Effective July 1, 2024, at 12:00 AM EST, the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) will discontinue the retirement of credentials. Credential holders who wish to use an ATCB credential to practice art therapy must maintain an active credential. This change aligns with NCCA accreditation requirements and supports ATCB’s mission to protect the public by ensuring competent and ethical practice in art therapy.
Impact on Current Credential Holders
Current “Annual Retired” and “Lifetime Retired” credential holders will be affected by this change.
- Annual Retired credentials must be converted to Lifetime Retired or reinstated by June 30, 2024, at 11:59 AM EST. Requests must be made to the ATCB Executive Director, LeeAnn Mandrillo.
- Lifetime Retired credentials can be reinstated no later than June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
Credential holders who wish to reinstate must notify ATCB Executive Director, LeeAnn Mandrillo.
Renewal and Recertification
Once removed from retirement, the credential must be renewed under the standard renewal process. If the credential carries the Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) distinction, recertification must also be completed according to standard procedures.
Final Deadline for Retired Credentials
- Annual Retired credentials not reinstated by July 1, 2025, will become inactive.
- Any credential retired after July 1, 2025, will remain permanently retired. Individuals wishing to practice art therapy with a retired credential will need to apply for a new credential under current ATCB standards.