MUSIC THERAPY FAQ
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy (MT) is the research-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals through a therapeutic relationship with a board-certified music therapist. Research supports the effectiveness of MT for social and communication skills, academic and developmental maturation, physical rehabilitation, emotional support for clients and families, motivation to engage in treatment, patient satisfaction, cognitive orientation, and overall well-being and quality of life.
For a more in depth explanation and look into music therapy, reference The American Music Therapy Association’s website. This site is the primary source of language used in this FAQ.
What is Music Therapy St. Pete, LLC?
Music Therapy St. Pete, LLC (MTSP) is a growing private practice based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and serving Pinellas county & the greater Tampa Bay area. MTSP provides music therapy to achieve the clinical, nonmusical goals of children, adults, and the elderly through private sessions and partnerships with large organizations. MTSP also offers adaptive music lessons to accommodate the physical, mental, and emotional needs of all clients. We look forward to connecting with you! Contact us
Where is Music Therapy available?
Music Therapy St. Pete, LLC is proud to offer services through out clinic, located at 4144 5th Ave N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713. We also offer therapy and adaptive lessons online! Based on availability, we are also able to visit homes and community organizations (primarily in Pinellas -- but if we’re able, Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, too).
How much do services cost?
The standard rate for one-on-one music therapy or adaptive lessons, meeting weekly in our clinic or online, is $85 / 50 minutes. Corporate clients please contact Elise Scullin for pricing options. Several alternative funding options are available! MTSP is an approved provider with Step Up For Students (Gardiner), CMS Sunshine Health insurance, FSS (Family Support Services, for children through adoption and foster care), Guardian Trust, and CDC+. If you know of any other scholarships, grants, or funding sources that may be available to you, we will be happy to explore how they may cover or contribute towards music therapy. MTSP will send monthly invoices (either by email or regular postal service with pre-stamped return envelope) to be paid by cash, check, credit card, direct deposit, or through several online options.
For a more specific price quote, please contact Elise Scullin at (440) 523-1921 or [email protected].
Who is qualified to practice Music Therapy?
Professionals who have completed one of the approved college music therapy programs and a six-month, full-time internship are eligible to sit for the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Successful completion of the independently administered examination endows the official credentials of Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC). To maintain this credential, music therapists must demonstrate continued competence by completing 100 recertification credits or retaking and passing the CBMT examination within each five-year recertification cycle. Only those holding the credentials of MT-BC may ethically and effectively practice as a music therapist.
What do Music Therapists do?
Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs; and participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
What does Music Therapy look like?
Music therapists design individualized plans based on a client’s needs and interests, using music-based strategies to address non-musical goals. Musical interactions may include music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric analysis and discussion, music and imagery, music performance, instrument exploration and learning through music; or take a multidisciplinary approach to include movement, art, or other special interests.
What are some misconceptions about Music Therapy?
That the client or patient has to have some particular music ability to benefit from MT, but they do not. Another misconception is that there is only one particular style of music that is more therapeutic than all the rest. In fact, all styles of music can be useful in affecting change in a client or patient's life. The individual's preferences, circumstances, and need for treatment, and the client or patient's goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use.
Where do Music Therapists work?
Music therapists work in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitative facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day-care treatment centers, agencies serving persons with developmental disabilities, community mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, private practice, and more! To learn more about where MTSP serves, click here!
Who can benefit from Music Therapy?
Anyone with an appreciation for music! Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other aging-related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain are some of the most commonly served populations.
What research supports Music Therapy?
AMTA promotes a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music as therapy through publication of the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives, and other sources. A substantial body of literature exists to support the effectiveness of MT. Click here to explore some of AMTA’s research!