The Music Therapy Code of Ethics
Ethical practice is an integral aspect of music therapy practice. It encompasses principles and duties the therapist has towards their clients and community, as well as in professional relationships with others – including other professionals.
The music therapy code of ethics has been created to guarantee a high standard of ethical practice within the field. It is the responsibility of all music therapists to abide by this Code and report any violations to their professional organization or ethics board.
Music therapy sessions may encounter various challenging scenarios. When confidentiality is breached or there is evidence of exploitation, an ethical approach must be taken in order to resolve these matters.
Music therapists must strive to uphold the highest possible ethical standards. Those who violate these norms may face disciplinary action and could potentially lose their licensure.
1. Medical Technologists must safeguard the privacy and integrity of client/patient information during and after treatment. This means that therapists cannot reveal any details about a client’s medical condition or other identifying details to anyone unless required by law or court order.
2. Medical technologists must be cognizant of the significance of cultural empathy when working with individuals from diverse cultures, regardless of their backgrounds. Having this awareness and comprehension of cultural distinctions can enable MTs to provide effective treatments to patients or clients from all backgrounds without jeopardizing patient confidentiality.
3. Medical technicians (MTs) should be mindful that their personal interests are directly tied to those of their patient/client, and they should never attempt to fulfill these desires at any expense or in a way which compromises their wellbeing.
4. Medical technicians (MTs) must make a reasonable effort to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills through in-service training and supervision, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
5. Medical Technologists must be willing to respectfully share their thoughts and experience with their colleagues. Doing this helps avoid retaliation against fellow MTs and fosters positive relationships among colleagues.
6. Music therapists should strive to increase public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and how it can enhance a person’s wellbeing. This can be accomplished by informing people about our services as well as participating in professional conferences.
7. Music Therapists should advocate for and/or facilitate international collaborations that foster knowledge sharing about ethical clinical care and research in music therapy. Doing so will create a diverse and inclusive community for the advancement of this field, ultimately improving research quality worldwide.
8. Music therapy practitioners (MTs) should seek guidance and assistance from their professional organization’s music therapy ethics committee when confronting ethical dilemmas in the course of their work. This could include providing feedback on reports produced by the ethics committee or helping identify ethical topics for future research.