Gateway: Can teachers be classified as music therapists?
Found in: Gateway
Kerry V., Australia
My student with cerebral palsy may not return as they want financial funding and can only have it if I am a ‘therapist’. Can we class ourselves as ‘therapists’?
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
No, we cannot claim to be music therapists.
Shirley W., Australia
Are they under the NDIS scheme? Can you be a ‘provider’ under this?
Kerry V., Australia
That is the issue, they are with NDIS. I do not want to be involved with NDIS due to the huge amount of work to be accepted, plus for possibly only a few students and then they don’t necessarily pay on time.
Karen N., Connecticut
Music Therapists are not generally covered by insurance, so they may have an OT signing off for the music therapist of choice. Goals in music therapy will differ from the teaching program that Gateway provides. There are specific insurance codes that are used in music therapy where at times companies may reimburse. If their doctor prescribes the Gateway program as a way of treating fine motor problems and cognitive development for cerebral palsy symptoms, you may be able to use the codes.
I’ve had experience with these types of situations, so I am available if you need more information or guidance. If the parents of this boy decide to do the program, I can help you through the administrative details.