2. Post-Graduate Experience

• After receiving a Master's Degree, graduates must accrue post-grad experience in order to be eligible for licensure.

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• Registered Art Therapist Licensure:

  • This is a nationally recognized credential so the requirements are the same in every state.

  • Graduates must apply for their ATR-P (Provisional Registered Art Therapist) license in order to collect hours. The application fee is $60.

  • ATR-P's must collect either:

    • For a placement under an ATR-BC or ATCS supervisor: 1,000 direct art therapy client contact hours and 100 hours of supervision

    • For a placement under a non-ATR-BC or ATCS supervisor: 1,500 direct art therapy client contact hours and 150 hours of supervision

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• Licensed Professional Counselor (varies by state):

  • Art therapists often also pursue a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license as, unfortunately, art therapy credentials are not always understood by employers, insurance panels, or state agencies. Having dual licensure also provides greater clinical scope of practice and flexibility across multiple states and settings.

  • Graduates must apply for their LPC-A (Associate Licensed Professional Counselor) license in order to collect hours. The application fee is $125.

  • LPC-A's must collect 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised experience in no less than 2 years.

    • The 3,000 hours must include 100 hours of supervision

    • The full 3,000 hours do not have to be direct client contact. These hours can be fulfilled through client contact, administrative tasks, training, supervision, etc. 

  • LPC candidates must pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Either the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) can be taken. The exam costs range from $195 to $275 depending on the exam.