Collaboration and consultation: A survey of board certified music therapists

The purpose of this study was to examine the consultation and collaboration practices of board certified music therapists (MT-BC) in order to establish a baseline of service provision for this profession. Board certified music therapists who are members of the American Music Therapy Association (n = 2039) were asked to complete a survey regarding collaboration and consultation in their professional practice. Specific areas of investigation included (a) population(s) with whom the MT-BC works and site of service delivery, (b) self-identification as a collaborator and/or a consultant (c) populations with whom the MT-BC collaborates, and (d) frequency, methods, purpose, locations, and personnel for whom they provide consultative services. Responses (n = 873, 42.8%) from each of the 8 regions designated by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) indicated a significantly higher report of collaboration versus consultation among music therapists. Implications for music therapy education and need for further research are discussed.