Ethics and Appeals
Code Governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedures
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.
ATCB’s Authority and Jurisdiction
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB℠) is an independent credentialing organization that confers voluntary professional credentials in art therapy, including the ATR-P®, ATR℠, ATR-BC®, and ATCS℠.ATCB℠ does not issue, regulate, or enforce state licenses to practice art therapy. Licensure is granted and regulated by individual state licensing boards or regulatory agencies.ATCB’s authority is limited to the review, issuance, and, when appropriate, disciplinary action related to the use of ATCB℠ credentials. Questions or concerns regarding an individual’s state license, scope of practice, or legal authority to practice must be directed to the appropriate state licensing board.
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
The The ATCB℠ Code governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedures (“Code”) is designed to provide credentialed art therapists and credential applicants with set Standards of Practice to which every credentialed art therapist and credential applicant must adhere.
The Code applies to all those credentialed by the ATCB℠ and all ATCB℠ applicants regardless of any other professional affiliation. Regarding any person who fails to adhere to the Code, including any of the Standards of Practice, the ATCB℠ may take appropriate action, including, but not limited to, withholding, suspending, revoking, or declining to grant credentials, or placing a credential holder on probation..
APPEALS
Administrative Review and Appeals
Individuals who receive an eligible adverse credentialing or program decision may request reconsideration through ATCB’s Administrative Review process before initiating a formal appeal, when applicable. Administrative Review provides an impartial and timely process for determining whether the original decision was made in accordance with applicable ATCB policies, standards, procedures, and program requirements.
If a decision remains eligible for further review following Administrative Review, the individual will be informed of the availability of a formal appeal and the applicable process and deadline. Examination-related matters are subject to the specific submission requirements and timelines identified in the ATCBE® policies.
Administrative Review requests are submitted via the ATCB contact form.
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB℠) has a structured appeals process to address application, credentialing, certification, and examination challenges. If denied an ATCB℠ credential or certification, candidates may appeal within 30 days by providing a detailed rationale to Appeal Request Form. The Board of Appeals, comprised of certified peers, reviews appeals in accordance with ATCB’s established appeals procedures and applicable timelines and renders final decisions. For examination issues, candidates must report conditions immediately and submit appeals within 72 hours. Additionally, special accommodation appeals must be reported promptly. The appeals process ensures fairness and upholds the standards of the art therapy profession.