Art Therapy Licensure Requirements

As of January 2, 2020, art therapists are required to hold a Licensed Art Therapist (LAT) license in order to practice, identify as an art therapist, and refer to work as art therapy. Current practitioners who have registered with the art therapy credentials board can apply with the Oregon Health Licensing Office. 

Current Practitioners

Licensed Art Therapist (LAT)

Beginning January 2, 2020, art therapists who have their Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credentials must apply for the Licensed Art Therapist (LAT) license. This is required in order to practice, identify as an art therapist, and refer to their work as art therapy. To obtain the license, practitioners will have to demonstrate completing 1,000 contact hours post-master’s degree, with at least 100 hours of supervision. (50 must be with an ATR-BC or ATCS supervisor). Continuing education is required to be met annually.

Only those who have met the requirements for the ATR will be able to apply for the LAT. This will be issued through the Oregon Health Licensing Office.

Licensed Certified Art Therapist (LCAT)

To obtain the level of Licensed Credentialed Art Therapist (LCAT), practitioners must have their LAT license and also complete a board certification examination, or have their ATR-BC credential. This is the second level of the Oregon Art Therapy License. Continuing education will also be required. Licenses will be issued through the Oregon Health Licensing Office.

New Practitioners

Step 1: Art Therapy Registration (ATR)

After graduation, matriculated students may apply for the ATR-provisional. It is a title that shows that the student has completed a master’s degree in art therapy and is working toward the supervision requirements to get the ATR. Anyone applying for the ATR needs to complete 1000 post masters client contact art therapy hours and 100 corresponding supervision hours, 50 need to be with an ATR-BC or ATCS supervisor.

Step 2: Licensed Art Therapist (LAT)

After meeting the requirements of the ATR, practitioners will apply for the Licensed Art Therapist (LAT) license in order to practice, identify themselves an art therapist, and refer to their work as art therapy. This is issued through the Oregon Health Licensing Office.

Step 3: Licensed Certified Art Therapist (LCAT)

To obtain the level of Licensed Certified Art Therapist (LCAT), practitioners must have their LAT license and also complete a board certification examination. This is the second level of the Oregon Art Therapy License. Continuing education will also be required. Licenses will be issued through the Oregon Health Licensing Office.

More Information

• More information regarding credentialing is available from the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
• More information regarding Oregon’s Art Therapy licensure requirements is available from the Oregon Health Licensing Office.