Howdy! We're the Texas Task Force.
The Texas State Task Force for Music Therapy Recognition is a volunteer group of music therapists who advocate for the state recognition of music therapy and the MT-BC credential in order to protect the public from unqualified persons misrepresenting our field.
Meet the Force
Texas Music Therapy
Texas is home to over 700 MT-BCs serving approximately 205,000 Texans annually.
Texas universities offering music therapy degrees:
1. West Texas A&M
2. Texas Woman's University
3. Southern Methodist University
4. University of the Incarnate Word
5. Sam Houston State University
6. University of Houston (pending)
Additionally, Texas is home to 12 active national roster internship sites.
Our History
1999
LPC Act Exemption
Passed exemption for music therapy from the LPC act, ensuring MT-BCs would not have to hold a counseling license.
2007
Task Force Established
The Texas State Task Force for Music Therapy recognition was officially established in 2007.
2009
First SWAMTA Hill Day
Several SWAMTA members traveled to the capitol to build relationships with legislators and provide information about music therapy.
2013
Advocacy Octoberfest
The Task Force surveyed MT-BCs, created a TX MT fact sheet, and posted calls to actions. Our Festival of Advocacy resulted in meaningful relationships with legislators.
2015
Hill Day and TX MT Day
SWAMTA members traveled to Austin for our second Hill Day, which resulted HR 257, formally recognizing February 3, 2015 as Texas Music Therapy Day.
2017
SWAMTA Lobby Day, HB 1376
In 2017, Rep Sarah Davis filed HB1376, a Study bill referred to public health committee, read once and filed but was never discussed in committee.
2019
SWAMTA Hill Day, HB and SB
Rep. Davis filed HB 787, which passed the house and was sent to the Senate, but never scheduled for a Senate committee hearing. Sen Johnson filed companion bill SB539 which was never heard in committee. SWAMTA hosted a very successful Hill Day in Austin.
2021
Bills
HB 2473 and SB 1452
Companion bills which would have established a music therapy license in Texas introduced by Rep. Ann Johnson and Sen. Alvarado. HB 2473 was referred to Calendars committee but was never scheduled for a vote. SB 1452 was read on Senate floor but never scheduled for a vote.
2023
HB 667 and Lobbyist Partnership
The Task Force, with support from CBMT and AMTA, are now working with a lobbyist. Rep. Ann Johnson's HB 667 was voted out of the House, then sent to the Health and Human Services Committee in the Senate where it ultimately died. 11 national and state hospitals, advocacy organizations, and arts organizations supported HB 667.
Music Therapy Licensing Across the Country
This map is accurate as of March 2025. More information about state licensure can be found here.
