Getting Credentialed

FIRST — ​Download and read the free training guide to familiarize yourself with requirements and next steps to take.

NEXT — Speak with at least two certified mentors (can be found in the Directory of Certified Mentors​) on our site to explore the best fit for your needs. Every certified mentor will be aware of training opportunities including National Association for Poetry Therapy (NAPT) annual conferences, individual certified mentor training programs, and other national and international options.

Which Credential to Pursue

Below is a summary of the requirements for each credential.

Works with
Education
Prerequisites in Psychology
Prerequisites in Literature
Didactic
Facilitation
Populations
Supervised Facilitation
Peer Poetry Therapy Experience
Capstone Project
Total Hours
CAPF
Mentally Healthy Populations
Bachelors
• Human Development Across the LifeSpan
• Group Process
• Abnormal Psychology / Psychology of Differences or the equivalent
Creative Writing
Poetry as Genre
Literature of Other Genres: fiction, non-fiction, drama
200 hours
120 hours
At least 2 different non-clinical populations
At least 30 hours of poetry therapy at one site with one population
60 hours
1:1 oversight 20 hours
10 hours can be provided by another mentor
60 hours
-
440
CPT
Mentally Healthy as well as those that have been clinically diagnosed
Licensed graduate in clinical mental health
• Human Development Across the LifeSpan
• Group Process
• Abnormal Psychology
Creative Writing
Poetry as Genre
Literature of Other Genres: fiction, non-fiction, drama
200 hours
120 hours
Half the hours need to be with a clinical population
20 hours needed with a non-clinical population
60 hours
1:1 oversight 20 hours
20 hours can be provided by a clinical supervisor
60 hours
-
440
PTR
Mentally Healthy as well as those that have been clinically diagnosed
Licensed graduate in clinical mental health
• Human Development Across the LifeSpan
• Group Process
• Abnormal Psychology / Psychology of Differences or equivalent
Creative Writing
Poetry as Genre
Literature of Other Genres: fiction, non-fiction, drama
250 hours
300 hours
3 different populations in a clinical setting
At least one non-clinical population
One or more long term experience in a single facility of practice is required.
100 hours
1:1 oversight 40 hours
40 hours can be provided by a clinical supervisor
60 hours
100 hours will be awarded
810

Note: It is necessary that the bachelor’s degree be earned prior to the start of the CAPF program.

Candidates for licensure in a mental health field may complete all requirements for the CPT and be awarded the CAPF until licensure is conferred.

In addition, a course in Ethics and Records Management must be completed within the first six months of training.

All applications must be submitted electronically. Paper submissions will not be accepted.