About MT State Recognition

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. ~ The American Music Therapy Association, 2013

In order to ensure that "music therapy" is provided by individuals who meet established education, clinical training, and credential qualifications, each state must officially recognize the music therapy profession and the MT-BC credential required for competent practice. Official state recognition is the first step towards successful inclusion within health and education regulation, which has two primary and specific benefits:

1. Protects clients or patients from potential harm or mis-representation from individuals that are not board certified music therapists and are not practicing under the MT-BC Scope of Practice (i.e., non-music therapy musicians in healthcare)
2. Allows patients or clients and their families to access services provided by a board certified music therapist as determined by various state agencies such as the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, etc., that require service providers be state-recognized.

State recognition also has the following additional, ancillary benefits:

• Increases awareness of music therapy as a profession, resulting in increased service referrals, increased employment opportunities, and increased enrollment in educational training programs.
• Increases access to private and public funding streams as most of these programs require that providers have a state-recognized credential.
• Provide additional validation of what music therapists do as part of the educational or healthcare treatment team.

Since 2005, the American Music Therapy Association and the Certification Board for Music Therapists have collaborated on the State Recognition Operational Plan. This plan was designed as a proactive effort to address the changing climate of healthcare and education programs and the role of state regulations in determining qualified professionals. The primary goal of the State Recognition Plan is to help states achieve recognition of the music therapy profession and the MT-BC credential required for competent practice.

Learn more at www.musictherapy.org and www.cbmt.org