Music Therapy: A Registered Healthcare Profession

Music therapy is officially recognised as a healthcare profession in South Africa, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). As a registered music therapist, I adhere to professional standards of practice, ethics, and continuing education requirements established by the HPCSA.

This professional registration means that music therapy is recognised as a legitimate therapeutic intervention with clinical applications. Sessions are conducted with clear therapeutic goals and clinical documentation to track progress.

Medical Aid Coverage

Several South African medical aid schemes provide coverage for music therapy services when delivered by an HPCSA-registered music therapist. Coverage typically falls under auxiliary or allied health benefits, sometimes within day-to-day benefits or from savings accounts.

Medical aids that have covered music therapy sessions include:

• Discovery Health

• Momentum Health

• Bonitas

• Fedhealth

• Bestmed

• Medshield

Coverage varies significantly between schemes and specific plans. Some medical aids may require a referral from a GP or specialist, while others allow direct access. I recommend contacting your specific medical aid to confirm your coverage details before beginning treatment.

If you require assistance with medical aid claims or documentation for reimbursement, please let me know during our initial consultation, and I can provide guidance on the process.

HPCSA Registration number: AT 0002160