AATA Educational Requirements

The American Art Therapy Association's Annual Conferencesprovides access to more than 150 Continuing Education Credit (CEC) opportunities! At the July, 2012 conference in Savannah, Ga. you will hear from outstanding keynote speakers and network with nearly 1,000 leaders in the field of art therapy.

Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association is an informative member benefit that attracts a worldwide audience of art therapists who want to stay current in the field. Members receive the journal and archived issues FREE as part of their member benefits.

If you are interested in contributing to the Journal by submitting Cover Artwork or an Article, members may click here.

Independent Practice in Art Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Practice

What are CPT codes?
The acronym stands for Physician's Current Procedural Terminology and is used for provider billing. To date, there are no CPT codes related to art therapy services and providers using this system must have a current mental health license for the state they are practicing in. On occasion, art therapy can be billed as part of other treatment-related services by contacting governmental programs (e.g. state hospitals) familiar with art therapy.

What forms do I need to start a private practice?
Contact your state grievance board to obtain a copy of mental health statutes, disclosure form requirements and database information before considering private practice. Supervision with a licensed therapist is recommended, and in some states mandatory, while in private practice. Consult with a psychotherapy attorney before implementing contracts, forms and releases; don't assume that copies from other therapists meet the criteria for your state regulations.

How do I negotiate a contract with an agency?
Request a meeting with the agency's CEO or an administrator to discuss what their requirements are before submitting a contract. You may want to consult with a psychotherapy attorney before signing the final contract. You will be required to have malpractice insurance, a disclosure form and be current with your CPR and first aid certification (unless stated otherwise by the agency's policies). You may also be required to register on your state grievance board's database, if unlicensed, or be supervised by a licensed therapist.er Recommendations Regarding Independent Practice

Do not work without a signed contract
Clarify time frame
Submit in advance
Make certain you have adequate time to terminate if your contract is discontinued

Peer Recommendations Regarding Marketing Your Independent Practice

Brochure
Business Cards
Description of services provided
Advertisement in therapist referral list
Databases/referral sources
Volunteer for community-based programs
Pro bono programs
Yellow page ads
Mass Mailing

Recommended Resources

Building Your Ideal Private Practice: How to Love What You Do and Be Highly Profitable Too, Lynn Grodzki (2000).

Twelve Months to Your Ideal Private Practice: A Workbook, Lynn Grodzki (2003)

The New Private Practice: Therapists-Coaches Share Stories, Strategies and Advice, Lynn Grodzki (ed.),(2002).

Independent Practice for Art Therapists E-Group on

Recommended Web Sites

American Psychological Association
American Counseling Association
Marriage and Family Therapy
Psychotherapy Finances