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.

Children's Intensive In-Home Behavioral Support (CIIBS) Waiver

Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR)

DSHS New Freedom Wavier

Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

Private Insurance / Super Bill

• Questions? Email: wamusictherapytf@gmail.com

1. Send us an email! Let us know your questions, ideas and concerns: wamusictherapytf@gmail.com

2. 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.