Art Therapy Certification in 2025: Programs, Requirements, and Career Benefits
Apr 22, 2025
The art therapy field has become more important, with only 13 U.S. jurisdictions offering licensure currently. Anyone thinking about this rewarding career path should know the journey takes 8-10 years. This includes undergraduate studies, master's education and supervised clinical experience.
Art therapists earn between $40,000 to $60,000 per year. Experienced professionals can make up to $70,000. The field continues to grow in settings of all types - hospitals, schools, and mental health clinics. This detailed guide shows you everything you need to know about requirements, program options, and certification paths to become a qualified art therapist in 2025.
Understanding Art Therapy Certification in 2025
The mental health profession's landscape keeps changing, and art therapy certification now stands as a vital professional standard that proves both competency and ethical practice. The certification process has become well-laid-out and standardized in 2025, showing how art therapy has grown into its own clinical discipline.
What certification means in today's context
Art therapy certification serves as the life-blood that verifies your expertise and training to employers and clients alike. The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) certification shows you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality care while following ethical guidelines [1]. This system creates a clear path for growing in the field.
Your certification trip starts with the Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P) credential. Since July 1, 2024, this credential became mandatory before getting the full Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential [2]. The provisional status shows you've finished graduate education and are gathering supervised clinical experience.
After completing your supervised clinical hours, you can move up to the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential. This proves you've met the standards in education and post-graduate clinical practice. The Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) credential marks the highest level of expertise, earned by passing the national board examination [1].
Experienced therapists who mentor others can earn the Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS) credential. This will give a solid foundation for new professionals who need quality guidance from qualified supervisors [1].
Why certification is more important than ever
Recent developments in mental health have made proper certification crucial. CACREP standards changed on July 1, 2024, and this substantially affects how art therapists can get their Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials [3]. The new CACREP rules are stricter and won't accept art therapy courses. So, most art therapists must choose between getting another degree from a CACREP-accredited program, working without a license, or switching careers [3].
Art therapists currently have licenses in all but one of these 13 jurisdictions nationwide. Five new licensing laws appeared in 2024, and eight more states began educating their lawmakers about campaigns for 2025 and beyond [3]. This push for legislation shows how art therapy is growing as a distinct profession that needs special credentials.
The ATCB has announced new registration standards starting January 1, 2026. These standards line up with the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) Curriculum Competency Requirements [4]. This creates better consistency in art therapy education and certification.
Client protection makes certification essential. Without specific art therapy licenses, both therapists and clients stay vulnerable to untrained people who call themselves "art therapists" [3]. Proper certification protects the profession's integrity and client safety.
Certification also boosts your career opportunities. The ATR-BC credential shows your dedication to professional growth and current best practices through continuing education or re-examination. Board-certified art therapists need 100 continuing education credits every five years, including six credits in supervision since 2023 [5].
The profession now reaches treatment settings of all types. Proper certification becomes your key to professional credibility, career growth, and knowing how to help clients through the unique blend of psychological theory and creative expression that makes art therapy special.
Educational Path: From Bachelor’s to Master’s
Your art therapy certification starts with careful educational planning. You need specific academic foundations to qualify for professional credentials, starting from undergraduate studies through graduate-level training.
Recommended undergraduate degrees
Your art therapy career's foundation begins with your bachelor's degree choices. Master's programs in art therapy don't require a specific undergraduate major. However, certain degree paths will prepare you better:
Psychology: Builds fundamental understanding of human behavior, assessment methods, and therapeutic approaches
Fine Arts/Studio Art: Develops artistic skills and expressive techniques
Art Education: Combines artistic development with educational principles
Liberal Arts: Provides flexibility to incorporate both psychology and art coursework
Students often major in psychology with an art minor, or vice versa. This combination creates the interdisciplinary background that best prepares them for graduate studies. Whatever your chosen undergraduate path, you must complete prerequisite coursework in psychology and studio art before applying to master's programs.
Master's programs and accreditation standards
A master's degree in art therapy from an accredited program comes next. The gold standard for art therapy education as of 2025 is accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), through collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE).
These programs need 60 semester credits (or 90 quarter credits). They include supervised practicum and internship experiences that total 700-900 clinical hours. Students complete master's programs in 2-3 years, based on full-time or part-time attendance.
Look for programs that prepare graduates for the ATR (Registered Art Therapist) credential. The program curriculum should match ATCB's requirements with coursework in:
Art therapy assessment
Human growth and development
Psychopathology and diagnosis
Psychological theories
Research methods
Cultural and social diversity
Programs come in various formats - in-person, hybrid, and fully online options. All the same, online programs require in-person clinical placements, so location matters in your planning.
Studio art and psychology prerequisites
Master's programs require specific prerequisites in studio art and psychology. These requirements build your foundation in artistic expression and psychological principles.
Studio art prerequisites include:
18 semester credits (27 quarter credits) of studio art courses
Experience in different media (drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.)
A personal portfolio that shows artistic competence
Psychology prerequisites need:
12 semester credits (18 quarter credits) of psychology coursework
Specific courses in abnormal psychology and developmental psychology
Additional recommended courses in theories of personality and research methods
Check each program's specific prerequisites as requirements vary slightly. Admissions committees prefer coursework spread across multiple psychology domains and art media rather than focused in one area.
You can fill prerequisite gaps after your bachelor's degree through community college courses or continuing education programs before applying to graduate school. Understanding these requirements early helps you plan effectively for art therapy certification.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Certified
The path to art therapy certification has clear milestones you need to reach after finishing your education. The process looks more organized in 2025. Each step builds on the previous one to make sure you can practice both ethically and effectively.
1. Complete your master's degree
Your journey starts with a master's degree in art therapy from an accredited institution. The program requires minimum of 700 hours of supervised art therapy practicum/internship. You'll need to spend at least 350 hours working directly with clients. Supervision is crucial - you must get one hour of individual supervision for every ten practicum hours. Another option is one and a half hours of group supervision for the same period. The total supervision must add up to at least 70 individual or 105 group hours.
2. Fulfill supervised clinical hours
The next step is to get the ATR-Provisional (ATR-P) credential. This became a must-have step toward the full ATR credential since July 1, 2024. With your ATR-P, you need to complete:
A minimum of 1,000 post-education direct client contact hours using art therapy
At least 100 hours of supervision, with 50 hours from a current ATR-BC or ATCS
The requirements change if your practicum/internship instructor had only an ATR (not ATR-BC). You'll need 1,500 direct client contact hours and 150 supervision hours (75 from an ATR-BC or ATCS).
3. Apply for ATR or ATR-BC credentials
After meeting the clinical requirements, you can apply for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential through the Art Therapy Credentials Board. The Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) is the highest certification you can achieve in this field.
Board certification requires passing the ATCB Examination. You can take it at Prometric testing centers or through remote proctoring throughout the year. The exam costs $275. You'll have six months to take the test, with up to three attempts per year. The exam tests six main areas, including theoretical approaches, treatment facilitation, and professional ethics.
4. Understand state licensure requirements
Art therapists can now get licensed in 13 different places across the country. Five new licensing laws were introduced in 2024. States like Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and New Mexico offer professional art therapy licenses. Some states put art therapy under different professional licenses. Texas, for example, offers a Licensed Professional Counselor with Specialty Designation in Art Therapy.
Many practitioners used to get related mental health licenses in states without specific art therapy licensing. Recent changes to CACREP standards make this harder than before. This shows why it's important to push for specific art therapy licensing in your state.
Choosing the Right Art Therapy Certification Program
Your choice of training path shapes your learning journey and career prospects. The right program should fit your life situation and meet what the industry expects.
In-person vs. online art therapy certification programs
Art therapy training faces the classic classroom versus digital learning debate. Students who attend in-person programs get studio time and direct guidance from mentors - key elements many see as vital to learning therapy techniques. Online programs, on the other hand, give students unmatched freedom to learn at their own pace. This works great for people juggling work or family duties [6].
Notable differences include:
Online programs eliminate travel expenses and rigid schedules
In-person training aids hands-on artistic skill development
Even online programs require in-person clinical placements
A student shared this view: "While I would like to get my certificate, the programs I've seen are costly and I wouldn't be able to take it at my own pace" [7]. This is a big deal as it means that traditional programs can exceed $12,000, which makes flexible online options more appealing.
How to review program quality and accreditation
Quality starts with proper accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) works with the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) to set the highest standards [8].
CAAHEP accreditation serves multiple purposes:
For students: Consumer protection ensuring the program meets established standards [9]
For employers: Assurance that graduates possess essential skills for today's mental health job market [9]
For the profession: Advancement through promoting rigorous preparation [9]
The standards review process gives a full picture with input from stakeholders and public hearings before the CAAHEP Board of Directors makes final approvals [10].
Top programs to think about in 2025
These schools stand out in art therapy education:
Drexel University: Their Master of Arts program prepares you for ATR-BC certification and state licensure in Pennsylvania [11]
New York University: The Steinhardt School's MA program readies students for LCAT licensure [11]
Florida State University: The Department of Art Education offers an MS in Art Therapy [11]
School of Visual Arts (SVA): Their detailed MPS Art Therapy program boasts impressive results—all 2022 graduates and 95% of 2023 graduates found field work within six months [12]
Your program choice should balance quality education, hands-on training chances, and your personal needs. This creates a strong base for your career success.
Navigating New Challenges in Licensure and Regulation
Art therapy's professional future faces major changes in its regulatory world. These changes need watchfulness and flexibility from both practicing and aspiring art therapists.
LPC eligibility and CACREP changes
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has made key changes that affect art therapists who want counseling licenses. Art therapists used to get Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials as another way to practice. All the same, CACREP standards have grown more specific. This change removes the flexibility that let art therapy courses count toward counseling requirements.
These updated standards will give a clear path by 2024. Only CACREP-accredited programs or similar non-accredited programs will qualify for LPC licensure. Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) credentials will see similar changes. Art therapists now face a tough choice. They must think about getting a second degree, working without a license, or switching careers.
The value of dedicated art therapy licensure
Art therapy needs its own license now more than ever. Right now, only 13 U.S. jurisdictions offer special art therapy licenses, though five new laws came up in 2024. Without unique licenses, both therapists and clients risk dealing with people who call themselves "art therapists" without proper training.
The Art Therapy Credential Board (ATCB) works hard to lift art therapy's professional status to match other medical and mental health fields. To name just one example, Illinois passed laws that make private insurance cover yearly mental health visits starting in 2025. Yet art therapy doesn't get recognition for its clinical value—a problem that its own license could fix.
Ways to keep up with changing standards
Here's what you need to do to stay professional during these changes:
Keep your recertification current: Starting June 30, 2026, ATR-BCs need 50 CE credits in art therapy content, plus 6 credits in ethics and 6 in supervision.
Watch for credential updates: The ATCB looks at and updates its standards every five years to handle new field challenges.
Help with advocacy: Back art therapy license laws in your state by writing to lawmakers and going to advocacy events.
Every credential holder must confirm they follow the ATCB Code's Standards of Practice before July 1 each year. This step helps you stay in good standing while protecting your profession's integrity as regulations evolve.
Conclusion
Art therapy certification is a vital milestone for professionals who want to make their mark in this growing field. The path demands steadfast dedication through education, supervised practice, and ongoing professional development, but the rewards are worth it. Getting proper certification confirms your expertise and deepens the profession's standing in the mental health community.
The field faces real challenges. Recent CACREP changes have made traditional licensing paths more complex, which makes dedicated art therapy credentials more valuable than ever. The push for standalone licensure in more states will create new opportunities for certified practitioners.
Certified art therapists have a promising career outlook, earning between $40,000 and $70,000 annually. Your path through ATR-P, ATR, and potentially ATR-BC certification will position you well in this evolving field. This certification means more than meeting professional requirements - it shows your commitment to ethical, effective care and helps advance the art therapy profession.
FAQs
What are the educational requirements to become an art therapist?
To become an art therapist, you typically need a master's degree in art therapy from an accredited program. This usually requires a bachelor's degree with prerequisites in both psychology and studio art. The master's program should include coursework in art therapy assessment, psychological theories, and supervised clinical experience.
How long does it take to get certified as an art therapist?
The certification process for art therapy usually takes 8-10 years in total. This includes undergraduate studies, a 2-3 year master's program, and accumulating post-graduate supervised clinical hours. After completing these steps, you can apply for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential and potentially pursue Board Certification (ATR-BC).
What is the career outlook for certified art therapists?
Certified art therapists have a promising career outlook. Salaries typically range from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, with experienced therapists earning up to $70,000. The field is gaining recognition across various settings, including hospitals, schools, and mental health clinics, offering diverse employment opportunities.
Why is art therapy certification important?
Art therapy certification is crucial as it validates your expertise and training to employers and clients. It ensures that you have met established standards in education and clinical practice. Certification also protects clients from unqualified practitioners and enhances your career prospects in an evolving field where specific licensure is becoming increasingly important.
Can art therapists work as licensed professional counselors (LPCs)?
Historically, many art therapists pursued LPC credentials. However, recent changes to counseling accreditation standards have made this path more challenging. Art therapists now face difficulties in using their art therapy education to qualify for LPC licensure. This situation underscores the importance of pursuing art therapy-specific credentials and advocating for standalone art therapy licensure in more states.
References
[1] - https://atcb.org/
[2] - https://atcb.org/registered-art-therapist-lp/registered-art-therapist-atr/
[3] - https://arttherapy.org/blog-why-art-therapy-licensure-matters-for-art-therapists/
[4] - https://atcb.org/message-from-the-president-april-1-2025/
[5] - https://research.com/careers/how-to-become-an-art-therapist
[6] - https://scholistico.com/art-therapy-online-course-certification-learn-art-therapy/?srsltid=AfmBOooXn1gI8Kd0HFGarGDV4KoLSJuMC5wgmUQdcDPq1LBjySMWYSHF
[7] - https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtTherapy/comments/149dmm1/online_art_therapy_programs/
[8] - https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/degree/ma-art-therapy
[9] - https://www.caahep.org/committees-on-accreditation/art-therapy
[10] - https://www.caahep.org/program-directors/standards-and-guidelines
[11] - https://research.com/degrees/best-masters-in-art-therapy-programs
[12] - https://sva.edu/academics/graduate/mps-art-therapy
