State Advocacy for Music Therapy
Advancing Recognition Together
Strengthening the Music Therapy Profession Together
Formal state recognition helps ensure that people receive safe and effective music therapy services from qualified professionals. To make this happen, the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) proudly collaborate on the State Recognition Operational Plan.
Launched in 2005, this joint national initiative focuses on securing state recognition for the music therapy profession and the MT-BC credential. By working together, we make it easier for clients to access the care they need while protecting the public.
When states formally recognize music therapy and the MT-BC credential, everyone benefits.
Protect the Public
The primary goal of state recognition is to ensure public safety. State licensure (the highest level of recognition) ensures only individuals who hold the national board certification credential from CBMT are qualified to provide music therapy services. When problems arise, states have the authority to investigate and take action. Without this mechanism, consumers have no formal recourse if a provider causes harm or fails to meet professional standards.
Improve Access to Care
Service access increases when states create formal recognition of music therapy and the MT-BC credential. Inclusion in statutes and regulations opens access to patient care offered within a variety of settings, resulting in the ability to provide music therapy services to more patients and families through existing state agency funding channels.
Expand Opportunities
State recognition of music therapy increases awareness of the education, clinical training, and national board certification required for competent practice. It also helps music therapists meet employment credentialing requirements and gives employers a clear standard for identifying qualified professionals, expanding opportunities to work across healthcare, education, and other settings.
Building National Recognition
State Recognition Operational Plan
Our goal is simple: achieve state recognition for music therapy and the MT-BC credential required for competent practice. We want state agencies to include music therapy in their listings of recognized professions and providers. To achieve this, we proceed systematically across all 50 states.
Build Task Forces
Through partnership with AMTA and CBMT, music therapy professionals and students volunteer to serve on state task forces to implement the state recognition operational plan.
Regulatory Review
Since music therapy is still new to many state systems, it often does not yet appear in existing statutes at all. We assess each state’s current regulatory environment and determine the best path forward.
Connect with Key Agencies
We communicate with state agencies that regulate health professions and recognize services for inclusion (such as Departments of Health, Education, Aging, and Medicaid).
Take Action
We develop state-specific fact sheets, request legislative and regulatory changes, and communicate directly with state legislators, agency officials, and consumer advocates.
Progress Across the Nation
Advancing Music Therapy Recognition
Current State Recognition
Curious about where your state stands? We regularly update a comprehensive National Overview document outlining the current status of music therapy recognition across the country.
State Advocacy by the Numbers
Over the past 20 years, our community has made remarkable progress, with 48 states and one U.S. territory engaged, 40 states introducing legislation, 30 states successfully passing legislation or revising regulations, and more than 300 music therapists contributing to advocacy efforts nationwide.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
This national initiative is made possible with the active participation and leadership of our music therapy community. Thank you to all the music therapists and students who contribute significant volunteer hours to this vital advocacy.
