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Thursday, February 7, 2019

Discovering How To Become A Registered Play Therapist

By Martha Anderson


While becoming a psychologist or psychotherapist generally requires a Bachelors Degree of Psychology or Social Work, additional training is often required to work in a specific area. As such, understanding how to become a registered play therapist is important for those wishing to work in this area. For, there are specific criteria which is often set by associations such as the Association of Play Therapy in addition to rules and regulations set by the state.

Individuals seeking to become therapists working in this area must already be state licensed mental health professionals. Whether child psychologists, school counselors or psychotherapists, all must meet criteria as defined in associated guidebooks. Depending on the organization and state, there may also be a number of continuing educational requirements on an ongoing basis.

Before applying, applicants need to understand the meaning of three job titles in the area and overall job descriptions. The positions and titles in this area include Registered Play Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and School Based Play Therapist. While each position is similar in providing therapy to clients, SB-RPTs must hold a certificate and license from the a state Department of Education.

Applicants licensed by a state mental facility are not eligible for a SB-RPT position though those whom have been licensed by a state board of mental health may be eligible for RPT-S and RPT positions. Whereas, the APT allows therapists to hold multiple credentials such as having a certificate and license as a RPT-S, RPT and SB-RPT. While this is the case, there are often additional rules and regulations for those whom hold multiple certificates in this area.

Regardless of these requirements, there are a number of benefits when it comes to becoming a professional working in this area. For one thing, being a RPT or RPT-S relays the knowledge an individual has in the field of play therapy to universities, schools, children, parents and associates. Whereas, registration in this area also provides visibility and credibility of specialized training in this area.

There are also specific work requirements for those working in this area. These include two thousand direct client contact and two years of direct hours for those applying for SB-RPT and RPT positions. Whereas, three thousand hours of client contact and three thousand direct hours are required for those desiring to work in RPT-S positions.

It should be noted that these are only the basic educational and employment requirements and do not include those set by various associations involved in this type of therapy. As such, it is important to inquire about specific organizational based requirements when planning on applying for a certificate or license in this area. After which, it is more likely that an application will be accepted without having to reapply due to missing criteria, proof of education and employment or missing information.

If applying for a position, it is important to provide proof of having met all criteria and requirements such as those related to education and employment. In addition, as different types of proof are required, it is important to inquire as to whether or not the proof being sent is acceptable and approved by the association to which the application is being sent.




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