Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Social Work
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Music Therapy [18 VAC 140 ‑ 30]
Action Initial regulations for licensure of music therapists
Stage Final
Comment Period Ended on 11/5/2025
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11/4/25  4:02 pm
Commenter: Lisbeth Woodward, MT-BC, NMT

Support for Music Therapy Licensure, Reject "conversion therapy"
 

As a Board Certified Music Therapist of 34 years, I strongly support licensure for Music Therapists. Board Certified Music Therapists are allied health professionals who provide evidence-based clinical care to individuals with varying healthcare goals. Licensure protects the music therapy profession from misrepresentation. More importantly, it protects our most vulnerable Virginia residents, including Veterans, who access music therapy services from misrepresentation and harm. After reviewing the proposed changes, I support the update adopting CBMT's continuing education requirements. My only concern is removing the regulation regarding conversion therapy. In my professional opinion, conversion therapy is outside of the scope of music therapists. Even so, the regulation prohibiting music therapists from providing conversion therapy would have protected queer and trans youth throughout the state. I support the initial regulation prohibiting Music Therapists from offering conversion therapy to youth.

CommentID: 237566