News: Our Commitment to Kindness, Social Responsibility, Dignity, Respect, Equality, Accountability, Excellence, Integrity, and Courage.

06/01/2020

At AR Music Therapy we strive to provide quality music therapy services, lessons and classes specifically for your needs and wishes.  As music therapists, we are held to a high standard of ethics as outlined by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) including a commitment to kindness, social responsibility, dignity, respect, equality, accountability, excellence, integrity and courage. As we seek to create safe spaces and build relationships to help the individuals we serve reach their greatest potential therapeutically and educationally, we recognize the intersectionality of  inherent cultural and social identities and implicit biases in the work that we do. We are always open to communication, discussion and improvement surrounding any and all of these areas as we grow personally and professionally.  Below is the entirety of the AMTA code of ethics:
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American Music Therapy Association  Code of Ethics

Preamble
The Code of Ethics of the American Music Therapy Association, Inc., summarizes our values as professionals and describes principles and standards for guiding the practice of music therapy in a responsible, fair, and accountable manner. We, the members of the American Music Therapy Association, hold Kindness, Social Responsibility, Dignity and Respect, Equality, Accountability, Excellence, Integrity, and Courage to be Core Values. These values are reflected in five ethical principles which include (1) respecting the dignity and rights of all, (2) acting with compassion, (3) being accountable, (4) demonstrating integrity and veracity, and (5) striving for excellence. These values and principles provide guidelines for ethical decision-making in our daily practice. Standards of behavior guide our conduct as professionals. Ethical practice is more than following a list of rules. It is a commitment to virtuous, caring, courageous thinking that involves self-examination and the well-being of others as our highest intent. We commit ourselves to uphold the value and worth of every person, and to treat all with dignity.
Music therapists who encounter ethical dilemmas are advised to follow a decision-making process available in the literature (Dileo, 2000; Swisher, Arslanian, & Davis 2005, & Markkula Center for Applied Ethics). Music therapists are advised to also consult the Scope of Music Therapy Practice and the AMTA Standards of Clinical Practice for more detailed information to guide clinical decision-making.
It is important for music therapists to recognize our responsibility to adhere to laws, regulations, or policies of organizations and other governing bodies outside the AMTA. In cases where such laws, regulations, or governing body policies conflict with ethical responsibilities, the music therapist will address and seek to resolve this conflict with those in decision-making positions with the best interests of the client foremost in mind. Music therapists are reminded that we practice within the norms and standards of the communities in which we work and that our behavior may influence public attitude toward the profession.
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Purpose
This Code of Ethics describes the highest ideals for music therapists as an aspirational guide to professional conduct. It is equally intended to educate and guide music therapists in ethical practice, as well as inform those outside the profession.

Applicability
This Code of Ethics is applicable to all those holding the MT-BC credential, and professional membership in the American Music Therapy Association. This Code is also applicable to music therapy students and interns under clinical supervision. All music therapy practitioners are expected to uphold the spirit and purpose of the Code, and to practice according to these standards.
Upholding our right to freedom of inquiry and communication, we accept the responsibilities inherent in such freedom: competency, objectivity, consistency, integrity, and continual concern for the best interests of society and our profession. Therefore, we collectively and individually affirm the following declarations of professional conduct.
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CORE VALUES
This Code of Ethics is grounded in a set of eight Core Values: 1. Kindness, 2. Social Responsibility, 3. Dignity/Respect, 4. Equality, 5. Accountability, 6. Excellence, 7. Integrity, and 8. Courage. These Core Values provide a foundation to guide music therapists in their practice and interactions. These Core Values should be considered in determining all ethical courses of action. (See glossary for detailed definition of these values)

Principles for Ethical Practice
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Principle #1 Respect dignity and rights of all
Music therapists respect the dignity and rights of all people; this informs our relationships with clients, colleagues, students, research subjects, and all people we encounter. By acknowledging the worth of all people, this principle also encourages the music therapist to reflect sensitivity in all interactions.
To operationalize this principle, the music therapist will:
1.1  provide quality client care regardless of the client's race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, ethnic or national origin, disability, health status, socioeconomic status, marital status, or political affiliation.
1.2  identify and recognize their personal biases, avoiding discrimination in relationships with clients, colleagues, and others in all settings.
1.3  respect, acknowledge, and protect the rights of all clients, including the rights to safety, treatment, respect, dignity, and self-determination, as well as the rights to choose a provider, to exercise legal and civil rights, and to participate in treatment decisions.
1.4  respect the client's right of ownership to creative products as a result of participation in music therapy.
1.5  obtain informed consent from the client or legal guardian. In cases in which the client is unable to provide consent, assent will nonetheless be sought.
1.6  respect and protect the client's confidentiality at all times and following any applicable institutional or legal rules and regulations. The music therapist will inform the client of all limitations to confidentiality prior to the beginning of treatment.
1.7  protect the rights of clients, students and research participants under applicable policies, laws and regulations. Music therapists will ensure students, researchers, volunteers, and employees abide by privacy laws and exceptions as currently defined in Pub.L. 104-191 - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Pub. L. 93-380 - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and Title IX- Education Amendments Act.
1.8  acquire knowledge and information about the specific cultural group(s) with whom they work, seeking supervision and education as needed.
1.9  avoid entering into dual relationships when doing so would violate professional boundaries or clinical objectivity.
1.10  avoid accepting gifts or other considerations that could influence or give an appearance of influencing professional judgment.
1.11  avoid engaging in sexual or romantic relationships with clients, their family members, caregivers, students, trainees, research participants, or employees.
1.12  work collaboratively with peers using open direct communication to resolve differences of opinion or to recognize others' perceptions.
1.13  respect the professional services offered by colleagues in music therapy and other disciplines and endeavor to communicate openly when a change in provider occurs or is pending.

Principle #2 Act with compassion
As music therapists we are often confronted with much suffering and feel the need to assist in the alleviation of discomfort. By manifesting patience, wisdom, and genuine desire to help meet the needs of our clients, we offer compassion to those we serve. In addition, it is important for music therapists to extend compassion to themselves when confronted with their own human limitations.
To operationalize this principle, the music therapist will:
2.1  act with the best interest of clients in mind at all times.
2.2  actively listen to their clients and affirm and validate their experiences.
2.3  be aware and accepting of client's individual factors and cultural differences in the treatment process.
2.4  empower clients to make desired changes in their lives.
2.5  act with compassion and genuine interest when dealing with peers.
2.6  seek peer/professional supervision to assist with reflection and practice improvement.
2.7  practice self-kindness and mindfulness and extend compassion to self if faced with feelings of inadequacy or failure.

Principle #3 Be accountable
The act of being accountable encompasses the obligation to report, explain, and be answerable for resulting consequences. Accountability is valued as a means to establish trust and strengthen professional and client-based relationships. The music therapist will be honest, fair, accurate, respectful, timely, and maintain privacy in all interactions.
To operationalize this principle, the music therapist will:
3.1  fulfill their legal and professional obligations to the profession with respect to any applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and employer policies.
3.2  accurately inform potential and current clients of credentials and fulfill educational requirements for maintenance and renewal.
3.3  work in a manner to reflect truthful and fair business practices that benefit clients, society, and the profession.
3.4  seek remuneration that is fair and reasonable.
3.5  conduct, document, and report professional, academic, and research activities in an accurate and timely manner, and in accordance with applicable regulations and best practices.
3.6  identify and fully disclose errors, adverse, or sentinel events that compromise the safety of clients and others, to all appropriate persons.
3.7  differentiate personal views from those of the profession, the employer or agency.
3.8  report any illegal actions to authorities.
3.9  give credit and recognition when using the ideas and work of others.
3.10  provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information about expectations for treatment outcomes.
3.11  offer services commensurate with training and corresponding scope(s) of practice(s), recognizing personal limitations.
3.12  exercise caution and professional judgment in all electronic, written, verbal, and inferred communications being especially aware of electronic messages and potential public access.
3.13  be familiar with the Code of Ethics, abide by its principles and report witnessed violations to the Ethics Board, refraining from frivolous or punitive reporting. When a question arises regarding behaviors and ethics, the member is encouraged to consult with the Ethics Board.
3.14  cooperate and participate in ethics board inquiries and processes when requested to do so.

Principle #4 Demonstrate integrity and veracity
Demonstrating integrity and veracity challenges each individual to act with truthfulness and accuracy in all communications. These qualities compel us to be incorruptible and devoted to truth in all professional relationships and interactions. Additionally, adherence to the principle of veracity requires thoughtful analysis of how full disclosure of information may affect outcomes. If there are circumstances in which a music therapist must weigh the consequences when two or more values are in conflict, it is incumbent upon the music therapist to seek peer supervision or counsel from other resources.
To operationalize this principle, the music therapist will:
4.1  demonstrate truthfulness while using discernment and judgement while contemplating potential outcomes.
4.2  use resources available to them to enhance and better their practice (e.g., peer/professional supervision).
4.3  use caution when predicting the potential outcomes of services offered.
4.4  truthfully and accurately document outcomes of treatment.
4.5  fully disclose any financial interest in products or services that they recommend to clients.
4.6  make referrals to other professionals to address client needs beyond the scope of music therapy practice or beyond the therapist's professional competence.
4.7  provide accurate information to clients entering into a therapeutic or research relationship, and obtain informed consent from the client or research participant.
4.8  ensure that billing and business practices are accurate and reflect the nature and extent of the services provided.

Principle #5 Strive for excellence
The music therapist seeks to continually improve skills and knowledge, evaluating the strength and applicability of evidence into all areas of professional practice and behavior. Striving for excellence in music therapy encompasses all aspects of music therapy: education, training, supervision, clinical practice, business and research. Striving for excellence does not imply perfection, but the ongoing commitment to expand our knowledge and skills in all areas.
To operationalize this principle, the music therapist will:
5.1  achieve and maintain professional competence through learning and personal growth, and encourage colleagues to do the same.
5.2  strive to be self-aware and to continually improve skills and knowledge by integrating the best available evidence and findings from research to maintain best practices.
5.3  use caution, critical thinking, and strong consideration of the best available evidence when incorporating new and evolving interventions and technologies into their practice, education, or supervision.
5.4  will serve as a positive role model for students and interns regarding professional behavior, most especially regarding ethical behavior; assuring that students learn about and operate under the guidelines of this Code.
5.5  educators and clinical training directors ensure that students and interns meet or exceed the AMTA professional competencies before recommending entrance into the profession.
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Music therapists are reminded that a Code of Ethics cannot describe every possible situation but offers the music therapist guidelines for ethical decision-making and professional conduct. Music therapists are encouraged to seek supervision or assistance as needed.
ReferencesAmerican Occupational Therapy Association. (2015). Occupational therapy code of ethics (2015). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59 (Suppl. 3).
American Physical Therapy Association (2009). Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist, Alexandria, VA: APTA.
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct (2002, Amended June 1, 2010 and January 1, 2017). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx
American Art Therapy Association, (2013) Ethical principles for art therapists American art therapy association, Inc. (2011, revised December 2013). Retrieved from https://arttherapy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Ethical-Principles-for-Art-Therapists.pdf
Art Therapies Credential Board (2016). Code of ethics, conduct, and disciplinary procedures. Retrieved from https://www.atcb.org/resource/pdf/2016-ATCB-Code-of-Ethics-Conduct-DisciplinaryProcedures.pdf
Behnke, S. (2004). APA's new Ethics Code from a practitioner's perspective. Ethics Rounds, 35(4). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr04/ethics.aspx
Dileo, C. (2000). Ethical thinking in music therapy, Cherry Hill, NJ: Jeffrey Books.
Fellman, S.J. (2018). Will your code of ethics get your association in trouble? Online webinar, GKG Law, June 28, 2018
Fisher (2003) Decoding the ethics code: a practical guide for psychologists. London: Sage Publications
Josephson Institute of Ethics, The Seven-step path to better decisions. Making ethical decisions. Retrieved from http://josephsoninstitute.org/med-4sevensteppath/
Ling, T.J., & Hauck, J.M. (2017). The ETHICS model: Comprehensive, ethical decision making. VITAS online retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/vistas/by-year2/vistas-2017/docs/default-source/vi stas/the-ethics-model

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For more information visit: ​https://www.musictherapy.org/about/ethics/

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