BC-DMT FAQs

• Is there a time limit for me to finish my training for the BC-DMT?

  Yes, most of your work hours must have been accrued within seven years prior to your application. In addition, you must have a letter of recommendation from a supervisor who has seen your work during the 2 years prior to your application.

• How can I find an available BC-DMT supervisor?

  Any BC-DMT can supervise your BC-DMT Internship hours. Good places for locating a supervisor include contacting your regional Member-at-Large for suggestions, checking with former instructors, or contacting local BC-DMTs in your area. If you are a member of ADTA, you can access the membership directory and contact BC-DMTs with experience working with your preferred population(s). 

• What types of work experience can I count toward my BC-DMT hours?

  If you are accruing hours toward BC-DMT, you will need to complete 2400 hours of supervised clinical BC-DMT Internship. This includes 1,000 hours of direct client contact and 500 hours leading DMT sessions.  600 hours may be volunteer, but 1800 hours must be paid clinical employment. You may not include hours teaching workshops or classes. Your hours must be verified by your BC-DMT supervisor. Consult the BC-DMT Handbook and application form for further details.

• I am licensed to practice privately (e.g. social worker, marriage and family therapist, or counselor) in my state, can I use my private practice hours for my BC-DMT hours?

  If you have a mental health license and an R-DMT, you may count up to 1800 hours (of the 2400 required hours) of private practice toward your BC-DMT hours. However, you must have supervision at a rate of 1 hour for every 36 hours of practice. You must identify yourself as “R-DMT, Board Eligible” when describing your services. 

• What types of settings comply with the required hours for the BC-DMT?

  Hours can be accrued in any licensed, accredited or otherwise regulated, mental health, medical, educational, or social services agency, correctional facility, NGO or community-based program. -DMTs who are also licensed to practice in a related health profession in their state may count up to 1800 hours of their private practice toward the total 2400 hours required for the BC-DMT application.

• Can I earn hours for DMT sessions if I am an independent contractor rather than an employee?

  Yes, if the setting complies with BC-DMT setting requirements and you are being paid, the official financial arrangement doesn’t matter. 

• Is there a specific job title required for my BC-DMT internship?

  If you are providing dance/movement therapy, it doesn't matter what your job title is. However, your job description should include DMT responsibilities, e.g. you might be hired as a "recreation specialist" or adjunctive therapist, but you should be providing DMT services, and your job description should reflect this in the description of your responsibilities.

If you have questions that are not answered here, check in the BC-DMT Handbook, or on the website, or contact the DMTCB Office ([email protected]).