Clinically Trained & ANZACATA* Registered Art Therapists, as defined by NSW Health and associated state awards, have:

• a Master’s-level qualification in art therapy or creative arts therapy

• completed supervised clinical placements. In Australia this is 750 completed hours minimum of clinical placement.

• training in mental health, trauma-informed practice, and ethical care

• ongoing professional supervision and development

• adherence to a code of ethics and complaints process

*Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) is the peak professional body for the field.

Art therapists can support people of all ages and may be used in individual or group settings, across community, health, education, and justice contexts. 

See here for NSW government allied health art therapy definition.

What does ANZACATA registration mean?

Professional registration helps protect both clients and practitioners.

Registered art therapists:

• work within clear ethical guidelines

• have accountability through a professional body

• are required to maintain clinical supervision

• are trained to recognise risk, trauma responses, and safeguarding needs

This is particularly important when art therapy is offered to:

• children and young people

• people with trauma histories

• people accessing NDIS or community services

• individuals experiencing mental health challenges

Registration supports informed choice and transparency.