CATA-ACAT Standards of Practice & Use of Title

CATA-ACAT is responding to art therapists’ inquiries regarding art therapy students’ title use and identification within the field before they graduate from an approved training program.

The use of titles/credentials in regard to art therapy is guided by the Canadian Art Therapy Association’s Standards of Practice, in which article C11 states: “Individuals may refer to themselves as Art Therapists only upon being granted that status from an approved Art Therapy program” (p. 4).

Appropriate credential use is importantly related to the informed consent process in service delivery. We must present our credentials accurately and clearly so that those who are accessing our services can understand our qualifications, training, and education backgrounds, in order to make an informed choice about whether to work with us.

Students may refer to themselves as “art therapy student”, “art therapy intern”, or other similar terms that clearly identify them as not-yet-graduated students in an approved training program, as directed by the training program they attend.

CATA-ACAT members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the following:

• the Standards of Practice regarding title use “art therapist” (C11)

• requirements for practicing under supervision (C5)

• training program handbooks

• requirements from any regulating bodies in the province you work in, regarding title and practice requirements for art therapy

As a partner with art therapy training programs across the country, CATA-ACAT defers to training institutions to ensure that students meet minimum competencies for art therapy practice through assessment of their coursework and practicum. If training programs have any questions regarding ethical concerns of title use, presentation of the profession, or art therapy practice, please feel free to reach out to Board members such as Education, Governance, and Ethics via the contact page.