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 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.

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.