LeeAnn Mandrillo | Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.

Message from the President April 1, 2025

Apr 2, 2025 | Latest News, News

Dear Colleagues,

As we progress in establishing independent operations, we are taking this opportunity to evaluate art therapy and credentialing. We are focusing on how the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) can set the standard for professional excellence in art therapy. We aim to assess how certification and credentialing programs maintain the highest industry standards, lift art therapists, and enhance the profession.

As a result of the comprehensive organizational analysis conducted in 2024, the ATCB engaged a non-profit consulting firm to support high-level decision-making and develop a strategic plan to enhance the long-term impact of art therapy credentialing. I am proud to share the updated mission and vision of the ATCB.

Mission: To protect the public by establishing and upholding the highest standards for the competent practice of art therapy through the credentialing and certification process.

Vision: To be the authority for the safe, ethical, and inclusive practice of art therapy.

Other Important Updates

Standards of Practice

After three years of dedicated work by many colleagues, the ATCB has released its
Code Governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedures. We extend our gratitude to the numerous art therapists who contributed to the code’s public commentary. Although no significant changes were made, the feedback received helped refine the language and organization of the document, and it generated questions and considerations for an FAQ currently being developed.

This code replaces the previous “Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Disciplinary Procedures.”

Updated Registration Standards

After completing the job analysis in 2022 and commencing independent operations in 2023, the ATCB began reviewing the registration standards for both our provisional and full registration credentials, as well as the recertification standards for board certification. In 2024, we announced changes to the recertification standards that will take effect January 1, 2026.

Today, we are also announcing updates to our registration standards, which will also take effect January 1, 2026. One of the most notable changes is that the education standards for the Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P) credential will now align with the ACATE (Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education) Curriculum Competency Requirements for Educational Programs, establishing consistency with the ATCB standards for art therapy education.

Please review these updates on our website. ATCB’s next comprehensive review will focus on supervision and the Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor (ATCS) credential. We are seeking Subject Matter Experts to assist in this process. If you believe you would be a good fit or know someone who might be, please share this information with your network.

Important Reminder

The annual renewal and five-year recertification windows are open as of April 1, 2025 and close on June 30, 2025. The ATCB will continue to offer a 30-day grace period in July, during which a late fee will be applied.

If you are experiencing difficulties that impact your ability to complete your annual renewal or five-year board recertification, please contact our Executive Director,
LeeAnn Mandrillo.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the credential holder survey last June. We appreciate your valuable feedback. Please be on the lookout for our 2025 survey, which will also be sent out in June. One of the key insights from the survey was feedback on ATCB’s website. In response, we have reorganized the website’s content to improve clarity and enhance user experience. Stay tuned for future announcements about a comprehensive website redesign.

Join us in shaping the future of art therapy through proven excellence.

Sincerely yours,

Cheryl Doby Copeland Signature

Cheryl Doby Copeland, PhD, ATR-BC, LPAT, LPC, LMFT
President
Art Therapy Credentials Board

Updates to the Registration Standards for the Provisional and Registration Credentials.

Mar 31, 2025 | Credential Updates, Latest News, News

Important Update: We’ve corrected a requirement listed on this page as of April 9, 2025. Please review the updated criteria carefully if you viewed this page before that date.

Registration Standards Updates

After completing the job analysis in 2022 and commencing independent operations in 2023, the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) began reviewing the registration standards for both our provisional and full registration credentials and the recertification standards for board certification. In 2024, we announced changes to the recertification standards that will take effect in 2026. Today, we are also announcing updates to our registration standards, which will take effect in 2026.

Starting at 12:00am EST on January 1, 2026, the following registration standards will go into effect.

The Application Process

Effective July 1, 2025, applicants can upload official (with official watermark) transcripts into the Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P) application.

Applications with unofficial transcripts will not undergo an official review until an official transcript is provided.

Effective January 1, 2026, all applications expire within one year of submission. However, additional time is granted for any candidate who needs extra time to meet education requirements and will be given a further 90 days.

Safeguarding applicant and credential holder data is crucial for the ATCB. Application materials often include personally identifiable information; storing these materials for extended periods in portals can result in data security breaches and privacy violations.

Education Requirements

Effective January 1, 2026, the ATCB will align the education standards for the ATR-P credential with the ACATE Curriculum Competency Requirements for educational programs in art therapy. Beginning on this date, all qualifying education for the credential must be completed within 10 years of the application date.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the leader in health sciences and health professions education accreditation. CAAHEP works with 25 Committees on Accreditation (CoAs) to review and accredit programs. The CoAs review programs’ self-studies, coordinate site visits, and formulate accreditation recommendations. The CoA for art therapy is the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE), which sets standards for art therapy education programs. ACATE recently conducted a comprehensive review of education standards for art therapy, with the contributions of art therapy educators. The ATCB has determined that beginning January 1, 2026, the education standards for the ATR-P credential will align with the ACATE Curriculum Competency Requirements for Educational Programs as the ATCB standards for art therapy education. The ACATE standards are located here.

The ATCB will continue the education review process for applicants from programs not accredited by CAAHEP. The 60n credited hour is not a requirement for these programs, we review core content of the coursework for alignment to CAAHEP requirements. Studio/art verification will be part of the education review process.

Practicum and Internship must be completed within a structured art therapy practicum/internship course for graduate credit. The instructor of record for the internship/practicum course must be a current Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) or Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor (ATCS).

A minimum of 700 hours of supervised art therapy practicum/internship, including a minimum of 350 hours of direct client provision of art therapy services to individuals, groups, or families. The remaining hours may include supervision, case review, record-keeping, preparation, staff meetings, and other administrative tasks.

Supervision hours must be overseen and documented as such: individual (1:1) supervision hours must be accrued at a ratio of one hour of supervision for every ten hours of practicum/internship or group (two or more supervisees per supervisor) supervision must be accrued at a ratio of one and one-half hours of supervision for every ten hours of practicum/internship. A minimum of 70 individual or 105 group supervision hours is required.

Supervision Requirements

The ATCB will not accept supervision in increments of less than 10 hours. Group supervision will be accepted at 1:1, with no more than six supervises per group.

Graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs must complete 1,000 hours of direct client contact, including 50 hours of supervision by a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). The remaining hours must be completed by an Registered Art Therapist (ATR) or a fully licensed or credentialed practitioner with a master’s degree or higher in art therapy or a related mental health field and whose license/credential is for independent practice. Automatically acceptable related fields are counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, psychology, addictions counseling, psychiatric nursing, and psychiatry. Graduates of post-master certificate programs from accredited institutions must also adhere to these standards.

For applicants coming from non-accredited master’s programs, including international programs, the requirement remains at 1,000 hours of direct client contact. However, these candidates must have 150 hours of supervision, with 75 hours provided by an ATR-BC. The remaining hours must be completed by an ATR or a fully licensed or credentialed practitioner with a master’s degree or higher in art therapy or a related mental health field and whose license/credential is for independent practice. Automatically acceptable related fields are counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, psychology, addictions counseling, psychiatric nursing, and psychiatry.

References

The ATR-BC supervisor must submit one of the required three references for the application.

ATCB will accept professional references from non-mental health practitioners.

ATCB Seeks Public Members for Board of Directors

Mar 13, 2025 | Latest News, Volunteer

The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is seeking nominations of highly qualified leaders to fill two (2) Public Member positions on its Board of Directors, which is comprised of art therapy clinicians and educators.

This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated and dynamic group of leaders who are deeply committed to continual improvement of art therapy credentials and certifications, and to elevating the professionalism of the art therapy field in the eyes of the public and state licensures to the level of other medical and mental health professionals.. As a public director, you will contribute to the strategic direction of a forward-thinking organization and help shape the future of art therapy.

About the Role

Expectations of Directors

Public directors have the same rights and responsibilities as all board members. They are full voting members entrusted with administering the ATCB’s business affairs. Directors are expected to act in good faith, with informed judgment, and with a focus on the organization’s best interests.

Time Commitment

The role involves attending one in-person board meeting annually, attending monthly board meetings (virtual, one hour), and participating in a committee or task force work between meetings, typically conducted virtually or via email. The ATCB covers all travel expenses related to Board meetings.

Eligibility

The Public Member must:

Have a highly regarded reputation for ethical behavior, integrity, and competence;
Be recognized in their field of expertise;
Be collegial, open-minded, and possess good leadership and communication skills;
Have experience in one or more of the following: allied health, public health policy, assessment, certification, advocacy, quality and performance measures, non-profit leadership, communications, finance, or other areas that complement the ATCB’s mission and purposes;
The Public Member must declare that neither they or a member of their immediate family has not derived more than 5% of their income from the art therapy;
Public Member nominees must be able and willing to participate constructively and productively in group settings and to accept work responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Board.

Why Serve?

By joining the ATCB Board, you will:

Engage with a strategic and intellectually stimulating group of professionals.
Make a meaningful contribution to the quality of art therapy and its impact on mental health outcomes.
Gain insights into the evolving landscape of 501c6 trade and certification organizations.

How to Apply

Individuals can self-nominate. Nominations should be emailed to ATCB Executive Director, LeeAnn Mandrillo leeann@atcb.org by May 1, 2025, and include the following:

A curriculum vitae
Contact information
Personal statement of interest (maximum of 250 words).

The ATCB (Art Therapy Credentials Board) is a nonprofit organization establishing credentialing standards for art therapists, ensuring that professionals adhere to ethical and practice guidelines. Through certifications such as the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) and Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), the ATCB verifies practitioners’ qualifications, supporting their competence and professionalism. All credentials awarded by the ATCB are an independent evaluation of competency and a greater measure of an individual’s ethical compliance and current skills than education or work experience alone. Obtaining and maintaining a credential indicates that the individual meets the minimum professional experience, adheres to the ATCB’s ethical code, and follows the professional conduct standards set by ATCB. The ultimate beneficiaries of the ATCB credentials and board certification are consumers and the general public, who can rely on an ATCB credential and board certification for assurance that the credential holder has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience for quality practice in art therapy while complying with the standards of conduct.

Public Commentary: Art Therapy Credential Board Code governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedures

Feb 12, 2025 | News

Dear Colleagues,

The Art Therapy Credential Board (ATCB) is dedicated to continual improvement and elevating the professionalism of the art therapy field in the eyes of the public and state licensures to the level of other medical and mental health professionals.

The ATCB is dedicated to publishing and revising the “Code” every five years to ensure it addresses the current challenges and ethical dilemmas that credential holders face as they provide quality care to diverse populations. In the past 10 years, rapid developments in art therapy have created an increasing array of professional standards for credential holders to navigate.

ATCB Board of Directors is seeking public comments on nine proposed changes to the Art Therapy Credential Board Code Governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedures. ATCB’s goal is to ensure that the Competency Standards remain modern, relevant, and practical for the evolving practice of art therapy.

The 2025 revisions were meticulously developed over several years by a diverse panel of experts to address evolving standards of practice and develop the proposed recommendations. The ethics committee and a select group of volunteers, including ATCB credential holders, educators, certification and credentialing professionals, members of the public, and legal counsel, painstakingly did this work.

The ATCB recognizes that changes to the Art Therapy Credential Board Code governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedures can significantly shape the profession’s future. As a broad range of voices, your input provides crucial context as the Board of Directors considers their next steps in this process. The ATCB requests your comments to ensure consideration of the insights of credentialed art therapists and the public they serve.

The deadline to submit comments is March 13, 2025, at 11:59pm EST.

The commentary is broken down into four sections:

Introduction:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ATCBSection1

Standards of Practice:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ATCBSection2

Eligibility and Regulation of ATCB Credentials and Board Certification:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ATCBSection3

Disciplinary Procedures:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ATCBSection4

These unique surveys present code sections and commentary so individuals can read the Code and respond confidentially and in real-time.

One notable change is the shift from the Code of Ethics to Standards of Practice. This change was made to align our terminology with industry standards and to provide a more comprehensive and practical guide for credential holders. While both ‘standards of conduct’ and ‘ethics’ relate to guiding behavior, ‘standards of conduct’ refer to a set of specific rules and expectations outlining acceptable actions within an organization, whereas ‘ethics’ represent broader moral principles that guide decision-making in complex situations, often with less concrete guidelines; essentially, standards of conduct are the practical application of ethical principles in a specific context. We defer to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) Ethical Principles For Art Therapists to provide aspirational values and principles that cover many situations art therapists encounter.

The Board of Directors has prepared preliminary FAQs on the code. Please note that these FAQs will be updated throughout the commentary period to address any new questions or concerns that may arise.

Yours Sincerely,

Cheryl Doby Copeland, PhD, ATR-BC, LPAT, LPC, LMFT
President
Art Therapy Credentials Board

Final Call to be a Subject Matter Expert for ATCB Exam Standards 2025

Jan 28, 2025 | Volunteer

Standard setting is a systematic method for determining a passing score on an exam. It is a formal process that involves establishing a performance standard, such as a passing score. The goal is to identify a score that reflects the performance standard and provides a reasonable basis for pass/fail decisions. This is a short-term commitment in February.

Remote Meeting Schedule:

Friday, February 14 (4 hours)
Friday, February 21 (4 hours)

Additionally, participants will have time to take the exam at their own pace between these meetings.

The ATCB will award each Subject Matter Expert (SME) 25 CEs for participation.

Complete this form if you are interested in serving as a Subject Matter Expert for Standard Setting.

About the Standard Setting Process

The process is relatively informal, similar to a focus group. The NCCA accredits the BC (and the qualifying exam), and we use the Modified Angoff process for standard setting. Psychometricians and assessment experts from Prometric will lead this effort for the ATCB and support SMEs throughout.

Process Overview:

1. Define The Minimally Competent Candidate (MCC) – First Meeting (February 14)

This concept is central to the modified-Angoff method and is also known as Minimally Qualified Candidate (MQC) or Just Barely Qualified (JBQ). The goal is to ensure the exam distinguishes between qualified and unqualified candidates. SMEs will define what makes a candidate qualified (or unqualified) based on skills and knowledge, leading to a conceptual definition of an MCC. The next step is estimating the score this borderline candidate would achieve.

2. Independent Ratings – Between Meetings

SMEs will review all exam items and estimate the percentage of MCCs that would answer each correctly. Prometric will provide guidance on how to perform these ratings.

3. Discussion and Round 2 Ratings – Final Meeting (February 21)

The group will identify items with significant disagreement based on frequency distributions or standard deviation. If some SMEs rate a question as easy while others find it difficult, the item will be discussed and rated again to build consensus.

After the standard-setting process, Prometric psychometricians will analyze the data and determine a cut score for the exam. This cut score will then be presented to the ATCB Board for approval and adoption.

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