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Art Therapist — ATR-BC/LCAT
Art therapy licensure varies across the United States, with approximately 17 states offering specific art therapy credentials. The ATR-BC (Art Therapist Registered, Board Certified) credential from ATCB serves as the national professional standard. Requirements for education, clinical hours, and continuing education vary by jurisdiction.
51
Total States
18
Require License
8
Require ATR-BC
31.8 hrs
Avg CE Hours
Art therapy credentialing involves completing a master's degree in art therapy, accumulating supervised clinical hours, passing the ATCB board certification examination, and meeting state-specific licensing requirements.
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) administers the ATR-BC (Art Therapist Registered, Board Certified) credential. This national certification requires a master's degree in art therapy, 1,000-1,500 supervised clinical hours, and passing the board certification examination covering art therapy theory, assessment, treatment planning, and ethics.
Approximately 17 states have specific art therapy licensure or registration. Credential titles vary by state (LAT, LPAT, LCAT, RCAT, LCPAT). States without dedicated art therapy licensure may allow practice under other mental health professional licenses. New York's unique LCAT credential covers multiple creative arts therapy disciplines.
All credentialing pathways require a master's degree in art therapy from an AATA-approved or equivalent program. Supervised clinical practice ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 hours under a qualified art therapist or licensed mental health professional. Continuing education of 20-40 hours per renewal cycle maintains credentialing.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
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Art Therapist Exam Prep Books & Study Materials
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Click any state to see full requirements, costs, and step-by-step instructions →
| State | License Req. | ATR-BC Req. | CE Hours | Total Fees | Confidence | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| California(CA) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | Yes | Yes | 20 | $315 | high | March 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | Yes | No | 40 | $141 | high | March 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Yes | No | 40 | $188 | high | March 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Yes | No | 40 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | Yes | No | 40 | $250 | high | March 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Yes | Yes | 24 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | Yes | No | 32 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Yes | No | 40 | $260 | high | March 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | Yes | No | 40 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| New York(NY) | Yes | No | 36 | $371 | high | March 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | Yes | Yes | 30 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | Yes | Yes | 12 | $200 | high | March 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Yes | Yes | 30 | $105 | high | March 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Yes | No | 24 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | Yes | Yes | 24 | $148 | high | March 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | Yes | No | 40 | $85 | high | March 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | Yes | 20 | $130 | high | March 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Yes | Yes | 40 | $156 | high | March 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | No | — | N/A | high | March 2026 |
Art therapists often work alongside other licensed mental health professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.