campus, 4201 Henry Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Marywood University
2300 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
Seton Hill University
One Seton Hill Drive,
Greensburg, PA 15601
100 College Ave.,
Allentown, PA 18104
Drexel University
60 North 36th Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
PennWest University
310 Scotland Rd
Butterfield Hall
Edinboro, PA 16444
Jefferson University
East Falls Campus, 4201 Henry Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Marywood University
2300 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
Seton Hill University
One Seton Hill Drive,
Greensburg, PA 15601
Undergraduate, Pre-Professional Programs in Pennsylvania
Cedar Crest College
100 College Ave.
Allentown, PA 18104-6196
Mercyhurst University
501 East 38th St.
Erie, PA 16546
Seton Hill University
One Seton Hill Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601
Temple University, Tyler School of Art
2001 N. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
100 College Ave.
Allentown, PA 18104-6196
Mercyhurst University
501 East 38th St.
Erie, PA 16546
Seton Hill University
One Seton Hill Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601
Temple University, Tyler School of Art
2001 N. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122