Wednesday, 5 December 2018

How To Become A Registered Play Therapist

By Paul Bailey


When interested in becoming a mental health professional, there are a number of options. In addition, there are a number of specialties in which those with existing degrees can obtain additional licensing. For example, if a school counselor or psychologist, learning how to become a registered play therapist is one of many specialties in which existing professionals can become licensed and registered.

These options include becoming a RPT, a RPT-S, or a SB-RPT. Those working in this area must also renew these credentials on an annual basis. In addition, these individuals must also obtain and provide continuing education credits to the APT once every three years.

These mental health professionals are required to hold a license in the State where the practice takes place. To assure that all licensing and registration is completed correctly, the APT has released a guide which contains this and other pertinent information related to those interested in, or currently working in the field. It should be noted that existing therapists who want to become a supervisor or work in schools need to complete a different form than new applicants.

Basically involved in the same practices, SB-RPT are current school psychologists and counselors whom have satisfied the criteria as required by the APT guide. As with school counselors, these individuals hold a license from the Department of Education in the state in which the therapist resides. When traveling, it is important to note the requirements of each state as there can often be differences in requirements from one location to another.

There are times when these and other professionals have asked why it is necessary to obtain a secondary license or credentials on top of existing ones. The answer to the question varies depending on whom one asks. Although, the most common answer is that it allows the therapist to identify as specializing in a particular field.

When it comes to art, dance, play and other non-traditional forms of therapy, there tends to be an aspect of community. In addition, a number of these professionals feel that additional licensing also reflects the message that those specializing in a specific area are competent and well trained. Whereas, it is often easier for those seeking access to obtain contact information for a specific type of therapist where necessary.

While no supervision is currently required to verify that hours earned toward becoming play therapists are met on an annual basis, this will change on January 1st, 2020. After which, all experience and supervision requirements for the RPT and RPT-S must be supervised by another RPT-S. Whereas, any hours accrued in this area prior to that date will fall under current APT rules and regulations.

There are a number of psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors which use a variety of therapy forms in a general practice. While legal, there are benefits and drawbacks. For example, while there is no specialized licensing required, the individual can not identify as being specialized in any area in which additional credentials are required by the APT or State agencies.




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