For the Professional Therapist
 
About TAMT The Texas Association of Massage Therapists was founded in the spring of 1995 by a small group of therapists in San Antonio led by Richard Haslam. Originally, the organization's focus was a disagreement concerning the exclusion of the majority of Texas massage therapists from having input into any legislative process that affected them. At that time, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and its Texas Chapter were the only recognized group of massage therapists in the state, yet they had only about 10% of the therapists as members. Because the educational standards of AMTA substantially exceed those established by the Texas Department of Health, the majority of Texas therapists were excluded from a voice and a vote in the process. TAMT established membership requirements that paralleled the requirements to become a massage therapist in Texas, thereby allowing every therapist in Texas to have a voice and a vote in their profession. By 1997, under Rich's leadership and perseverance, the group had grown to almost 400 members from all across Texas. After almost three years as a volunteer, the hard work and long hours away from his business caused Rich to decline any office in 1998, and Douglas Barhorst was elected to the office of President and began his term in May of 1998. As a massage therapist with over thirty years experience, an experienced volunteer in the non-profit sector (Rotary officer and YMCA Board member), and a member of the American Society of Association Executives, the new president brought with him a vision for the organization and the energy necessary to carry out the many programs that will move TAMT forward. In June of 1998, TAMT was incorporated as a non-profit organization. After obtaining all the necessary governmental permits and filing numbers, the Association moved forward to develop benefit programs that would attract new members. TAMT began in 1998 with one chapter, the Southeast Texas Chapter in the Beaumont area. Contact the Administrative Assistant if you are interested in starting up a chapter. Discussion began with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) and in December of 2007. An agreement was reached that allows Texas therapists to obtain professional liability insurance through TAMT and ABMP. Starting in January of 2008, TAMT members have access to quality, low-cost, professional liability insurance. The Texas Association of Massage Therapists is poised to move Texas massage therapy into the 21st century. All licensed massage therapists and massage therapy students are invited to join us and share in the rewards of a united profession. Non-therapists who are interested in supporting TAMT in its mission to enhance the professionalism of massage therapy in Texas may join as Associate members. The TAMT Mission Statement The mission of TAMT is to protect, maintain and enhance the professional development, financial success, and quality of life of all Texas Licensed Massage Therapists. Your Association is constantly working to represent you and your interests.  Through our bimonthly newsletter, we keep you in touch with what is going on in the Texas massage industry and the Texas legislative front.  By providing you with a free internet listing, we are working to increase public exposure for each member therapist.  Our "Toll Free to TAMT" program allows you to ask questions and provide input at no cost to you.  Through our Local Chapter program, we strive to create a noncompetitive networking environment which will benefit our members professionally and socially.  Our educational programs, though still under development, will provide members a low cost opportunity to enhance their business management and marketing skills, as well as provide access to CEs to meet impending State requirements. TAMT Code of Ethics As Members of TAMT all Texas Licensed Massage Therapists shall: • Provide quality care to those who seek professional massage therapy and maintain high standards of professional competence. • Recognize the scope of massage therapy and refer to other health care professionals when appropriate for client/patient health and well-being. • Honestly represent their education, certifications, and professional affiliations while advertising their practices accurately and with professional integrity. • Administer all sessions/treatments in a professional manner with respect for client/patient privacy, confidentiality, boundaries, and safety. • Maintain accurate and honest records, a clean and professional work environment, and high standards of personal hygiene. • Respect the client's/patient's right to continue, modify, or discontinue massage therapy at any time, and respect the integrity of each person by avoiding any sexual conduct/activity involving their client/patient. • Respect all ethical health care practitioners and work together amicably to promote health and natural healing. • Invest in their communities by fostering an understanding and acceptance of massage therapy as a valuable health service, abide by all laws governing the practice of massage, and work for the repeal or revision of laws detrimental to the legitimate practice of massage therapy. This is a declaration of the general principles of acceptable professional and ethical conduct for members of the Texas Association of Massage Therapists and shall be consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.