Criteria For Applying Under Option B

The ATCB Board voted in 2006 to phase out Option C as an avenue for becoming a registered art therapist (ATR). This elimination will become effective September 1, 2010.

The rationale for phasing out Option C is to insure that all candidates for art therapy credentials receive their training in the context of a master's degree program. Currently, Option C applicants can apply for registration if their training occurs a) within a "related" master's degree program or b) within post-master's education that does not lead to a master's degree (for example in an institute program).

The intent of phasing out Option C was NOT to eliminate the possibility of applying for a credential if the training occurs in the context of a "related" master's degree.

This decision necessitated making a change to the criteria for becoming credentialed under Option B. Therefore, ATCB changed the criteria for Option B so that applicants who receive their art therapy education within the context of a "related" master's degree, and who would formerly have applied under Option C, can now apply under Option B. See Frequently Asked Questions for the related fields definition.

Effective immediately, the criteria for Option B is a master's degree from a non-AATA approved program.

All applicants who receive training within the context of a master's degree program that is non-AATA Approved should use Option B.