American Music Therapy Association
Non-discrimination And Equal Opportunity Policy

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity: fairness, justice, and respect for all persons. AMTA works to ensure that the association, AMTA-approved academic programs and internships, and settings in which music therapists work are safe and welcoming regardless of actual or perceived characteristics, including race, ethnicity, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, marital status, language, ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, developmental level, health status, or any other personal identity, distinguishing characteristic, or disabilities.

AMTA’s ethics and standards about non-discrimination, equal opportunity, fairness, and social justice are described in the Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice, and the Standards of Clinical Practice.  These documents outline AMTA’s expectations for the provision of high quality, non-discriminatory, just and fair music therapy services, education and clinical training practices, and interactions with others.

Consistent with the ethics and standards of AMTA, it is the policy of the association that:

• AMTA does not engage in or condone actions and/or policies that discriminate against persons, including clients and their families, other recipients of services, students, interns, supervisees, and colleagues. AMTA supports policies and actions that promote equal opportunity, justice, fairness, and respect for all persons in all settings.

• AMTA promotes awareness and knowledge of how diversity factors may influence development, behavior, learning, and therapy services.

• AMTA strives to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from music therapy.

This policy aligns with AMTA’s mission of advancing public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increasing access to quality music therapy services.

approved by the AMTA Board of Directors and Assembly of Delegates, November 2015