What is Board Certification

 The American Board of Psychotherapy has put together a rigorous and rich

program for those who want to excel in the field of psychotherapy. Having finished the required number of units in courses approved by the American College of Psychotherapy, you can apply to be Boarded in Psychotherapy, by the American Board of Psychotherapy. It acknowledges and rewards you for participating in a wide range of training in psychotherapy and identifies you as being highly trained, skilled and most competent in your field of study. You may choose the general Board Certification, that of Fellow,  Diplomate, or certification in a specific area as a Specialist.

Whether completing the required hours for American Board Certified Psychotherapist or having completed work in your “Specialty”, following each, you will be tested and Certified, based on the path of professional development you have chosen.

Board Certification

ELIGBILITY

ABCP – American Board  Certified Psychotherapist

American Board Certification in Psychotherapy is offered to the following professionals:

Psychiatrists                                              Physicians’ Assistants

Physicians                                                  Marriage and Family Therapists

Psychologists                                            Credentialed Professional Art Therapists

Professional Counselors                         Credentialed Addiction Specialist

Social Workers                                          Clergy (having completed CPE supervision)

Nurses (RN or APRN)                               Pastoral Counselors (having completed supervision)

Nurse Practitioners                                 Chaplains (having completed supervision)

Levels of Distinction

Board Certified Psychotherapist

Fellow

Diplomate

Specialist

( 50 hrs  total)

35  additional

50   additional

65 additional

Within 2 years  (Basic)

( Total 85 hrs)    Within 4 years

(Total  135)        Within  6 years

( Total   200)    unlimited period

  • CEU hours must be from those certified by the American College of Psychotherapy.
  • Special consideration will be available for those who are disabled or disadvantaged due to distance and lack of availability due to locale.
  • Membership in the American College of Psychotherapy is required.
  • Testing is required for “Board Certification” and for “Specialist” while maintaining membership in the American College of Psychotherapy.
  • Recertification every seven years required by update testing over identified course material.

While this may sound rigorous, much of it will typically be part of your own license renewal process. Becoming an American Board Certified Psychotherapist, does require successful completion of testing for credentialing, as we are not a “vanity” board or organization but one designed to acknowledge you for the mastery of information and skills regarding your professional career.

Remember that you will have already paid for the CEU’s for professional development or licensure, so why not get additional credentialing without additional CEU expense.

We can assure you, like most, that you will find this path of professional development makes a substantial difference in the success of your practice, the development of your professional skills, and your own personal growth and satisfaction.