The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)
In the United States, two organizations work to promote music therapy and increase access to its services: The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Each has distinct missions but all share a common end goal: strengthening the profession, providing quality services to clients, and upholding professional standards.
AMTA provides a wealth of resources and tools to help people comprehend the advantages of music therapy and locate an experienced therapist. It also works to promote this profession within communities, government institutions and educational settings, while supporting research into its practice and potential outcomes.
Music therapy is an evidence-based field that utilizes music to address health, developmental and social needs for people of all ages, cultures and abilities. Studies have demonstrated its benefits on mental and physical wellbeing, reduced stress levels, improved emotional and behavioral issues as well as increasing self-expression.
The American Music Therapy Association is the apex body for music therapy and provides educational materials on its many benefits. Their website contains helpful resources as well as a practitioner search tool to help you locate an AMTA-licensed music therapist near you.
For entry into the profession of music therapy, a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is typically required. Music therapists then pursue further education with master’s or doctoral degrees in this field – often including clinical internships. Upon completion of these degree programs, music therapists can sit for the national board exam to become board certified.
This credential is issued by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), an accredited organization. It’s mandatory for professional practice in America and serves as a mark of professionalism within music therapy.
Music therapists may utilize a range of techniques and methods to facilitate musical experiences during treatment sessions, depending on the client’s individual needs and preferences. These could include improvisation, playing traditional instruments or digital equipment, listening to recorded music and engaging socially within a group setting.
These techniques and methods for providing musical experiences have proven successful in treating conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, trauma and more. Furthermore, they support learning and academic achievement, physical rehabilitation speech development and other cognitive processes.
Music therapists may be overseen by another licensed allied health professional or psychologist to ensure they follow appropriate protocols and deliver high-quality care. This supervision may be ongoing or as needed.
It is essential to remember that music therapists play an integral role in the healing process by providing therapeutic tools and guidance to their clients. While music plays an integral role, the primary focus should always remain on the client’s overall wellbeing and progress toward goals.
Music therapists must build an ongoing and meaningful relationship with their client that is founded on trust and respect. Furthermore, they must prioritize ensuring the client’s safety at all times. Together, they should set goals, objectives, and a plan for music therapy treatment that incorporates these qualities.
