Art Therapists are trained professions. According to The American Art Therapy Association:
A master’s degree is required for entry level practice in art therapy from institutions of higher education recognized by regional accreditation bodies approved by the Department of Education. Minimum educational, professional, and ethical standards for the profession are established by the American Art Therapy Association, a membership and advocacy organization which serves its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy.
Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB) aims “to protect the public by promoting the competent and ethical practice of art therapy.”
Becoming a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) requires the completion of master’s level education (including art therapy core curriculum and supervised practicum and internship experiences) and post-education supervised clinical experience.
ATCB also offers board certification to art therapists (ATR-BC). In order to become an ATR-BC, applicants must first successfully complete the ATR application process. Upon receipt of the ATR, applicants are eligible to apply for the ATR-BC. Successfully completion of the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE) is required for the ATR-BC. The ATR-BC credential requires maintenance through proof of continuing education…. (ATCB, 2013)