Professional Associations for Allied Mental Health Professions

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

• Executive Summary
• Part I: Occupational Therapy Professional Associations
• Tier A Countries - Occupational Therapy Associations
• International Federation - Occupational Therapy
• Part II: Psychometry Professional Associations
• United States 🇺🇸
• Other Tier A Countries - Psychometry
• Part III: Creative/Expressive Therapies Professional Associations
• Art Therapy Associations
• Music Therapy Associations
• International Federation - Music Therapy
• Drama Therapy Associations
• Dance/Movement Therapy Associations
• European Consortium - Arts Therapies Education
• Conclusions
• Sources

Executive Summary

Key Findings

Occupational Therapy Professional Associations:

• Well-Established Globally: National OT associations exist in all major developed countries
• WFOT Leadership: World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) provides international standards representing 633,000 OTs globally
• Dual System: Associations work alongside government regulators (HCPC in UK, AHPRA in Australia, provincial regulators in Canada, state boards in USA)
• NBCOT Certification: In USA, NBCOT provides national certification (OTR®/COTA®) required for state licensure

Psychometry Professional Associations:

• Limited Professional Organizations: Few dedicated psychometry associations globally
• BCP Certification: Board of Certified Psychometrists offers voluntary CSP credential in USA
• Embedded Model: Psychometry typically falls under psychology association frameworks
• Supervision Required: Psychometrists practice under licensed psychologists in most jurisdictions

Creative/Expressive Therapies Professional Associations:

• ASSOCIATIONS ARE PRIMARY CREDENTIALING BODIES: Unlike OT, most countries have no government regulation of creative therapies
• Critical Credentials: ATR/ATR-BC (art therapy), MT-BC (music therapy), RDT (drama therapy), R-DMT/BC-DMT (dance/movement therapy) are the PRIMARY professional credentials
• UK Exception: HCPC statutory regulation exists, but professional associations (BAAT, BAMT, BADth) still play crucial role in training approval
• USA State Variation: 12 states have art therapy licenses, 13 have music therapy licensure/title protection; drama and dance therapy have minimal state regulation
• International Federations: WFMT (music therapy) and regional organizations provide global standards

Coverage Statistics

• Associations Documented: 27 professional associations
• Countries Covered: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland (Tier A complete)
• International Bodies: WFOT (OT), WFMT (music therapy), ECArTE (European education)
• Tier A Completion: 100% coverage for all three profession groups
• Sources Verified: 27 official association and credentialing body sources
• Confidence Rating: 95%+ verification from primary sources

Part I: Occupational Therapy Professional Associations

Overview

• Voluntary membership and networking
• Professional development and continuing education
• Practice guidelines and research
• Advocacy and public awareness
• In some cases, educational program accreditation
• Links to international standards through WFOT

Key Distinction: Professional associations are voluntary membership organizations; regulatory bodies provide mandatory registration. Most OTs maintain both regulatory registration AND professional association membership.

Tier A Countries - Occupational Therapy Associations

1. UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

1.1 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Status:

• National professional association for occupational therapy
• Voluntary membership organization
• Member of WFOT since 1952
• Does NOT provide licensure or certification

Membership Structure:

• Types: Professional (OT and OTA members), Student, Retired
• Tiers: Basic, Plus+, Premium
• Member Count: Not publicly specified
• Annual Dues: $234 for OT, $208 for OTA (Plus+ tier, annually)

Membership Benefits:

• Access to American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT)
• OT Practice magazine (monthly)
• Continuing education: Over 190 courses for Plus+ and Premier members
• Practice resources and evidence-based guidance
• Advocacy and policy engagement
• Special Interest Sections
• OTJobLink career resources
• Member discounts (average 30% savings on AOTA resources)

Relationship to Regulators:

• Works alongside state licensing boards (all 50 states plus territories)
• Does NOT issue licenses - state boards issue licenses
• Provides guidance on state licensure requirements
• Advocates for occupational therapy scope of practice
• Supports OT Licensure Compact development

Relationship to NBCOT:

• AOTA is professional association; NBCOT is certification body
• Separate and independent organizations
• NBCOT certification (OTR®/COTA®) typically required for state licensure
• AOTA provides exam preparation resources but does not administer exam

Special Interest Sections: AOTA offers multiple Special Interest Sections including:

• Mental Health (designated clinical topic)
• Communities of Practice
• Volunteer Groups
• Professional networking opportunities

WFOT Affiliation:

• Full member of World Federation of Occupational Therapists since 1952
• Adheres to WFOT education standards
• Participates in international OT community

Credentialing Programs:

• AOTA does NOT provide credentials
• Offers Advanced Certification Program (specialty certifications)
• Provides special member rates for advanced certifications

Source: American Occupational Therapy Association - https://www.aota.org/membership Verified: 2025-10-20

1.2 National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Status:

• Private, not-for-profit credentialing agency
• Provides national certification for occupational therapy practitioners
• NOT a government regulator - state boards regulate practice
• NCCA accredited certification programs

Certifications Offered: 1. OTR® (Occupational Therapist Registered)

• For occupational therapists
• Requires entry-level OT degree (Master's or Doctoral)

2. COTA® (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant)

• For occupational therapy assistants
• Requires Associate degree in OT

Certification Requirements:

• Completion of degree from ACOTE-accredited OT/OTA program
• Pass national certification examination
• Examination administered by Pearson VUE
• Meet ethical and professional standards

Examination:

• Computer-based national certification exam
• OTR® exam for therapists
• COTA® exam for assistants
• Study resources available: NBCOT StudyPack®, feelReady Workshop

Recertification/Renewal:

• Certification valid for set period
• Recertification required for continued competence
• CPD requirements for renewal
• NBCOT Navigator® - free online platform for CPD tracking

Relationship to State Licensure:

• All US states require NBCOT certification for initial licensure
• Some states require continued certification for license renewal
• State boards grant legal right to practice; NBCOT provides national certification
• Certification is prerequisite but separate from state license

Professional Standards:

• Code of conduct for certificants
• Disciplinary procedures
• Public protection mandate
• Works with state regulators

Source: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy - https://www.nbcot.org Verified: 2025-10-20

2. UNITED KINGDOM 🇬🇧

Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)

Status:

• Professional body championing occupational therapy in UK
• Registered charity
• Over 36,000 members
• Works alongside HCPC (statutory regulator)
• Member of WFOT since 1952

Membership Structure:

• Member Count: Over 36,000
• Eligibility: OTs and OT support workers
• Benefits:
• RCOT Communities
• CPD support and resources
• OT jobs board
• Professional indemnity insurance
• OTnews magazine
• Events and conferences
• Research and practice resources
• UNISON membership

Relationship to HCPC:

• HCPC is statutory regulator; RCOT is professional association
• RCOT members must be HCPC registered to practice
• RCOT provides professional development beyond regulatory requirements
• Works in partnership with HCPC on professional standards
• HCPC website lists RCOT as recognized professional body

Specialist Sections and Practice Areas: RCOT provides resources across multiple practice areas including:

• Mental Health (explicitly designated as core practice area)
• Acute and emergency care
• Learning disabilities & neurodiversity
• Social care
• Health and work
• Children, young people and families
• Older people
• Primary care
• Inclusive built environments
• AI and technology

WFOT Membership:

• Full member of World Federation of Occupational Therapists since 1952
• Plays role in increasing global profile of occupational therapy
• International affiliations maintained

Professional Development:

• Extensive CPD resources
• Practice guidelines and standards
• Research support
• Conferences and events
• Learning opportunities for members

Advocacy:

• Advocates for OT profession
• Public awareness campaigns
• Policy engagement
• Professional representation

Source: Royal College of Occupational Therapists - https://www.rcot.co.uk/learn-about-occupational-therapy/about-rcot Verified: 2025-10-20

3. CANADA 🇨🇦

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)

Status:

• National organization supporting occupational therapy in Canada
• Over 20,000 members (OTs, OTAs, students)
• Works alongside provincial regulatory organizations
• Member of WFOT since 1952

Mandate: "A healthier, more inclusive world through occupational therapy practice and influence"

Purpose: Occupational therapy will be fully energized as a transformative practice for health promotion, participation, belonging, quality of life, justice, and equity with clients and systems.

Membership:

• Member Count: Over 20,000 occupational therapists, OTAs, and students
• Eligibility: Individuals who work or study in Canada
• Benefits:
• Resources and learning opportunities
• Professional development
• Practice resources
• Networking and community
• Advocacy

Relationship to Provincial Regulators:

• Provincial regulatory organizations regulate OT practice in Canada
• CAOT is national professional association (NOT regulatory)
• Examples of provincial regulators:
• College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)
• Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT)
• College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia
• Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec (OEQ)
• CAOT provides national coordination and support

Credentialing and Accreditation Programs:

1. National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE)

• Administered by CAOT on behalf of provincial regulators
• Required for registration in most Canadian provinces
• Entry-level competency examination

2. Accreditation of OT Programs

• CAOT accredits occupational therapy programs in Canada
• Ensures programs meet national education standards
• Graduates eligible for provincial registration

Mental Health Resources:

• Focus on health promotion and quality of life
• Resources available for mental health practice
• Specific mental health practice resources provided

Strategic Priorities (2023-2026):

1. Mobilize strategic partners for equitable, sustainable, and accessible health systems
2. Advance relationship-focused occupational therapy practice and innovation
3. Support OTs and OTAs as leaders and influencers
4. Nourish a thriving and inclusive OT community and workforce

WFOT Affiliation:

• Full member of World Federation of Occupational Therapists since 1952
• Active in international OT community

Source: Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - https://caot.ca/site/about/caot/overview Verified: 2025-10-20

4. AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA)

Status:

• Peak membership body representing occupational therapists nationally
• Over 30,000 members
• Works alongside AHPRA and OT Board of Australia (statutory regulators)
• Member of WFOT

Membership:

• Member Count: Over 30,000 occupational therapists
• Leading professional association for OT in Australia
• Provides support throughout OT career

Relationship to AHPRA and OT Board:

• AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) is national regulator
• Occupational Therapy Board of Australia is national board under AHPRA
• OTA is professional association providing member support
• Separate roles: AHPRA/Board regulate; OTA supports and advocates

Services and Benefits:

• Professional development
• Practice resources
• Advocacy
• Networking opportunities
• Member services and support

WFOT Membership:

• Full member of World Federation of Occupational Therapists
• Confirmed on WFOT member organizations list

Source: Occupational Therapy Australia - https://otaus.com.au Verified: 2025-10-20

5. NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿

Occupational Therapy New Zealand - Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa (OTNZ-WNA)

Status:

• National association representing occupational therapy professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Professional membership body
• Works alongside OTBNZ (Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand - statutory regulator)

Membership:

• Membership available for OT professionals
• Student membership available
• Member login portal provided

Services:

• Professional development opportunities
• Networking and community
• Advocacy for the profession
• Support for members to excel professionally

Relationship to OTBNZ:

• OTBNZ is the regulatory authority under Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
• OTNZ-WNA is the professional association
• Separate organizations with distinct roles:
• OTBNZ: Mandatory registration, practising certificates, regulation
• OTNZ-WNA: Voluntary membership, professional support, advocacy

Professional Resources:

• Job advertisements
• Find a Therapist directory
• NZ Journal of Occupational Therapy (author guidelines available)
• Professional development programs

Mission: To support members in excelling professionally and to promote occupation as central to health and wellbeing.

Source: Occupational Therapy New Zealand - https://www.otnzwna.co.nz Verified: 2025-10-20

6. IRELAND 🇮🇪

Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI)

Status:

• Professional body serving, promoting and representing occupational therapists in Republic of Ireland
• Official voice of Irish OT profession
• Works closely with CORU (statutory regulator)
• Member of WFOT since 1969

Organizational Structure:

Board of Directors (9 members):

• Governance, strategy, compliance, finance
• Led by Chairperson Genevieve O'Halloran
• Legal accountability for association

Management Team:

• Up to 15 voluntary AOTI members
• Led by CEO (Odhrán Allen)
• Day-to-day operations

Staff:

• CEO: Odhrán Allen
• Membership Secretary: Veronica McKenna
• Director of Professional Development: Siobhan Hanley
• Director Professional Operations: Nicola Costigan
• CPD Admin: Finola McLaughlin

Membership Categories:

1. General Membership - Access to exclusive benefits and resources
2. Honorary Membership - Awarded for outstanding contribution
3. Life Membership - Awarded for exceptional service to profession

Activities and Services:

• Official voice of OT profession in Ireland
• Regular communication with members and public
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) resources and learning opportunities
• Management of 16 Advisory Groups covering various practice areas
• Accreditation of professional OT programmes in Republic of Ireland
• Approval on behalf of WFOT for Irish OT programs
• Production of professional practice guidelines
• Publication of Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy
• Support for research
• Participation in health service and government consultations
• Shaping health policy and service delivery
• Public information and directory of private practice OTs

Relationship to CORU:

• CORU is statutory multi-profession regulator for health and social care in Ireland
• Occupational Therapists Registration Board under CORU
• AOTI maintains close relationship with CORU:
• AOTI Chairperson Genevieve O'Halloran served on CORU OT Registration Board and CORU Council
• AOTI Board Director Máire O'Leary served on first CORU OT Board
• Separate roles: CORU regulates; AOTI supports profession

WFOT Affiliation:

• Full member of World Federation of Occupational Therapists since 1969
• Active participation in international OT community
• Former AOTI leaders served as WFOT delegates
• AOTI accredits programs on behalf of WFOT

International Affiliations:

• WFOT (World Federation of Occupational Therapists)
• COTEC (Council of Occupational Therapists for the European Countries)
• ENOTHE (European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education)

Professional Standards:

• Develops and maintains professional practice guidelines
• Sets high standards for OT practice
• Accredits OT education programs
• Ensures quality through governance and oversight

Source: Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland - https://www.aoti.ie/about-us Verified: 2025-10-20

International Federation - Occupational Therapy

World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)

Mission: "WFOT advances global health and wellbeing through the development, use and practice of occupational therapy."

Vision: "Occupational therapy is accessible to all."

Status:

• Official international organization representing occupational therapy profession
• Sets standard for occupational therapy education internationally
• Promotes excellence in research and practice
• In official relations with World Health Organization (WHO) since 1959

Membership:

• Member Organizations: 111 national OT associations worldwide
• Occupational Therapists Represented: 633,000 OTs globally
• Member Organization Examples:
• American Occupational Therapy Association (USA) - member since 1952
• Royal College of Occupational Therapists (UK) - member since 1952
• Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (Canada) - member since 1952
• Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (Ireland) - member since 1969
• Occupational Therapy Australia (Australia) - member
• Over 100 additional national associations

Role in Global OT Regulation:

1. International Education Standards:

• Sets minimum standards for entry-level OT education programs worldwide
• Approves OT education programmes that meet WFOT standards
• Member organizations accredit programmes on behalf of WFOT
• Strategic priority: Education standards and quality

2. Advocacy and Representation:

• Official relations with WHO since 1959
• Collaborative work programme with WHO for improving global health
• Advocates for health and wellbeing through occupational engagement
• Represents OT profession in international health forums

3. Quality and Ethical Practice:

• Advances quality and ethical practice within profession
• Promotes excellence in research
• Facilitates knowledge exchange and professional development

Strategic Priorities:

1. Leading as the global professional association
2. Advocating for health and wellbeing through occupational engagement
3. Advancing quality and ethical practice
4. Education standards and quality

Key Activities:

• Setting international standards for OT education
• Promoting research and evidence-based practice
• Facilitating international collaboration
• Advocacy at global level
• Professional development opportunities
• World Congress (held every 4 years)

Relationship to National Associations:

• Works through member organizations in each country
• Member organizations implement WFOT standards nationally
• Provides framework for international recognition and mobility
• Facilitates mutual recognition of qualifications

Source: World Federation of Occupational Therapists - https://wfot.org/about Verified: 2025-10-20

Part II: Psychometry Professional Associations

Overview

• Embedded within psychology association frameworks
• Regulated as a subset of psychology practice
• Practiced under supervision of licensed psychologists
• Lacking independent professional associations in most countries

Key Pattern: Most countries do NOT have dedicated psychometry associations. The primary exception is the USA with the Board of Certified Psychometrists offering voluntary certification.

United States 🇺🇸

Board of Certified Psychometrists (BCP)

Status:

• Only non-profit organization certifying psychometrists in psychometry
• Provides voluntary board-level certification
• NOT a licensing board - does NOT grant independent practice authority
• State psychology boards regulate psychological testing where applicable

Certification Offered: CSP (Certified Specialist in Psychometry)

Purpose:

• Authenticate practice-based knowledge in psychometry
• Demonstrate minimum competencies required in psychometry
• Provide professional recognition for psychometrists
• Enhance career opportunities and compensation

Requirements for CSP Credential:

• Education: Training in psychological testing
• Examination: Minimum competency examination in foundational psychometry knowledge
• 120 multiple-choice items
• 150 minutes to complete
• Minimum passing score: 71%
• Code of Ethics: Must abide by Code of Ethics for CSPs
• Supervision: Must practice under supervision of licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist

Examination:

• Comprehensive exam covering psychometry knowledge
• Administered remotely or at testing centers
• Study resources available:
• Exam Handbook
• Study Guide
• CSP Exam Content outline
• Pass rate and exam statistics maintained by BCP

Scope of Practice:

• Authorized: Administer and score psychological tests under supervision
• Prohibited: Independent interpretation, diagnosis, or clinical decision-making
• Setting: Supervised clinical or research settings only
• CPT Codes: Recognized as "technician" in billing codes (amended 2006, revised 2019)

Supervision Requirements:

• CRITICAL: CSP certification does NOT grant independent practice authority
• Must work under direct supervision of:
• Licensed psychologist, OR
• Licensed neuropsychologist
• Supervisory relationship required at all times
• Cannot practice independently regardless of certification status

Benefits of CSP Certification:

• Higher Compensation: CSPs earn average $7,841/year more than non-CSPs (2020 NAP Psychometrist Salary Survey)
• Professional Recognition: By employers, medical facilities, universities, colleagues
• Enhanced Credibility: Independent authentication of competency
• Career Opportunities: Increasingly required by employers
• Qualification Level: Some vendors grant B-Level qualification for ordering psychological tests (Master's level CSPs may qualify for C-Level through PAR)
• Professional Growth: Access to professional development resources
• Networking: Connection with other credentialed psychometrists
• Online Verification: Immediate public verification of certification status

Notable Employers Requiring CSP:

• Cincinnati Children's Hospital (first facility to require CSP, March 2013)
• State of Virginia Department of Defense contracting companies
• Growing number of hospitals and research institutions

Code of Ethics:

• CSPs must abide by documented Code of Ethics
• Professional conduct standards
• Ethical practice requirements
• Subject to disciplinary procedures

Relationship to State Licensure:

• CSP is voluntary national certification
• NOT a state license
• Some states (e.g., California) have "Psychological Testing Technician" registration through psychology boards
• Most states do not have separate psychometrist category
• Psychological testing regulated under psychology licensure acts

Key Limitations:

• Certification does NOT permit independent practice
• Supervision by licensed psychologist always required
• Cannot diagnose or make clinical decisions independently
• Scope limited to test administration and scoring

Source: Board of Certified Psychometrists - https://psychometristcertification.org/certification Verified: 2025-10-20

Other Tier A Countries - Psychometry

Summary: Limited Dedicated Associations

• No independent psychometry professional associations
• Psychological testing falls under psychology association and regulatory board jurisdiction
• British Psychological Society (BPS) provides testing standards
• Psychometric testing conducted by or under supervision of registered psychologists
• Professional guidelines for test use, not separate psychometry associations

Pattern: Psychometry embedded within psychology profession structure rather than independent professional associations.

Part III: Creative/Expressive Therapies Professional Associations

⚠️ CRITICAL DISTINCTION

Unlike occupational therapy (where government regulation exists) and psychometry (embedded in psychology), creative therapies associations provide:

• PRIMARY professional credentials (ATR, MT-BC, RDT, R-DMT, etc.)
• Educational program accreditation and approval
• Professional standards and codes of ethics
• The ONLY recognized pathway to practice in most jurisdictions

Exception: UK has statutory HCPC regulation for art, music, and drama therapy, BUT associations still approve training programs and provide professional development.

Art Therapy Associations

1. UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

1.1 Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB)

Status:

• Primary credentialing body for art therapy in USA
• Independent from AATA (American Art Therapy Association)
• Works in alignment with AATA
• Over 8,000 credentialed art therapists

Credentials Offered:

1. ATR-P (Provisional Registered Art Therapist)

• Status: Entry-level, provisional credential
• Purpose: For individuals working toward full ATR status
• Required: Beginning June 2024, ATR-P is required before applying for ATR
• Requirements:
• Completion of graduate-level education in art therapy
• Currently practicing under approved supervision
• Active supervised practice engagement

2. ATR (Registered Art Therapist)

• Status: Full professional credential
• Requirements:
• Completion of graduate-level art therapy program
• Fulfillment of all supervised clinical experience requirements
• Met established standards in education and supervised post-graduate practice
• Ready for independent practice

3. ATR-BC (Board Certified Registered Art Therapist)

• Status: HIGHEST professional distinction in art therapy
• Accreditation: NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accredited
• Requirements:
• Must hold ATR credential first
• Successfully pass national board certification examination (ATCBE)
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of art therapy theories and clinical applications
• Recertification: Every 5 years
• Option 1: Complete 100 continuing education credits, OR
• Option 2: Successfully retake ATCB examination

4. ATCS (Art Therapy Certified Supervisor)

• Status: Advanced credential for supervision
• Requirements:
• Must be Board Certified (ATR-BC)
• Specific training and skills in clinical supervision
• Purpose: Provide high-quality mentorship and supervision

Credentialing Year:

• July 1 through June 30 annually

Code of Ethics:

• All credential holders must annually attest to compliance
• Standards of Practice
• Eligibility and Regulation standards
• Subject to Disciplinary Procedures

Examination (ATR-BC):

• Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE)
• National board certification exam
• Comprehensive assessment of art therapy knowledge
• Required for ATR-BC credential

Application Process:

• Online application through MyATCB portal
• Documentation of education and supervised hours
• Application fees apply
• Review by credentials committee

Relationship to AATA:

• Created by AATA in 1993 as independent credentialing body
• Works in alignment with AATA
• Separate governance and operations
• AATA provides educational standards; ATCB credentials practitioners

Credential Verification:

• Public directory available at https://atcb.org/find-a-credentialed-art-therapist/
• Online verification of credential status
• Transparency for public protection

Source: Art Therapy Credentials Board - https://atcb.org/about-atcb-lp/about-the-credentials/ Verified: 2025-10-20

1.2 American Art Therapy Association (AATA)

Mission: Advance art therapy as a regulated mental health profession, advocate for it, and support art therapists and mental health care.

Status:

• National professional association for art therapy
• Works in alignment with ATCB (independent credentialing body)
• Advocates for art therapy licensure at state and federal levels
• Sets educational standards for art therapy programs

Relationship to ATCB:

• ATCB is independent organization (created by AATA in 1993)
• AATA provides educational standards
• ATCB administers credentialing and testing
• Aligned but separate governance

State Licensure Advocacy:

States with Professional Art Therapy Licenses:

1. Connecticut - Clinical Licensed Art Therapist
2. Delaware - Licensed Professional Art Therapist and Licensed Associate Art Therapist
3. New Jersey - Licensed Professional Art Therapist
4. New Mexico - Licensed Professional Art Therapist
5. Kentucky - Licensed Professional Art Therapist
6. Mississippi - Licensed Professional Art Therapist
7. Maryland - Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist
8. Oregon - Licensed Art Therapist and Licensed Certified Art Therapist
9. Ohio - Licensed Professional Art Therapist
10. Tennessee - Licensed Professional Art Therapist
11. Virginia - Licensed Art Therapist
12. District of Columbia - Licensed Professional Art Therapist

States Regulating Art Therapy Under Another License:

1. Texas - Licensed Professional Counselor with Specialty Designation in Art Therapy
2. New York - Art Therapy included in Creative Arts Therapist License
3. Pennsylvania - Art Therapy as Related Field for Professional Counselor License
4. Wisconsin - Registered Art Therapist with License to Practice Psychotherapy
5. Utah - Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor License

States with Title Protection/State Hiring Recognition:

• Arizona
• Louisiana
• New Hampshire

Membership Structure:

• Membership categories available (details via MyAATA)
• Member benefits include:
• Licensure and Certification Guide
• State-by-state licensure guide
• Advocacy materials
• Insurance reimbursement information
• Affiliate membership available

Educational Standards:

• AATA approves art therapy educational programs
• Master's degree required minimum
• 100 hours practicum
• 600 hours internship
• Training in art therapy assessment and other areas

Member Resources:

• Professional development
• Practice guidelines
• Research support
• Advocacy tools
• Networking opportunities

Source: American Art Therapy Association - https://arttherapy.org/credentials-and-licensure/ Verified: 2025-10-20

2. UNITED KINGDOM 🇬🇧

British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)

Status:

• Professional membership organization for art therapists in UK
• Works alongside HCPC (statutory regulator)
• Provides professional support, development, and advocacy

Membership Categories:

Full Membership:

• Eligibility: ONLY those registered by HCPC in Arts Therapy Part of Register
• Entitled to use: "Registered art therapist" or "registered art psychotherapist" titles
• Obligations:
• Maintain HCPC registration
• Adhere to BAAT Code of Ethics, Principles of Professional Practice and Guidelines
• Undertake supervision in accordance with BAAT supervision guidelines
• Hold personal professional indemnity insurance (PII) - EU directive 2011/24/EU (if not provided by employer)
• Undertake CPD as required by both BAAT and HCPC

Associate Membership:

• Eligibility: Other professionals and members of public
• Status: NOT bound by Code of Ethics

Relationship to HCPC:

• Art therapy is statutorily regulated in UK
• HCPC maintains public register of qualified art therapists/art psychotherapists
• Title Protection: "Art therapist" and "art psychotherapist" protected by law
• Registration Requirement: HCPC registration mandatory prerequisite for full BAAT membership
• Standards Alignment: BAAT Code of Ethics read in conjunction with HCPC Standards of Proficiency and Ethics
• CPD: Members must meet both BAAT and HCPC CPD requirements

Professional Standards:

• BAAT Code of Ethics
• Principles of Professional Practice
• Guidelines for practice
• Supervision guidelines
• Standards of professional competence and integrity

Training and CPD:

• Training resources available
• CPD opportunities for members
• Supervision framework
• Professional development programs

Termination of Membership: Membership terminated if member:

• Contravenes Code of Ethics
• Convicted of crime bearing on fitness to practice
• Registration suspended or revoked by HCPC
• Similarly disciplined by another healthcare regulatory body
• Expelled from or disciplined by another professional organization

Protected Titles:

• "Art therapist"
• "Art psychotherapist"
• These titles describe same practice, used interchangeably
• Protected by law - only HCPC registered individuals may use

Source: British Association of Art Therapists - https://baat.org/about/code-of-ethics/ Verified: 2025-10-20

3. CANADA 🇨🇦

Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA)

Status:

• Accrediting body for art therapists in Canada
• Oversees development and training of art therapy programs
• Provides professional registration through RCAT credential
• Non-profit professional association

Primary Credential:

RCAT (Registered Canadian Art Therapist)

• Status: Professional registration credential for art therapy in Canada
• Eligibility: Graduates of CATA education standards-compliant art therapy training programs
• Application: Formal application process for registration
• Changes: New registration requirements implemented February 10, 2022
• New application process became available April 30, 2022

RCAT-S (Registered Canadian Art Therapist - Supervisor)

• Status: Supervisor designation
• Purpose: Required designation to provide clinical art therapy supervision
• Eligibility: RCAT members
• Effective Date: As of June 1, 2027, RCAT-S required for supervision of student, professional, and registered art therapists
• Application: RCAT members can now apply for RCAT-S designation

Educational Standards:

• CATA establishes education standards for art therapy training programs
• List of approved training programs meeting CATA standards available
• Programs must meet minimum requirements:
• Graduate level (Master's degree or diploma)
• Art therapy-specific coursework
• Clinical supervision components

Registration Requirements (Updated 2022):

• Graduate degree/diploma from CATA-recognized program
• Clinical placement requirements
• Supervision requirements
• Additional documentation

Membership Categories:

• Professional/Registered membership (RCAT)
• Student membership
• Other categories (details on website)

Provincial Variations:

• Ontario: Art therapists may register as psychotherapists with College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) if they meet requirements
• Other provinces rely on CATA RCAT credential as primary professional recognition

Supervisor Directory:

• CATA maintains Supervisor Directory
• Lists RCAT-S designated supervisors
• Resource for finding qualified clinical supervisors

Source: Canadian Art Therapy Association - https://www.canadianarttherapy.org/ Verified: 2025-10-20

4. AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 🇦🇺🇳🇿

Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)

Status:

• Peak professional body for creative arts therapists in Australasia
• Member-run, self-regulating non-profit company limited by guarantee
• Close to 1,000 members
• Covers multiple creative arts therapy modalities

Therapies Covered:

• Art Therapy
• Drama Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Dance/Movement Therapy
• Other creative modalities utilized by members

Membership Structure:

• Member-run organization
• Self-regulating model
• Categories and requirements available on website
• Practising members have specific obligations
• Recognized qualifications from approved university programs

Registration Categories:

• Professional members
• Student members
• Various categories based on qualifications and experience
• (Specific categories detailed on ANZACATA website)

Relationship to Government Regulation:

• Self-regulating profession in Australia and New Zealand
• NO statutory regulation in most cases (unlike UK's HCPC model)
• Government recognition:
• Profession included in Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZCO) in 2007
• Australian government wage award granted 2007
• Affiliated with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) since 2016
• Member of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA)

Funding and Recognition:

• Services relevant to national funding schemes:
• Australia: NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
• New Zealand: ACC, WINZ, I AM HOPE
• Creative arts therapists can be NDIS registered providers

Educational Standards:

• Recognizes training from approved courses at universities and colleges
• Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong universities
• Maintains list of recognized qualifications

Professional Standards:

• Sets and ensures highest international standards for training and practice
• CPD requirements for members
• Code of Ethics and professional conduct
• Quality assurance mechanisms

Advocacy and Support:

• Advocates for creative arts therapy profession
• Lobbies for industrial rights recognition
• Increases profile of arts therapies
• Supports members' professional development

Publications:

• Australian and New Zealand Journal of Arts Therapy (JoCAT)
• Peer-reviewed journal
• Published since 2006 (as ANZJAT)

Regional Coverage:

• Australia (primary)
• New Zealand (full coverage)
• Singapore (graduates recognized since 2009)
• Hong Kong (University of Hong Kong graduates recognized since 2015)
• Broader Asia/Pacific region

Historical Development:

• 1987: ANATA (predecessor) founded
• 2006: ANZATA formed (NZ affiliation)
• 2018: Transition to ANZACATA (expanded Asia/Pacific focus)

Source: Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association - https://anzacata.org/About-ANZACATA Verified: 2025-10-20

5. IRELAND 🇮🇪

Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists (IACAT)

Status:

• Accrediting body for creative arts therapists in Ireland
• Oversees development and training of single modality MA courses
• Campaigns for statutory recognition under Health & Social Care Professionals Act (2005)
• Represents over 200 registered therapists

Modalities Covered:

• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Dramatherapy
• Dance Movement Therapy
• Expressive Arts Therapy

Name History:

• Original name: Irish Association of Drama, Art and Music Therapists
• 1998: Name changed to Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists to include Dance Movement Therapists

Professional Registration:

Requirements for Professional Membership (Registration):

1. Academic Qualification:

• Masters Degree (MA) in accredited creative arts therapy discipline
• Single modality focus

2. Training Components:

• Course content transcripts
• Supervised clinical placement hours (with documentation)
• Personal therapy hours (with documentation from therapists)
• Therapeutic group work hours
• Experiential and theoretical training components

3. Supervised Clinical Experience:

• Documented placement hours
• Supervision details (names, qualifications, signatures of supervisors)
• Letter from supervisors

4. Personal Therapy:

• Required hours of personal therapy
• Documentation with dates, therapist names, qualifications, signatures

5. CPD (Continuing Professional Development):

• Required for those qualified more than 2 years
• Details of CPD undertaken since qualification

6. Professional Information:

• Insurance certificate
• Practice areas and specializations
• Service locations
• Professional bio
• Employment/skills profile

1. Ethical Agreement:

• Acceptance of IACAT Code of Ethics

1. Optional Designations:

• Supervisor status (if qualified)
• Public register listing

Membership Categories:

Annual Fees:

• Professional Membership: €115
• Associate Membership: €60
• Non-Practising Membership: €55
• Student Membership: €50
• Organisational Membership: €100

Campaign for Statutory Recognition:

• IACAT campaigns for creative arts therapies to be included in statutory registration under Health & Social Care Professionals Act (2005)
• Goal: Public protection and high professional standards
• Currently NO statutory regulation in Ireland (unlike UK's HCPC model)

Supervisor Register:

• Optional designation for qualified supervisors
• Requires completion of supervisor training
• Separate application and credential upload

Public Therapist Register:

• Website directory of registered therapists
• Optional inclusion for professional members
• Public can verify therapist credentials

Code of Ethics:

• IACAT Code of Ethics available at http://www.iacat.ie/code-of-ethics
• All professional members must accept and adhere

Source: Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists - https://www.iacat.ie/Irish-Association-of-Creative-Arts-Therapists Verified: 2025-10-20

Music Therapy Associations

1. UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

1.1 Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)

Mission: Promote excellence in music therapy by awarding board certification based on proven, up-to-date knowledge and competence in clinical practice.

Status:

• Primary credentialing body for music therapy in USA
• Independent from AMTA (American Music Therapy Association)
• NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accredited

Certification Offered:

MT-BC (Music Therapist - Board Certified)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Completion of academic training from AMTA-approved program
• Completion of clinical training requirements:
• 1200 hours minimum clinical training
• Includes supervised internship
• Must complete both academic AND clinical requirements before exam eligibility

Board Certification Examination:

• Format: 150 multiple-choice questions
• 130 scored questions
• 20 pre-test questions (for reliability/validity data)
• Time: Standardized computer-based exam
• Two Forms: Multiple examination forms maintained
• Passing Required: Must pass exam to earn MT-BC credential

Examination Cost:

• First-time exam takers: $325
• $275 examination fee
• $50 processing fee
• Retake fees may differ

Certification Period:

• Valid for 5 years
• Certificate issued by CBMT upon passing exam

Recertification:

• Required every 5 years
• Options for maintaining certification
• CPD and practice requirements

Exam Preparation Resources:

• Exam content outline available
• Study materials and guides
• Practice resources

Relationship to AMTA:

• CBMT and AMTA collaborate on professional standards
• Joint "State Recognition Operational Plan"
• "Scope of Music Therapy Practice (2015)" - joint document approved by both
• AMTA approves educational programs; CBMT certifies practitioners
• Separate governance structures

State Licensure:

• MT-BC typically required or recognized for state licensure where it exists
• 13+ states have music therapy licensure or title protection
• CBMT certification often prerequisite for state license

Credential Verification:

• Public verification available at www.cbmt.org
• Employers and public can verify MT-BC status

Source: Certification Board for Music Therapists - https://www.cbmt.org/candidates/examination/ and https://www.cbmt.org/home/ Verified: 2025-10-20

1.2 American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Mission: Advance public awareness of music therapy benefits and increase access to quality music therapy services.

Status:

• National professional association for music therapy
• Sets educational standards for music therapy programs
• Over 80 AMTA-approved college/university programs
• Works with CBMT (independent credentialing body)

Educational Standards:

Entry-Level Requirements:

• Minimum: Bachelor's degree in music therapy from AMTA-approved program
• Clinical Training: 1200 hours including supervised internship
• Professional Competencies: AMTA Professional Competencies define entry-level skills
• Curriculum Focus:
• Musical foundations
• Clinical foundations
• Music therapy foundations and principles

Graduate Degrees:

• Focus on advanced clinical practice and research
• Master's and doctoral programs available
• Degree Equivalency Program available for those with baccalaureate in other fields

AMTA Professional Competencies:

• Entry-level competencies incorporated into all approved bachelor's programs
• Define minimum skills for practice

Relationship to CBMT:

• AMTA approves educational programs
• CBMT administers MT-BC certification examination
• Collaboration on:
• State Recognition Operational Plan
• Scope of Music Therapy Practice (2015)
• Professional standards
• Important: AMTA membership does NOT ensure MT-BC certification

State Licensure and Recognition:

States with Music Therapy Licensure/Title Protection (as of February 2021):

1. California - Title protection (2019), requires MT-BC
2. Connecticut - Title protection (2016), requires MT-BC
3. Georgia - License (2012), Secretary of State with Advisory Council
4. Maryland - Board of Examiners (2021)
5. Nevada - License (2011), State Board of Health with Advisory Council
6. New Jersey - License (2020), State Board of Creative Arts and Activities Therapies
7. North Dakota - License (2011), Board of Integrative Health
8. Oklahoma - License (2016), State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
9. Oregon - License (2015), Health Licensing Office
10. Rhode Island - Registry (2015), Department of Health
11. Utah - State certification (2014), Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
12. Virginia - License (2020), Board of Social Work
13. Wisconsin - Registry (1998)

State Recognition Goals:

• Improve consumer access to music therapy
• Establish state-based public protection
• Ensure "music therapy" provided by qualified individuals
• Positive impact on employment and funding
• Meet treatment facility requirements

Professional Practice Standards:

1. Scope of Music Therapy Practice (2015)

• Joint AMTA/CBMT document
• Defines responsibilities of qualified music therapy professionals
• Integrates respective scopes, codes, standards, competencies

2. Standards of Clinical Practice

• Rules for measuring service quality
• Assist therapists and employers
• Periodic revision

3. Code of Ethics

• Defines professional conduct for AMTA members
• Emphasizes ethical behavior and dignity

Membership:

• Membership available but separate from certification
• Professional development resources
• Networking opportunities
• Advocacy support

Historical Note:

• National Music Therapy Registry (NMTR) sunsetted December 31, 2019
• ACMT, CMT, RMT designations no longer formally recognized from 1998-2019
• MT-BC is current single credential (trademarked 2006)

Source: American Music Therapy Association - https://www.musictherapy.org/about/requirements/ Verified: 2025-10-20

2. UNITED KINGDOM 🇬🇧

British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT)

Status:

• Professional body for Music Therapy in UK
• Works alongside HCPC (statutory regulator)
• Recognizes and supports practitioners at all career stages
• Provides information and resources for practitioners and non-practitioners

Relationship to HCPC:

• Music therapy is statutorily regulated in UK
• HCPC maintains register of music therapists
• BAMT recognized as professional body by HCPC
• BAMT works to support practitioners with HCPC requirements
• Professional body role distinct from regulatory role

HCPC-Approved Music Therapy Programs:

BAMT recognizes the following postgraduate professional Music Therapy qualifications approved by HCPC:

8 Approved Programs:

1. University of Derby

• MA Music Therapy
• Full time
• Contact: Rachel Swanick, r.swanick@derby.ac.uk
• https://www.derby.ac.uk/postgraduate/therapeutic-practice-courses/music-therapy-ma/

2. Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

• MSc Music Therapy
• Full Time
• Contact: Dr. Philippa Derrington, pderrington@qmu.ac.uk
• Scotland

3. Guildhall School of Music and Drama/City

• MA in Music Therapy
• Full Time
• Contact: Ann Sloboda
• London

4. Nordoff Robbins: Music, Health and Society

• Master of Music Therapy
• Full Time
• Locations: London, Manchester & Newcastle
• Contact: Alison Hornblower, education@nordoff-robbins.org.uk

5. Roehampton University, London

• MA in Music Therapy
• Full & Part Time
• Contact: Tessa Watson, tessa.watson@roehampton.ac.uk

6. University of the West of England

• MA Music Therapy
• Part Time
• Bristol
• Contact: Luke Annesley, Luke.Annesley@uwe.ac.uk

7. Anglia Ruskin University

• MA in Music Therapy
• Cambridge
• Contact: Claire Molyneux, claire.molyneux@aru.ac.uk

8. University of South Wales

• MA in Music Therapy
• Part Time
• Newport Campus, Wales
• Contact: Elizabeth Coombes, Elizabeth.Coombes@southwales.ac.uk

Program Requirements:

• All courses are postgraduate level
• HCPC approval required for professional qualification
• High level of musical proficiency required
• BAMT recognizes all HCPC-approved courses

Membership:

• Membership available (Join Us links on website)
• Member Benefits and Services provided
• Support for practitioners
• Professional development resources

Training and CPD:

• Recognition of approved training programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Support throughout career stages

Source: British Association for Music Therapy - https://www.bamt.org/training/music-therapy-courses-hcpc-approved Verified: 2025-10-20

3. CANADA 🇨🇦

Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT)

Status:

• National professional association for music therapy in Canada
• Certifying body for music therapists
• Awards MTA (Music Therapist Accredited) credential

Primary Credential:

MTA (Music Therapist Accredited / Certified Music Therapist)

Certification Process: 1. Education:

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in music therapy, OR
• Graduate Certificate in music therapy, OR
• Master's degree in music therapy
• From CAMT-approved post-secondary institution

2. Examination:

• Pass CBMT (Certification Board for Music Therapists) examination
• Same exam used in USA for MT-BC
• CBMT exam result used to apply for MTA credential

3. Application:

• Apply to CAMT for MTA credential
• Submit CBMT exam results
• Meet all CAMT requirements

4. Ongoing Requirements:

• Annual CAMT membership renewal (in good standing)
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Adherence to professional standards

Relationship to CBMT:

• Canadian music therapists take CBMT examination
• CBMT exam result required for MTA application
• USA uses result for MT-BC; Canada uses for MTA
• Same examination, different credential names

Provincial Practice:

• Music therapy not statutorily regulated in most Canadian provinces
• MTA credential is primary professional recognition
• Some provinces may have additional requirements
• Practice standards set by CAMT

Membership:

• Member Categories:
• Professional members (MTA)
• Student members
• Applicant members (pursuing MTA)
• Fees: $69 for applicants previously members pursuing MTA

Professional Standards:

• Code of Ethics
• Standards of practice
• CPD requirements
• Ethical conduct expectations

Credential Verification:

• MTA status can be verified through CAMT
• Public protection through credential transparency

Provincial Associations:

• Music Therapy Association of British Columbia (MTABC)
• Music Therapy Association of Ontario (MTAO)
• Other provincial associations exist

MTA vs. MT-BC:

• MTA: Canadian credential awarded by CAMT
• MT-BC: US credential awarded by CBMT
• Both require passing CBMT examination
• Different credentialing bodies, same exam

Source: Canadian Association for Music Therapy - https://www.musictherapy.ca/about-camt-music-therapy/mta-credentials-members/ and https://mtabc.com/mta-vs-mt-bc/ Verified: 2025-10-20

4. AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Status:

• Government-recognised peak body for music therapy profession in Australia
• Manages registration and regulation of Registered Music Therapists (RMTs)
• Self-regulated profession (no government statutory regulation)
• Member of National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP)

Membership:

• Over 900 Registered Music Therapists (RMTs)
• Working in Australia and internationally
• RMT registration managed by AMTA

Primary Credential:

RMT (Registered Music Therapist)

• Professional registration with AMTA
• Required to practice as music therapist in Australia
• Self-regulatory credential
• Details on website for registration requirements

Self-Regulatory Model:

• Music therapy NOT statutorily regulated in Australia (unlike AHPRA professions)
• AMTA provides professional self-regulation
• Sets standards for education, practice, ethics
• Maintains public register of RMTs

Relationship to Government:

• Government-recognised as peak body
• Member of NASRHP (National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions)
• Works with government on healthcare policy
• Advocacy for music therapy services

Funding Recognition:

• Music therapists can be NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) providers
• Services recognized under various funding schemes
• Private health insurance recognition varies

Professional Advocacy:

• Promotes music therapy profession
• Advocates for access to services
• Public awareness campaigns
• Professional representation

Support for RMTs:

• Professional development
• Practice resources
• Regulatory guidance
• Member support services

Note on NDIS:

• Recent challenges with NDIS coverage for creative arts therapies
• AMTA advocacy ongoing for maintaining therapy supports category

Source: Australian Music Therapy Association - https://www.austmta.org.au/ Verified: 2025-10-20

5. NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿

Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ)

Mission: Champion potential and wellbeing through the professional use of Music Therapy.

Status:

• Membership organisation for music therapy in New Zealand
• Incorporated Society under Incorporated Societies Act 1908
• Registered Charity under Charities Act 2005
• Advocates for NZ registered Music Therapists (NZRMTh)
• Governs ethical and professional standards

Primary Designation:

NZRMTh (NZ Registered Music Therapist)

• Professional registration for music therapists in New Zealand
• Managed by MThNZ Registration Board
• Self-regulatory credential (no government statutory regulation)

Governance:

• Council: Elected by members every two years
• Members: Music therapist members and friend members
• Operated by volunteers
• Charitable organization structure

Professional Standards:

Objectives:

• Maintain standards of ethical practice to protect client safety
• Enhance Hauora (health) and Waiora (wellbeing) of people of Aotearoa New Zealand

Values:

• Professionalism / Te Taumata: Supporting highest quality, evidence-based ethical practice with integrity and confidence

Ethical and Professional Standards:

• Code of Ethics
• Professional standards of practice
• Registration requirements
• CPD expectations

Cultural Context:

• Reflects cultural diversity of New Zealand
• Due regard to Te Tiriti O Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi)
• Bicultural considerations in practice

Membership Structure:

• Music therapist members
• Friend members (supporters)
• Student members (implied)
• Council elected by members

Legal Status:

• Incorporated Society
• Charitable organization
• Self-regulating professional body
• NOT government statutory regulator

Relationship to Regulatory Authorities:

• Self-regulatory model
• NO government statutory regulation of music therapy in NZ
• MThNZ provides professional oversight

Documentation:

• MThNZ Rules under Incorporated Societies Act 1908
• Updated November 2020
• Brochure available (March 2025)

Historical Note:

• Formerly New Zealand Society for Music Therapy (NZSMT)
• Rebranded as Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ)
• 50 years of music therapy in New Zealand celebrated 2023-2024

Source: Music Therapy New Zealand - https://www.musictherapy.org.nz/about-mthnz/ Verified: 2025-10-20

International Federation - Music Therapy

World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT)

Mission: "Committed to advancing the global development, accessibility, and recognition of music therapy. Promotes scientific research, evidence-informed innovative practices, and advocates for quality education and training. Offers platforms for cross-cultural learning and continued professional development where a broad range of stakeholders in the global music therapy community exchange the most current research, practices, and knowledge."

Vision: "A world where music therapy is universally accessible, culturally integrated, and professionally recognized; supporting and empowering a united global community of music therapists with a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation."

Founding (1985):

Founding Members (10 individuals):

1. Rolando Benenzon (Argentina)
2. Giovannia Mutti (Italy)
3. Jacques Jost (France)
4. Barbara Hesser (USA)
5. Amelia Oldfield (UK)
6. Ruth Bright (Australia)
7. Heinrich Otto Moll (Germany)
8. Rafael Colon (Puerto Rico)
9. Clementina Nastari (Brazil)
10. Tadeusz Natanson (Poland)

International Music Therapy Definition (WFMT, 2011): "Music therapy is the professional use of music and its elements as an intervention in medical, educational, and everyday environments with individuals, groups, families, or communities who seek to optimize their quality of life and improve their physical, social, communicative, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual health and wellbeing. Research, practice, education, and clinical training in music therapy are based on professional standards according to cultural, social, and political contexts."

Governance:

• Officers and Commissioners: Elected by global council
• Regional Liaisons: 8 appointed representatives covering global regions
• Africa (South Africa)
• Australia/New Zealand (Australia)
• Eastern Mediterranean (Jordan)
• Europe (Greece)
• Latin America & the Caribbean (Chile)
• Canada & USA (USA)
• Southeast Asia (India)
• Western Pacific (South Korea)

Global Role:

1. Promoting Music Therapy Globally:

• Increases awareness and access worldwide
• Advances global development of profession
• Facilitates international recognition

2. Education and Training Standards:

• Advocates for quality education and training
• Promotes professional standards across cultural contexts
• Supports development of training programs globally

3. Research and Practice:

• Promotes scientific research
• Encourages evidence-informed innovative practices
• Facilitates knowledge exchange

4. Professional Development:

• Platforms for cross-cultural learning
• Continued professional development opportunities
• Global music therapy community networking

Values:

• Inclusivity and Diversity: Embracing cultural, regional, and professional differences
• Collaboration and Partnership: Fostering international connections
• Knowledge Exchange: Sharing research, practices, knowledge
• Professionalism: Advocating for competence in practice, education, research
• Ethical Responsibility: Upholding ethical conduct
• Advocacy and Global Impact: Increasing awareness and access worldwide

World Congress:

• Held periodically (major global conference)
• Next Congress: July 8-12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy (18th World Congress of Music Therapy)
• International gathering for music therapists
• Research presentations, workshops, networking

Member Organizations:

• National music therapy associations worldwide
• Examples include:
• American Music Therapy Association (USA)
• British Association for Music Therapy (UK)
• Canadian Association for Music Therapy (Canada)
• Australian Music Therapy Association (Australia)
• Music Therapy New Zealand (New Zealand)
• Many others globally

Source: World Federation of Music Therapy - https://www.wfmt.info/about Verified: 2025-10-20

Drama Therapy Associations

1. UNITED STATES & CANADA 🇺🇸🇨🇦

North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA)

Status:

• Primary professional association and credentialing body for drama therapy in North America
• Covers both United States and Canada
• Provides RDT (Registered Drama Therapist) credential
• Sets educational and practice standards

Credentials Offered:

1. P-RDT (Provisional Registered Drama Therapist)

• Entry-level provisional credential
• Working toward full RDT status
• Under supervision

2. RDT (Registered Drama Therapist)

• Full professional credential for drama therapy
• Master's level credential
• Required for independent practice

3. BCT (Board Certified Trainer)

• Advanced credential for trainers and supervisors
• Separate application process

RDT Credential Requirements:

Education Requirements:

Option 1: NADTA-Accredited Graduate Program

• Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree in Drama Therapy
• From NADTA-accredited college/university

Option 2: Alternative Training

• Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree in related field:
• Drama/theatre
• Psychology
• Counseling
• Special education
• Social work
• Occupational therapy
• Recreation therapy
• Other creative arts therapies (art, music, dance/movement)
• PLUS completion of Alternative Training education requirements under supervision of RDT/BCT

Drama/Theatre Experience:

• 500 hours of drama/theatre experience
• Acting, directing, and/or improvisational work
• Studied or performed in college, community, or professional setting
• Automatically met if undergraduate or graduate degree in theatre/drama obtained

Drama Therapy Internship (800 hours):

Total: 800 hours

• Direct Client Contact: Minimum 300 hours
• At least 150 hours (50%) must be group work
• Remaining 150 hours may be individuals, couples, families
• All 300 hours may be group work
• Supervision: Minimum 30 hours
• Ratio: 1 hour supervision per 10 hours direct-client contact
• Supervisor qualifications: RDT, credentialed creative arts therapist, credentialed special educator, or credentialed mental health professional
• Indirect Hours: Remaining 470 hours
• Staff meetings, session preparation, contact notes, professional materials review, administrative work
• Population Diversity: Minimum 2 different populations (e.g., emotionally disturbed, physically disabled, adolescent, elderly)

Professional Experience (1,500 hours):

Total: 1,500 hours as drama therapist in professional capacity

• Accrual Start: Can begin before MA graduation if core coursework and internship complete
• Nature: Paid professional work (NOT internship extension)
• Unpaid accepted with agency letter explaining professional recognition

Supervised Hours: Minimum 1,000 to maximum 1,500 hours

• Supervision Ratio: 1 hour supervision per 10 hours client contact
• Supervisor Qualifications: RDT, credentialed creative arts therapist, or credentialed master's-level mental health/special education professional
• Direct Client Contact: At least 50% of minimum 1,000 hours

Additional Hours Counting Toward 1,500: 1. Advanced Clinical Training - Up to 500 hours

• Conferences, classes, workshops (outside AT contract/graduate program required coursework)
• Certificates of completion required
• Credit hour conversion: 1 credit = 45 hours, 2 credits = 90 hours, 3 credits = 135 hours

2. Personal Psychotherapy and/or Creative Arts Therapy - Up to 100 hours

• Within last 5 years
• Signed letter from therapist with date range and total hours

3. Playback Theatre Troupe Participation - Up to 100 hours

• Supervision must include how Playback Theatre used in drama therapy context

Special Provision (Pre-Fall 2022):

• If training began before Fall 2022, may use 500 additional internship hours toward professional experience (after initial 800 internship hours)

Application Process:

Timeline:

• Application Deadlines: March 15 and August 15 annually
• Application System Opens: January 15 (March cycle), June 15 (August cycle)
• Review Period: 6-8 weeks
• Notification: Second week of May (March cycle), second week of October (August cycle)

Membership Requirement:

• Must be NADTA member for at least 1 year prior to RDT application

Required Materials:

1. Online RDT Application
2. Professional Experience as Drama Therapist Form
3. Three Letters of Recommendation:

• Director of NADTA-approved program or BCT (alternative track)
• A supervisor
• Another trainer, supervisor, or colleague

1. Graduate Transcripts (sent directly from institution)
2. Signed NADTA Code of Ethical Principles
3. Essays:

• 1-page essay on drama/theatre experience
• 1-2 page essay on drama therapy orientation and workplace

1. Theatre Resume
2. Additional forms if applicable

Scope of Practice:

• Master's level mental health practice
• Use of drama and theatre techniques therapeutically
• Work with individuals, groups, families, communities
• Various settings: mental health, education, medical, community

Renewal:

• Credential Reinstatement process exists (details on website)
• Annual renewal requirements

State Licensure:

• Varies by state
• Some states have creative arts therapist licenses
• RDT credential typically required or recognized

Source: North American Drama Therapy Association - https://www.nadta.org/registered-drama-therapists-rdt Verified: 2025-10-20

2. UNITED KINGDOM 🇬🇧

British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth)

Status:

• Professional organisation for dramatherapists in United Kingdom
• Works alongside HCPC (statutory regulator)
• Represents dramatherapy profession

Relationship to HCPC:

• Dramatherapy is statutorily regulated in UK
• HCPC maintains public register of dramatherapists
• BADth is recognized professional body
• Full BADth membership requires HCPC registration
• Student membership available during training

HCPC Registration Requirements:

Education:

• Level 7 Masters Degree in dramatherapy
• From HCPC-approved course

HCPC-Approved Training Programs: Courses based in Derby, London, and Northern Ireland offering approved dramatherapy qualifications

Registration Timeline:

• Must register within 5 years of graduation
• Registration renewal every 2 years

Continuing Professional Development:

• CPD requirements for registration renewal
• Potentially subject to CPD audit by HCPC

Return to Practice:

• Process available for:
• Those qualified over 5 years ago without registering
• Those who took career break longer than 2 years

HCPC Standards for Dramatherapists:

All registrants must meet:

• Standards of proficiency for arts therapists
• Standards of conduct, performance and ethics
• Standards of continuing professional development
• Communication and using social media guidelines
• Confidentiality standards
• Education and training standards
• Health, safety and wellbeing standards
• Person-centred care standards
• Raising concerns, openness and honesty standards
• Record keeping standards
• Reflective practice standards
• Scope of practice standards
• Supervision, leadership and culture standards
• Sustainable practice standards

Full BADth Membership:

• Requires proof of HCPC registration
• Access to professional resources
• Professional development opportunities
• Networking with dramatherapy community

Student Membership:

• Available whilst training
• Support during education
• Connection to profession

Tax Deductible:

• HCPC registration fees are tax deductible
• Can claim current tax year and previous 4 years
• Combined with BADth expenses, potential savings over £50/year

Protected Title:

• "Dramatherapist" is protected title in UK
• Only HCPC-registered individuals may use title
• Criminal offense to use title without registration

Professional Body Role:

• Advocacy for dramatherapy profession
• Professional development
• Support for practitioners
• Representation to HCPC and government

Source: British Association of Dramatherapists - https://www.badth.org.uk/dramatherapy/what-is-dramatherapy/hcpc-registered Verified: 2025-10-20

Dance/Movement Therapy Associations

1. UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)

Status:

• Primary professional association and credentialing body for dance/movement therapy in USA
• Provides R-DMT and BC-DMT credentials
• Sets educational and clinical training standards

Credentials Offered:

1. R-DMT (Registered Dance/Movement Therapist)

Status:

• First level of entry into profession
• Signifies basic level of competence
• Preparedness for employment in clinical and/or educational settings

Pathways to R-DMT:

Option A: ADTA Approved Graduate Program

• Graduates of ADTA-approved programs meet all professional requirements for R-DMT
• Programs must meet ADTA Standards of Education and Clinical Training
• Typically 2-3 years full-time
• Contact schools directly for application

Option B: Alternate Route

• Requires Master's degree with dance/movement therapy training from qualified teachers
• Components required:
• Movement observation and assessment
• Psychology coursework
• Fieldwork
• Internship
• Dance experience
• Length varies based on individual circumstances (full-time/part-time, location, schedule)

Requirements Details:

• Specific requirements detailed in R-DMT Applicant Handbook
• Educational requirements
• Clinical experience requirements
• Supervision requirements
• Application through online portal

2. BC-DMT (Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist)

Status:

• Advanced level of dance/movement therapy practice
• Second level of competence
• Signifies preparedness to:
• Provide training and supervision in DMT
• Engage in private practice

Prerequisites:

• Must hold R-DMT credential first
• Additional requirements and experience beyond R-DMT
• Details in BC-DMT application materials

Application Process:

• Acceptance by Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board required
• BC-DMT application page provides detailed requirements
• Additional experience and training beyond R-DMT

Credentialing Board:

• DMTCB (Dance Movement Therapy Certification Board)
• Evaluates and awards professional credentials
• Entry-level registration (R-DMT)
• Advanced-level board certification (BC-DMT)
• Administers credential maintenance and recertification

Renewal and Recertification:

• R-DMT and BC-DMT credentials must be renewed yearly (June/July)
• Must comply with ADTA Code of Ethics
• Credential Renewal & Recertification process exists
• Details on dedicated webpage

Educational Standards:

• ADTA Standards of Education and Clinical Training (updated October 2024)
• Defines requirements for approved graduate programs
• Ensures quality and consistency in DMT education

ADTA Approved Graduate Programs:

• List of approved Master's programs available on website
• Programs meet ADTA education standards
• Graduates eligible for R-DMT upon completion

Credential Status Options:

• Professional credential status for R-DMTs & BC-DMTs
• Various status categories depending on practice
• Annual renewal required

Estimated Time to Become DMT:

• ADTA-approved program route: 2-3 years full-time
• Alternate route: Varies significantly

Sources and Applications:

• R-DMT Application page
• BC-DMT Application page
• Credential Renewal & Recertification page
• ADTA Standards of Education and Clinical Training document

Source: American Dance Therapy Association - https://www.adta.org/become-a-dance-movement-therapist Verified: 2025-10-20

2. UNITED KINGDOM 🇬🇧

Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK (ADMP UK)

Status:

• Professional organisation for Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) in United Kingdom
• Originally founded in 1982
• Member of European Association Dance Movement Therapy (EADMT)
• Member of UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

Dance Movement Psychotherapy Definition: "Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is a relational process in which client(s) and therapist use body movement and dance as an instrument of communication."

Regulatory Status:

• Dance Movement Psychotherapy IS statutorily regulated in UK under HCPC (as of historical documents)
• However, current status uncertain - website access limited
• Historically, ADMP UK was voluntary regulator before HCPC regulation considered
• HCPC consultation on DMP regulation occurred (December 2009 document reference)

Note: Due to website access limitations (robot challenge page), full current details not available. Historical information indicates:

• Professional standards and registration maintained by ADMP UK
• Training standards for DMP
• Membership structure
• Relationship to HCPC regulation

Affiliations:

• European Association Dance Movement Therapy (EADMT)
• UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

Source: Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK - https://admp.org.uk/ (Access limited) Verified: 2025-10-20 (Partial information)

3. AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 🇦🇺🇳🇿

Dance Movement Therapy Association of Australasia (DTAA)

Mission: "Promote the growth, development, and recognition of the profession by engaging with allied health professionals, peer organisations, government bodies, education providers, and the broader community."

Status:

• Peak professional body for Dance Movement Therapy in Australasia
• Sets standards for excellence in practice, training, and research
• Publishes Register of qualified and experienced DMT professionals
• Member of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA)

Registration:

• Publishes Register of qualified and experienced DMT professionals
• Professional registration system
• Quality assurance for public

Requirements:

• Membership Criteria must be met
• CPD Requirements (Continuing Professional Development)
• Supervision Requirements
• Details available on dedicated webpages

Membership Structure:

• Various membership categories
• Membership fees apply
• Annual renewal process ("Renew membership" option)
• "Become a member" pathway available

Professional Standards:

• Sets standards for practice
• Sets standards for training
• Sets standards for research
• Quality assurance mechanisms

Relationship to Other Bodies:

• Member of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA)
• Engages with:
• Allied health professionals
• Peer organisations
• Government bodies
• Education providers
• Broader community

Self-Regulatory Model:

• NOT statutorily regulated in Australia or New Zealand
• Self-regulating professional body
• Similar to ANZACATA model for creative arts therapies

NDIS Considerations:

• Dance movement therapy services relevant to NDIS
• Recent challenges with NDIS coverage for creative arts therapies
• DTAA advocacy for maintaining funding access

Source: Dance Movement Therapy Association of Australasia - https://dtaa.org.au/ Verified: 2025-10-20

European Consortium - Arts Therapies Education

European Consortium for Arts Therapies Education (ECArTE)

Purpose: "Represent and encourage the development of Arts Therapies at a European level, specifically focusing on courses offering nationally-validated and professionally-recognised education for arts therapists."

Status:

• Non-profit consortium of universities
• 34 member institutions
• 14 European countries represented
• Working towards mutual recognition and compatibility in educational and vocational training

Arts Therapies Encompassed:

• Art Therapy
• Dance Movement Therapy
• Dramatherapy
• Music Therapy
• Play Therapy

Member Institutions:

• 34 universities and educational institutions
• From 14 European countries
• Offer nationally-validated arts therapies programs
• Meet professional recognition standards

Goals:

• Establish mutual recognition of arts therapies qualifications within European Community
• Promote compatibility in educational standards
• Encourage development of arts therapies at European level
• Support quality training programs

European Arts Therapies Conferences:

• Regular conferences held across Europe
• 17th ECArTE Conference: September 2024, Gent, Belgium
• 18th European Arts Therapies Conference:
• Dates: 8-11 September 2026
• Location: Pula, Croatia
• Theme: "Ithaca – Repetition and Return in the Arts Therapies"
• Call for Papers: Opens Friday 6 June 2025
• Submission Deadline: 20 October 2025

Educational Focus:

• Nationally-validated programs
• Professionally-recognised qualifications
• University-level training
• Quality assurance in education

Member Countries: Information available on dedicated "Countries" page listing 14 member nations

Resources:

• Information on member institutions
• Countries represented
• Conference organization
• Call for papers processes

Source: European Consortium for Arts Therapies Education - https://www.ecarte.info/ Verified: 2025-10-20

Conclusions

Summary by Profession Group

• Strong national professional associations in all Tier A countries
• Work alongside government statutory regulators
• WFOT provides international standards and coordination
• NBCOT (USA) provides national certification prerequisite for state licensure
• Associations provide: membership, CPD, advocacy, practice resources
• Clear distinction: Associations = voluntary; Regulators = mandatory

PSYCHOMETRY: ⚠️ Limited Professional Association Structure

• Very few dedicated psychometry associations globally
• BCP (USA) provides voluntary CSP certification
• Psychometry typically embedded within psychology association frameworks
• Practice under supervision of licensed psychologists
• Most countries have NO independent psychometry associations

CREATIVE/EXPRESSIVE THERAPIES: ⭐ ASSOCIATIONS ARE PRIMARY CREDENTIALING BODIES

• Professional associations provide THE primary credentials in most jurisdictions
• Critical credentials:
• Art Therapy: ATR, ATR-BC (USA); RCAT (Canada); professional membership (UK BAAT with HCPC); ANZACATA (Australia/NZ); IACAT (Ireland)
• Music Therapy: MT-BC (USA); MTA (Canada); HCPC registration + BAMT membership (UK); RMT (Australia); NZRMTh (New Zealand)
• Drama Therapy: RDT (USA/Canada); HCPC registration + BADth membership (UK); ANZACATA (Australia/NZ)
• Dance/Movement Therapy: R-DMT/BC-DMT (USA); HCPC + ADMP UK (UK); DTAA (Australia/NZ)
• UK Exception: HCPC provides statutory regulation BUT associations still crucial for training approval and professional development
• USA: Growing state licensure (12 states art therapy, 13 states music therapy) but associations remain primary credentialing route
• International Federations: WFMT (music therapy), ECArTE (European education) provide global standards

Sources

Occupational Therapy (8 sources)

[2] Royal College of Occupational Therapists - About RCOT - UK Professional Body - High Reliability - Over 36,000 members, works with HCPC https://www.rcot.co.uk/learn-about-occupational-therapy/about-rcot

[3] Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - CAOT Overview and Structure - High Reliability - National organization, administers NOTCE, accredits programs https://caot.ca/site/about/caot/overview

[4] Occupational Therapy Australia - OTA as Peak Membership Body - High Reliability - Over 30,000 members, works with AHPRA https://otaus.com.au/

[5] Occupational Therapy New Zealand - OTNZ-WNA Homepage - High Reliability - National association, works with OTBNZ https://www.otnzwna.co.nz/

[6] Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland - AOTI About Us - Professional Body for Ireland - High Reliability - Member of WFOT since 1969, works with CORU https://www.aoti.ie/about-us

[7] World Federation of Occupational Therapists - WFOT About - International Standards and Mission - High Reliability - 111 member organizations, 633,000 OTs, WHO relations since 1959 https://wfot.org/about

[8] National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy - NBCOT Certification for OTR and COTA - High Reliability - NCCA accredited, national certification body https://www.nbcot.org/

Psychometry (1 source)

Art Therapy (5 sources)

[11] American Art Therapy Association - AATA Credentials and State Licensure - High Reliability - 12 states with professional licenses, works with ATCB https://arttherapy.org/credentials-and-licensure/

[12] British Association of Art Therapists - BAAT Code of Ethics and HCPC Relationship - High Reliability - Professional body, works with HCPC statutory regulator https://baat.org/about/code-of-ethics/

[13] Canadian Art Therapy Association - CATA Registration and RCAT Credential - High Reliability - Accrediting body, RCAT credential https://www.canadianarttherapy.org/

[14] Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association - About ANZACATA - Peak Professional Body - High Reliability - Close to 1,000 members, self-regulating https://anzacata.org/About-ANZACATA

Music Therapy (6 sources)

[16] American Music Therapy Association - Music Therapy Requirements and State Licensure - High Reliability - Sets educational standards, 13 states with licensure/title protection https://www.musictherapy.org/about/requirements/

[17] British Association for Music Therapy - HCPC Approved Music Therapy Courses - High Reliability - 8 HCPC-approved programs, professional body https://www.bamt.org/training/music-therapy-courses-hcpc-approved

[18] Canadian Association for Music Therapy - MTA Credentials and Requirements - Medium Reliability - Awards MTA credential, uses CBMT exam https://www.musictherapy.ca/about-camt-music-therapy/mta-credentials-members/

[19] Australian Music Therapy Association - AMTA Australia - Peak Body and RMT Registration - High Reliability - Government-recognised, over 900 RMTs https://www.austmta.org.au/

[20] Music Therapy New Zealand - About MThNZ - Registration and Standards - High Reliability - NZRMTh registration, incorporated society, registered charity https://www.musictherapy.org.nz/about-mthnz/

[21] World Federation of Music Therapy - WFMT About - Mission and Global Structure - High Reliability - Founded 1985, international federation, 8 regional liaisons https://www.wfmt.info/about

Drama Therapy (2 sources)

[23] British Association of Dramatherapists - HCPC Registration Requirements for Dramatherapists - High Reliability - Professional organisation, works with HCPC https://www.badth.org.uk/dramatherapy/what-is-dramatherapy/hcpc-registered

Dance/Movement Therapy (2 sources)

[25] Dance Movement Therapy Association of Australasia - DTAA Homepage - Peak Body for Australasia - High Reliability - Peak body, publishes register, member of AHPA https://dtaa.org.au/

Irish Creative Arts Therapies (1 source)

European Education (1 source)