Music therapy education and regulation in Latvia

Abstract

Music therapy in Latvia – the integration result of various sciences and approaches – is one of the newest health care professions, which has experienced approbation and recognition in different countries of the world for more than half a century, gaining a stable place in the health care system and public awareness of modern treatment methods. At present music therapy as a profession is just entering its development process in Latvia; therefore, it is important to understand the roots of its development, to define its goals and application possibilities. The report touches upon contexts and traditions, music therapy prehistory; integration of music therapy in health care institutions in Latvia is emphasised, and perspective development of the profession is outlined.