What Do LCAT, ATR-BC and SEP Mean? A Guide to Therapist Credentials in New York

LCAT, ATR-BC and SEP are three credentials you'll often see after a creative arts or trauma therapist's name in New York. LCAT is a New York State license to practice. ATR-BC is a national board certification in art therapy. SEP means someone has completed professional training in Somatic Experiencing, a body-based approach to trauma.

Credentials don't tell you everything about a therapist, but they tell you what training and oversight stand behind their work. Here's what each one means and why it matters when you're choosing someone. You can also learn about art therapy at CAP.

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What does LCAT mean?

LCAT stands for Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. It's the license New York State requires to practice creative arts therapy, including art therapy, music therapy and drama therapy.

To earn it, New York requires, among other things (New York State Education Department, n.d.):

• A master's or doctoral degree in creative arts therapy
• At least 1,500 hours of supervised experience after the degree, including at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact
• Passing an approved exam, such as the Art Therapy Credentials Board exam

An LCAT is a mental health license. It means the therapist is licensed to provide psychotherapy, not only to lead art activities.

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What is a limited permit?

A limited permit lets a creative arts therapist who has finished their degree practice while completing the supervised experience needed for full licensure. In New York, limited permits are issued for specific practice sites and require a qualified supervisor (New York State Education Department, n.d.).

You may see this called "pre-licensed." It's a normal stage in a therapist's career. At CAP, pre-licensed clinicians work under close weekly supervision, and their sessions cost less, which can make therapy more accessible.

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What does ATR-BC mean?

ATR-BC stands for Board Certified Registered Art Therapist. It's a national credential from the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). An art therapist first becomes a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), then earns board certification by passing the ATCB exam. Board-certified art therapists recertify every five years through continuing education or by retaking the exam (Art Therapy Credentials Board, n.d.).

The ATCB describes the ATR-BC as its highest-level art therapy competency credential. You may also see ATCS, Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor, which recognizes art therapists qualified to supervise others.

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What does SEP mean?

SEP means a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, someone who has completed the professional training program offered by Somatic Experiencing International. The training is taught in modules over about two and a half to three years, and it includes receiving personal SE sessions (Somatic Experiencing International, n.d.).

SEP isn't a license. It's specialized training a licensed therapist adds on top of their license. To see what this work looks like, read what happens in a somatic therapy session.

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Do credentials matter when choosing a therapist?

They matter, but they're not the whole story.

• A license protects you. It means the therapist met state education, supervision and exam standards and answers to a licensing board.
• Certifications and training show focus. ATR-BC and SEP tell you a therapist has gone deep in a specific approach.
• Fit still matters. How you feel working with someone counts as much as the letters after their name. A free consult is the best way to find out if you click.
• Online therapy has a licensing rule. Your therapist needs to be licensed in the state where you are during each session.

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What credentials do CAP's therapists hold?

At CAP Therapy NYC, our senior clinicians are board-certified art therapists (ATR-BC) and licensed creative arts therapists (LCAT). Our founder, Jennifer Byxbee, LCAT, ATR-BC, SEP, completed the professional Somatic Experiencing training, and Clara Gomez, ATR-BC, LCAT, is completing her SE certification. Each clinician's credentials are listed on our team page.

We see clients in person at 150 W 28th St in Chelsea or online across NY, NJ and CT, always with a clinician licensed in the state you're in. Learn about somatic therapy at CAP, or book a free 15-minute consult.

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FAQ

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Is an art therapist a real therapist?

In New York, a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) holds a state mental health license to provide psychotherapy, using art and other creative methods alongside talk.

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What's the difference between ATR and ATR-BC?

ATR means Registered Art Therapist. ATR-BC means a registered art therapist who has also passed the national board certification exam.

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Is SEP a license?

No. SEP is specialized training in Somatic Experiencing. It's added on top of a professional license.

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Can a pre-licensed therapist help me?

Yes. Pre-licensed therapists have completed their degree and practice under a qualified supervisor. Ask how supervision works.

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How do I check a New York license?

The New York State Office of the Professions offers online license verification.

This post is for education. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.

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References

• Art Therapy Credentials Board. (n.d.). Board certification. https://atcb.org/board-certification-lp/
• New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. (n.d.). License requirements for creative arts therapists. https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/creative-arts-therapists/license-requirements
• Somatic Experiencing International. (n.d.). Professional training. https://traumahealing.org/professional-training/