Frequently Asked Questions
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is the use of interactive music interventions to work towards achieving a therapeutic goal. Music is used as the tool for strengthening non-musical areas such as communication skills or physical coordination skills which are important for daily life.
Who is it for?
It works in treating people of all ages and a wide range of disabilities.
How long does it last/when does it occur?
Music therapy sessions occur once a week and each session is 30 minutes long.
Does the client need to have musical knowledge or know how to play an instrument?
Previous musical knowledge or a particular musical ability is NOT required for music therapy.
Is music therapy like a music lesson?
Music therapy does NOT address musical goals such as piano or guitar lessons do. Instead, therapeutic goals such as improving communication, cognitive, motor, emotional, or social skills are addressed through music therapy.
What do you do in a music therapy session?
After an assessment is done and goals are created for the client, each music intervention done during therapy is customized for each client in order to help them achieve their goals. Some basic types of interventions could involve singing, movement to music, playing a variety of instruments, song composition, improvisation, musical games, music listening, and more.
How much does it cost?
Each music therapy session costs $60.
What does the cost include?
The cost includes time the therapist spends planning customized interventions for the session, documentation of client progress, set-up time, and clean-up time for each session. The cost also includes the therapist’s time spent creating a therapy plan for each client and maintaining up to date goals for the client according to the data documented during the session.
Even though an actual session with the client is 30 minutes long, much more time goes into holding the session, such as set-up time, clean-up time, sanitizing instruments, and documentation time. The therapist also pays out a portion of the money for board certification dues, professional insurance, and continuing education to be up to date on the latest therapeutic techniques and research. 100 Continuing Education Units are required each 5 year cycle to recertify as a music therapist.
Is reimbursement available for music therapy?
Under some circumstances, music therapy is reimbursable through Medicare and Medicaid. Other private insurance companies may cover music therapy on a case-by-case basis. Other funding may be available through county boards of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, foundations, or grants. Music therapy can be listed on an Individual Education Plan as a “related service” and some schools may help cover the cost.
At this time, the therapist is not a provider for any insurance or school, and it is up to the CLIENT to seek reimbursement from insurance or another agency. The therapist can provide the client with an invoice, receipt, and any progress notes that the client may want to send in for reimbursement.
How do I begin sessions?
Schedule an in-person consultation to decide if music therapy might be right for your child. Please bring any useful information with you such as a copy of an IEP or goals from any other therapies.
