TX HB4557

Establishes the Texas Art Therapy Board with five governor-appointed members (three licensed professional art therapists, one non-art therapist healthcare professional, and one public member) to regulate art therapy practice in Texas

Creates two license types: Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) requiring a master's/doctoral degree, at least 3,000 hours of supervised practice over two years, and passing the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination; and Licensed Associate Art Therapist (LAAT) for those completing educational requirements but still gaining supervised experience

Expands the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council from nine to eleven members by adding one professional art therapist and one public member from the new art therapy board

Makes practicing art therapy without a license or misrepresenting oneself as a licensed art therapist a Class B misdemeanor, with enforcement beginning September 1, 2026

Requires license application fees of at least $183, biennial license renewal with continuing education requirements, and provides a waiver pathway until March 1, 2027 for practitioners with five years of experience who hold Art Therapy Credentials Board credentials