What is Music Therapy?

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.  (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2019)

 

Music therapists are independently certified through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (www.cbmt.org) after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, 1200+ hours of clinical training between practicum and supervised internship, and passing a national board exam. A qualified music therapist holds the credential “MT-BC.”

 

Board-certified music therapists use music and music-based experiences to improve the quality of life for Coloradans of all ages and abilities.

 

• Currently, there are over 200 board-certified music therapists in Colorado as of March 2020.

• It is estimated that Colorado music therapists treated over 22,000 Coloradans last year! Unfortunately, many more people who could benefit from music therapy have no access to services due to the lack of state recognition. 

• Populations served in Colorado include: Individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical and sensory impairments, mental health, and seniors with Alzheimer’s/dementia

• Where do MT-BCs work? In residential care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses, schools, general medical hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, hospices, behavioral and mental health agencies, geriatric facilities, group homes, child development centers, outpatient clinics, other health and educational facilities, and private practice. 

 

What is the Music Therapy State Task Force?

The state task force is a group of Colorado music therapists striving to increase recognition of the MT-BC credential in our state.  Next year, the task force will be introducing a state recognition bill to ensure that qualified professionals provide music therapy to consumers.  Official state recognition will increase access to music therapy services for Coloradans.

 

State Recognition Across the U.S.

Currently, 15 states have legislation recognizing the MT-BC credential. This includes licensure, registration, state certification, and title protection. In addition, there are 19 states that have introduced, or are planning to file MT legislation in 2021.

 

Alarming Fact:  16% of Colorado music therapists have been made aware of cases where potential or real harm has been done to a consumer of services by a non-credentialed service provider claiming to be providing “music therapy.”

 

For more information, visit:  https://www.musictherapycolorado.org/state-task-force