- What Is Art Therapy
- Registration (ATR)
- Maintaining Your Credentials
- Board Certification (ATR-BC)
- Clinical Supervisor Credential (CS)
- Examination
- Info for International Applicants
- Fees
- Code of Professional Practice
- Find A Credentialed Art Therapist
- ATCB Board of Directors
- ATCB Committees
- Management Office
- Contact Us
- Newsletters
- FAQ
- Applications
- AATA
What Is Art Therapy
Art therapy is a human service profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. Art therapy practice is grounded in the knowledge of human development, psychological theories, and counseling techniques.
Art therapy is an effective treatment for persons experiencing developmental, medical, educational, and social or psychological impairment. A goal in art therapy is to improve or restore the client’s functioning and his/her sense of personal well being.
Art therapy is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, and forensic settings with diverse client populations in individual, couples, family, and group therapy formats.
A master’s degree is required for entry level practice in art therapy. Minimum educational and professional standards for the profession are established by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) a membership and advocacy organization.
As a credentialing body, the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. confers and administers professional credentials to art therapy practitioners. Postmaster’s registration (ATR) is granted to an applicant when successful completion of graduate education and postgraduate supervised experience, demonstrating competency in the practice of art therapy, are documented. Board Certification (ATR-BC) is conferred upon the Registered Art Therapist who successfully completes the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination. The ATR-BC credential requires maintenance through proof of continuing education. In 2008, ATCB will offer a Clinical Supervisor (CS) to applicants who demonstrate competence in this specialty area of art therapy practice. Ethical standards for professional practice in art therapy are established, regulated and enforced by the ATCB.