Funding

Is there coverage available for Music Therapy sessions?

Unfortunately, sessions are not normally covered by healthcare or extended healthcare. Often, individuals that receive Music Therapy services are eligible for funding from ICBC, WorkSafe BC, and funding for autism/other disabilities.

The Music Therapy Association of BC (MTABC) is heavily involved with the Task Group for Counsellor Regulation in BC. This group is lobbying the BC government to achieve regulation for Music Therapists, Counsellors, and Therapists under the Health Professions Act. Once this is approved, it is anticipated that Music Therapy services will be approved under private insurance plans.

Can autistic children receive funding?

Because Music Therapy is an Autism-Related Intervention, the Ministry of Children and Family Development will award funding to parents/guardians which can cover Music Therapy for children ages six to nineteen years. Families can choose to have the money placed in their account and then pay the therapist directly, or, the therapist can contact the Ministry and send them invoices. This service ends when the child reaches the age of nineteen years.

For further questions, you can contact the Autism Funds Processing Unit at 1-877-777-3530. More information is available here as well.

Funding for Children and Youth with Support Needs

Families may be able to access further financial supports by following this link and either contacting your local CYSN office or learning about other programs available to your child.