Services

Assessment: Music therapy services begin with an assessment by the music therapist. This is similar to other health service disciplines such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy. One or two sessions of musical experiences led by the music therapist are used to identify a client's functional strengths and weaknesses. These observations, together with intake information, and evaluations by doctors or other health professionals, enables the music therapist to determine if music therapy is appropriate and outline a plan of treatment. This outline includes suggested goal areas, initial objectives and recommendations for session frequency and length of treatment.

Individual Sessions: Many different kinds of creative, enjoyable musical experiences can be explored through one-to-one private music therapy sessions. These sessions are usually 30 minutes to one hour in length and most treatment plans start with weekly sessions. The music therapist will provide the instruments, recordings, and support materials, unless the client prefers to use personal instrument or music resources already in the private home or facility.

Group Sessions: Treatment goals and objectives for individuals can also be addressed through group music experiences in an outpatient clinic or residential facility setting. This option can be used alone or in combination with individual sessions, giving individuals multiple opportunities to explore, practice, and improve functional skills through music.

Home Practice Support: In many applications, neurologic music therapy is a program to retrain the brain. The session with the music therapist provides a rehearsal of directed music exercises designed to improve targeted skills. Not surprisingly, these skills improve much more rapidly if a client practices these exercises between music therapy sessions. When appropriate, the music therapist will provide home practice materials (e.g. workbooks, logs, custom recordings) for home use.

Getting Music Therapy Services Started

1. Make a screening appointment to meet the music therapist and get your questions answered. There is no charge for this appointment
2. Schedule a music therapy assessment.
3. Review the treatment plan and client/therapist agreement with the music therapist to determine session appointment times, frequency, duration, and charges.