West Liberty University provides the following disclosures related to the educational requirements for professional licensure per U.S. Federal Regulations, §668.43 (2019 Rule), and in compliance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) Manual version 19.2:
The graduate Art Therapy and Counseling (ATC) program at West Liberty University provides the coursework required for professional credentials as an art therapist (ATR) with the Art Therapy Credentials Board and Art Therapy Licensure in states where it is available, and licensure as a counselor in West Virginia. Other states have their own art therapy or counseling licensure requirements. Since licensure requirements change, specific determinations that the ATC curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all 50 states is an ongoing process. Please consult the NC-SARA Counseling Licensure Directory maintained by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) for contact information on state licensing boards.
The following licensing information is current as of October 9, 2024.
NOTE: Postgraduate supervision and passing an exam are required for state licensure.
The graduate ATC program curriculum meets the state educational requirements for counseling licensure or art therapy license in the following states.
Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut (Clinical Licensed Art Therapist and LPC), Delaware (Licensed Professional Art Therapist and LPC ), District of Columbia (Professional Art Therapy License and LPC), Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky (Professional Art Therapy License and LPC), Louisiana, Maryland (Professional Clinical Art Therapy License and LPC), Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi (Professional Art Therapy License and LPC), Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey (Professional Art Therapy License and LPC), New Mexico (Professional Art Therapist License and LPC), New York (Creative Arts Therapy License), North Dakota (Licensed Professional Art Therapist and LPC), Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming
The graduate ATC program curriculum meets the state educational requirements licensure in the following states with additional coursework: Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, New York (LMHC), Texas (Professional Counselor with Specialization in Art Therapy License LPC-AT), Wisconsin (Registered Art Therapist with License to Practice Psychotherapy)
The graduate ATC program curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for counseling licensure or art therapy license in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, North Carolina, Florida (after 2025, the program will meet the educational requirements with additional coursework).
For current contact information for state licensing boards, please consult the NC-SARA Counseling Licensure Directory maintained by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Students seeking professional licensure and who intend to practice their professions outside of West Virginia are advised to meet with the graduate ATC Program Director to determine whether our courses meet licensure requirements in other states.
International Students
The graduate Art Therapy and Counseling program is an online program and as such provides flexibility for students to study and complete their supervised practicum/internship where they live. It is the student’s responsibility to understand requirements related to whether an online degree or certificate will be recognized in a country other than the United States. Some countries may not formally recognize foreign online degrees and certificates, which may have implications for students who later seek to enroll in other educational programs or seek employment requiring specific credentials. If you’re considering enrolling in an online program that leads to a professional license, contact the appropriate professional licensing board in your country of residence or the country where you intend to work to determine whether an online degree or certificate from WLU will be recognized. In addition, reach out to your local Art Therapy or Expressive Therapy Associations for additional guidance on the requirements for licensure/certification in your country.