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, 2012)
More than 28,000 Missourians receive music therapy services each year.
- This estimate is based on the average number of clients seen by Missouri music therapists responding to a statewide survey.
- Unfortunately, many more people who could possibly benefit from music therapy have no access to services due to lack of state recognition and reimbursement for services from thirds party sources.
More than 137 nationally Board Certified Music Therapists (MT-BCs) work in Missouri.
- Board-certified music therapists must complete a degree in music therapy at a college or university approved by the American Music Therapy Association.
- Board-certified music therapists work within a scope of practice, adhere to a code of professional practice, and demonstrate current competency in the profession.
- In addition, board-certified music therapists must meet extensive, continuing education and recertification requirements every five years.
Music therapy is evidence-based and cost-effective.
- Functional outcomes include increased staff efficiency and improved risk management, improved client response to treatment, and decreased pain, agitation, and disruptive behaviors.
- Cost effective impacts include addressing multiple domains in one session, reducing medication costs, reducing behavioral and psychosocial barriers to treatment, and supporting generalization to other environments.
- Preliminary cost studies have demonstrated that coordinated interventions result in rapid gains in outcomes, and that costs increase when access is denied.
- Because music therapy is a skilled profession, qualified music therapists in Missouri, along with the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), strongly recommend that “music therapy” become a protected title through a state license or registry. This is essential for insuring the safety of Missouri citizens and for increasing their access to music therapy.