Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Understanding 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.

Some mental health professionals and others have been known to ask why it is necessary to obtain additional licensing and registration to work in a specific area. Most often, the answer relates to the training involved as it allows these individuals to learn a great deal more about a specific area. As such, a number of these individuals feel that it reflects a stronger sense of confidence and competency when working with clients.

By obtaining credentials in a specific area, those working in the area often become part of a larger community. In addition, a number of mental health professionals feel that holding more than one certificate or degree displays a sense of competence and professionalism. As such, there are a number of different reasons as to why those working in the field of mental health desire to do so.

While supervision is not required to confirm hours earned towards becoming this type of mental health professional, there will be as of January 1, 2020. As a result, supervision and experience requirements must be supervised in person by a fellow supervisor for any earned continuing education credits to qualify. Whereas, any continuing education hours accrued prior to these changes will fall under current APT guidelines.

Ultimately, there are psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors whom incorporate different aspects of various therapies into treatment plans. In this case, there are generally no additional credentials required. At the same time, these individuals can not identify as specializing in dance, play or any other therapy in which additional licensing or registration is required.




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