1. Understand the Prerequisites

Before you can apply for the RPT credential, you need to meet specific educational and professional requirements. You should thoroughly review the RPT Application and Standards provided on the Association for Play Therapy website. Typically, these include:

• A master's or higher mental health degree from an institution of higher education.

• A license as a mental health professional in one of the following fields: counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychiatry, psychology, or social work.

2. Acquire Necessary Training

To apply for the RPT, you'll need to spend at least two (2) years in a dedicated training process specific to learning and practicing play therapy under appropriate supervision:

• Play Therapy Instruction: 150 hours of play therapy specific instruction related to play therapy theories, techniques, or methods. You can acquire these from APT Approved Providers or through a higher education institution.

• Supervised Play Therapy Experience: A minimum of 350 hours of direct client contact using play therapy under the supervision of an RPT-S is required. Minimum 35 hours of RPT-S specific supervision is required to cover the required hours of supervised play therapy experience. Additionally, you'll need supervision of 5 session observations by an RPT-S.

3. Gather Supporting Documentation

Maintain an organized file with:

• Transcripts from your degree program.

• Certifications or licenses in clinical mental health disciplines.

• Proof of completed play therapy training (i.e. certificates of completion for earned play therapy CEs or transcripts listing earned credits from graduate level play therapy courses.

• Supervision logs or signed attestations of your experience from your RPT-S supervisor(s).

4. Familiarize Yourself with the Application

Before starting, download the latest version of the RPT application from the Association for Play Therapy (APT) website. This will ensure you're using the most current form and can adhere to the specific guidelines. The APT Office has representatives available to answer any questions that come up along the way.

5. Complete the Application

• Personal Details: Fill in your name, contact information, and professional credentials.

• Educational & Licensing Information: List your educational background, license numbers, and relevant dates.

• Training Details: Provide a breakdown of the play therapy courses, seminars, and workshops you've attended.

• Supervision: Include details of your supervised play therapy experience, ensuring you adhere to the required number of hours and proper documentation.

6. Pay the Application Fee

Fees vary, so be sure to check the current rates on the APT website. Payments are usually accepted via check, money order, or credit card.

7. Submit Your Application

Send your application packet, including all supporting documents, to the address provided on the application. Always keep copies of everything you send for your records.

8. Await Feedback

The review process might take several weeks. If there are any discrepancies or missing information, APT will typically get in touch. Ensure you provide any additional details they request promptly.

9. Celebrate and Stay Current

Once you receive your RPT designation, congratulations are in order! However, keep in mind that to maintain your RPT credential, you'll need to adhere to continuing education requirements and renew your credential periodically.