Becoming an Art Therapist in Illinois

                                            Registration and Board Certification Requirements 

The ATR-P [provisional registered art therapist], ATR [registered art therapist], ATR-BC [board certified registered art therapist] and ATCS [Credentialed Supervisor] are the recognized standards for the field of art therapy, and are conferred by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). Visit the ATCB's website at atcb.org/ to learn more about credentialing requirements and standards. 

Provisional – The Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P) is the provisional credential for those working to meet the requirements for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential. Those who carry an ATR-P meet the established educational standards-successful completion of advanced specific graduate-level education in art therapy, and is practicing art therapy under an approved supervisor(s). Individuals are eligible to apply for this credential once they have completed their degree (or education requirements for the ATR-P) and are engaged in a supervisory relationship with a qualified supervisor(s). The ATR-P is a required credential to qualify for the ATR (ATCB, 2025).

Registration – The Registered Art Therapist (ATR) is the credential that ensures an art therapist meets established standards, with successful completion of advanced specific graduate-level education in art therapy and supervised post-graduate art therapy experience. Becoming a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) requires completing qualifying master’s level education (including art therapy core curriculum, supervised practicum, and internship experiences), post-education supervised clinical experience, and references (ATCB, 2025). 

Board Certification – Board certification represents a significant credential for Registered Art Therapists (ATR), demonstrating their proficiency in the latest developments within Art Therapy. To obtain this certification, candidates must pass the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCB Exam). Additionally, board-certified art therapists must renew their ATR credential annually and recertify every five years by completing 100 continuing education credits. This ongoing process ensures they remain informed about current art therapy practices and legal considerations. Achieving and maintaining board certification significantly enhances therapists’ skills, allowing them to deliver superior services and substantially contribute to the profession (ATCB, 2025).

Credentialed Supervisor - The Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor (ATCS) is a specialized credential available to Board Certified Art Therapists (ATR-BCs) who meet substantial supervision qualifications. This designation demonstrates expertise in the theories and practices of art therapy supervision, offering credibility to employers, prospective employers, supervisees, and prospective supervisees (ATCB, 2025)

To obtain more information about the ATR-P, ATR, ATR-BC, or ATCS please visit the ATCB at www.atcb.org.

It is important to know it is unethical for someone to practice art therapy or refer to themselves as an art therapist without obtaining a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy. For more information on ethics, see our Code of Professional Practice
 

Note About Licensure In Illinois

Currently, the State of Illinois does not provide licensure for Art Therapists. Art Therapists in Illinois can go on to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) in addition to obtaining their ATR-P, ATR, ATR-BC, or ATCS. For more information on obtaining your LPC or LCPC license in the State of Illinois, visit the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association website.

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Illinois Art Therapy Master and Doctoral Training Programs

Adler University 
1 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60602

For more information regarding Adler’s programs: 

Adler University MA Program
PhD Art Therapy Program


School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

36 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603

For more information regarding SAIC’s program:
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Masters in Art Therapy & Counseling

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)

1 Hairpin Drive
Edwardsville, Illinois 62026

For more information regarding SIUE's program:

Masters in Art Therapy Counseling 

Bachelor's Level Programs
Bachelor's level graduates do not meet the ATCB's requirements for credentialing

Lewis University 

1 University Pkwy
Romeoville, IL 60446

For more information regarding Lewis University's program: 

BA Art Therapy - Pre-professional 

Concordia University - Chicago 

7400 Augusta St.
River Forest, IL 60305

For more information regarding Concordia's program:

BA Pre-Art Therapy 

Millikin University

1184 W. Main Street
Decatur, IL 62562

For more information regarding Millikin's program: 

BA/BFA: Art Therapy