Ethical Standards
Ethics and Conduct for Art Therapists
Licensed Art Therapists in the state of Maryland follow the Maryland Department of Health Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists Code of Ethics. All licensed art therapists are expected to follow these guidelines for ethical and competent practice of art therapy.
Credentialed practitioners are also held to the standards of the Art Therapy Credentials Board Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Additionally, members of the Maryland Art Therapy Association follow ethical guidelines set forth by the American Art Therapy Association, in the AATA’s Ethical Principles for Art Therapists.
For more information, please see the below Code of Ethics:
Unlawful Practice of Art Therapy
Due to state licensure and title protection of art therapy in Maryland, it is unlawful to provide “art therapy”, or refer to one’s self as an “art therapist”, without the denotation of Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist (LCPAT), or Licensed Graduate Professional Art Therapist (LGPAT) granted by the State of Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.
The scope of practice for art therapy has been outlined in Title 17 of the Health Occupations.
If you have questions about an organization or individual representing or advertising themselves as an art therapist, providing art therapy services, or having an art therapy degree, certification, credential, or license, please contact the individual directly. You may also find information provided by the links below.
Verify a Maryland License through the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
Verify credentials granted by the Art Therapy Credentials Board
If you believe, after reasonable inquiry, that an organization or individual is deliberately misrepresenting themself, there is an official avenue of redress to follow. All complaints regarding unethical practice should be directed to the State of Maryland.
File a complaint with the State of Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
Please contact the Maryland Art Therapy Association with any further questions.