WA Music Therapy Task Force
-
The WA Music Therapy Task Force is a grassroots advocacy team lobbying for better policies for music therapists and Washington residents.
We are dedicated to gathering resources, sharing information, and standing up for the needs of community members, clients, and clinicians.
Affiliation Disclaimer: The Washington Music Therapy Task Force is affiliated with the Certification Board of Music Therapists, a national organization. It is not incorporated in Washington state.
-
Since January 2025, a state license is required to practice music therapy, even if you hold an MT-BC credential.
The state license establishes music therapy as a health care profession in Washington and provides the following benefits:
improved client safety
standardized qualifications & competencies
foundations for seeking reimbursement
improved employment opportunities
Apply for a Music Therapy License and learn more at Washington State Department of Health
-
1. Ensuring licensure affordability. Work is being done with the Legislature and the Department of Health to ensure reasonable licensing costs for Music Therapists.
2. Representation at the Department of Health Music Therapy Advisory Committee. The Task Force works to ensure representation on the committee, and an advocacy presence at the committee meetings.
3. Medicaid Inclusion. The next step in increasing access to Music Therapy and insurance reimbursement is being included in the Medicaid State Plan. Work is being completed with legislators for Music Therapy program inclusion.
Previous Accomplishments:
Since 2023, the Task Force has successfully passed licensure legislation AND over $500,000 in Appropriations subsidies for licensees. Those completed projects put Washington state at the forefront of Music Therapy public policy across the nation.
-
-
Send us an email! Let us know your questions, ideas and concerns: wamusictherapytf@gmail.com
Get to know your legislators, click here to find your district number and legislators. Building connections with our legislators is how we can work towards better licensure fees for therapists and better systems of support for our clients.
About Us
Meet the Team
John Heckel MTL, MT-BC
Co-Chair
Tanesha Ross MTL, MT-BC, NMT Fellow
Co-Chair
Elizabeth VanSant MTL, MT-BC
Secretary
Peter Diedrick
Lobbyist & Consultant
Kate Schnieder MTL, MT-BC
Researcher
Updates:
Task Force is currently preparing for the 2027 legislative session. Here are the main goals:
Secure funding in the upcoming budget to lower licensing costs for music therapists.
Work with the Governor's Office to ensure any funds that are allocated to music therapists are utilized appropriately. If successful, licensing costs could be lowered by July 2027.
Ensure that an update to music therapy licensure is implemented correctly. The new language allows graduates of music therapy programs to practice under supervision of a licensed music therapist for up to 6 months before getting their license. This language will go into effect January 1st of 2028.
During the 2026 legislative session the Task Force partnered with the Governor's Office to include language in the budget requiring the Department of Health to complete a study on licensure costs and how they may be lowered for small professions including music therapists. The Task Force has provided relevant information to the Department of Health and will monitor the progress and results of this study.
Considering legislation this session to remove rules that the Department of Health identified as barriers to reducing licensure costs.
Getting a fiscal note for adding music therapy services to Medicare/Medicaid which would be an important step towards legislation in the future.
Questions? Email: wamusictherapytf@gmail.com