We have been working diligently to establish a concrete body of evidence validating the music therapy field, and illustrating its salutary benefits. This is a vital component, as we want to educate the general public about music therapy so that they can advocate for state recognition of the field itself. Although there is current board certification of music therapists known as MT-BC, many states refuse to recognize this training and board certification, resulting in a lot of patients being denied access to the treatment. As is noted in “Music Therapy in Texas: A Fact Sheet,” state recognition is vital for creating a state license or registry that would “ensure the safety of our citizens and for increasing their access to services.” 38 states have already established task forces aimed at the recognition of music therapy through legislation, by creating licensing and regulation requirements for therapists. It is reported that this state recognition allows access to a funding stream previously denied due to lack of state recognition. Currently, the AMTA and CBMT are working together on a State Recognition Operational Plan. The primary purpose of this plan, as noted by musictherapymaven.com, “is to get music therapy and our MT-BC credential recognized by individual states so that citizens can more easily access [music therapy’s] services.” This collaboration is hinged upon citizen advocacy of the topic to push such legislation onto state government agenda.

We have been sending out emails to get an authoritative insight about the issue of state recognition. This is being done with the ultimate purpose of learning how ordinary citizens can partake in advocating for the state recognition of this clinical field.

Interviews are set in motion as of now. Stay tuned………..