Branches Overview

In this section, the Association for Play Therapy (APT) describes its affiliation with chartered branches within the United States.

Branches are chartered as independently incorporated organizations to ensure local training, advocacy, and peer contact opportunities for mental health professionals and students.

An APT member residing within the territory of a chartered branch must also be a member of that branch. In accordance with their charter agreements, each branch provides at least these annual benefits to members:

• 4 communications
• 5 hours of APT-approved play therapy continuing education
• 1 public play therapy promotion
• Peer networking opportunities

Branches exhibiting superior performance are annually presented Gold Branch Awards and are identified by the Gold Branch insignia. To earn a Gold Branch Award, a branch must between April and March:

• Comply with its charter agreement
• Increase its number of Professional members by 5%
• Provide at least 12 hours of APT-approved play therapy continuing education
• Disseminate at least 5 member communications (e.g. newsletters, e-bulletins, etc.)
• Ensure that at least 10% of its Professional members are RPT/S designees
• Sponsor at least 2 public outreach play therapy promotions
• Ensure that its president attended the annual branch business meeting
• Ensure that its board reviewed recommended Administrative Audit Criteria

Gold Branch Award criteria, instructions and application (SmartDOC)
Final Report - APT Branch Performance (PDF)

Members are invited to organize a branch in their territories if such do not already exist. After reviewing the criteria but before submitting the application, contact APT, (559) 252-2278.

Branch Start-up Kit (PDF)