Frequently Asked Questions - Music Therapy

The definition of music therapy can be found in RCW 18.233.010(5). Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals of clients by employing strategies and tools. Music therapists accept referrals for music therapy services from health care professionals and others, conduct music therapist assessments to determine appropriate music therapist services, as well as implement music therapy treatment plans among other services described in the law.

The Department is working to begin processing applications in October 2024.

Individuals providing music therapy are required to be licensed as a music therapist beginning January 1, 2023.

Yes. Exemptions are found in RCW 18.233.050. Specific exemptions are as follows:

• Any person licensed, certified, or regulated in Washington in another profession practicing in accordance with the law, as long as the person does not represent themselves as a music therapist.
• Any person whose training and national certification attests to the individual’s preparation and ability to practice that profession, as long as the person does not represent themselves as a music therapist.
• Practice of music therapy as an integral part of a program of study for students enrolled in a music therapy education program.

A music therapist must have the following qualifications:

• Graduated from a course of instruction in music therapy by schools that have obtained accreditation of the program from the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
• Passed the examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapy (CBMT). An individual that has a current Music Therapist Board Certification (Mt-BC) can submit proof of the MT-BC in place of graduation from an approved music therapy school and passing the examination.
• An individual who is licensed in another state that has substantially equivalent requirements to Washington may be able to obtain licensure without showing proof of graduation from an approved music therapy school and passing the examination.

The department will add a “Licensing Information” section to the Music Therapist website. You will be able to find the application and instructions there once they are available.

The proposed fee for license application is $300.

The required documentation may take several weeks to receive. Routine applications may be issued within two weeks following receipt of all required information. Applications requiring additional background information or review may take longer.

A “yes” answer to a personal data question or the existence of a criminal conviction does not automatically prohibit the department from issuing a credential. If you answer “yes” on any of the personal data questions or if a criminal history appears on a criminal background check, your file will be evaluated on an individual basis. Your application would then become an exception file, and the normal application processing time does not apply.

The initial license will expire on the first birthday after your credential is issued unless your birthday is within ninety days of the issuance of the credential. In that case, your credential will expire on the next birthday.

Examples:

• A credential is issued on January 1, 2024 and the license holder’s first birthday is February 21, 2024. The first renewal will come due on February 21, 2025.
• A credential is issued on January 1, 2024 and the license holder’s first birthday is April 15, 2024. The first renewal will come due on April 15, 2024.

After the first renewal, the license will need to be renewed every two years on your birthday.

Six to eight weeks prior to your birthday a courtesy reminder will be mailed to your address on record. Renewal payment must be received by the department or postmarked on or before your birth date. The renewal notice isn't required to renew. Contact the Customer Service Center at 360-236-4700 if you have questions regarding your renewal process.

Yes. The proposed rules require that you either have a current MT-BC credential or provide proof of 40 hours of continuing education per each two-year renewal period. Requirements for individuals that do not hold a current MT-BC are being adopted in rule.

To renew your license, review the Renewal Process.

Refer to WAC 246-12-040 - How to return to active status when a credential has expired. There will also be a rule to address returning a license to active status if it has been expired for more than five years.

Not currently. Apple Health (Medicaid) is managed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), not the Department of Health.

Sign up for updates for the music therapist program by selecting “Sign up for Updates from DOH” at the bottom of this page. Under “Subscription Topics” move down to “Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) in bold type and then to “Health Professions” also in bold type. Under Health Professions, select the box for “Music Therapists.”