Music TherapyMusic therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005). A substantial body of literature exists to support the effectiveness of music therapy as an allied health profession.
Heart & Soles specializes in individual and group music therapy programs for children and young adults with developmental disabilities, Autism spectrum disorders, cognitive disabilities, emotional disturbances, and behavioral disorders. Heart & Soles offers on-site services, which is especially beneficial to many clients who struggle with generalization of skills gained during music therapy sessions to other environments. |
Upcoming engagementsSaturday, May 4, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Presenter at Music Therapy Infusion, sponsored by the Music Therapy Association of Washington Monday, September 9, 6:30-8:30 pm Featured Speaker at SPECIAL Families of Pierce County Monthly Meeting - Parkland/Spanaway Group Thursday, September 12, 6:00-8:00 pm Featured Speaker at SPECIAL Families of Pierce County Monthly Meeting - Downtown Tacoma Group |
This is a beautiful video with photos & quotes about music therapy, made by YouTube user bmoore326
The song is "Adiemus" by Karl Jenkins
The song is "Adiemus" by Karl Jenkins
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do music therapists do?
A: In short, music therapists work with client to achieve goals in non-musical areas. Goals can be in the areas of communication, social functioning, cognitive skills, emotional well-being, and self-regulation. Some of the tools music therapists use to work on these goals include song writing, lyric discussion, musical improvisation, receptive music listening, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music.
Q: How can I find a qualified music therapist?
A: Persons who complete a college program in music therapy approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), including a clinical internship, are then eligible to sit for the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). All music therapists must pass this examination in order to hold the nationally recognized credential of music therapist-board certified (MT-BC), and must complete 100 hours of continuing education per five-year recertification. The CBMT offers a search feature on their website, which allows you to easily ascertain if a music therapist is board certified.
Q: What is the difference between music therapy and other therapeutic music services?
A: AMTA has put together a brief, helpful side-by-side document, which is provided for the purposes of reviewing some of the difference between music therapy and other therapeutic music services.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Music therapy session rates are dependent on a variety of factors, including length, frequency, and whether you/your child is seen individually or within a group. Please contact us for current rates.
Q: Is music therapy a reimbursable service?
A: Families in many states have had success receiving insurance reimbursement for music therapy services. For clients who are covered by Medicare, music therapy has been identifies as a reimbursable service under benefits for Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) since 1994, as long as it is an individualized, active treatment, based on goals specified in the treatment plan.
For clients who are covered by Medicaid, there are currently a few states (Arizona, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin) that allow payment for music therapy services through use of Medicaid Home and Community Based Care waivers with certain client groups. In some situations, although music therapy may not be specifically listed within regulatory language, due to functional outcomes achieved, music therapy interventions qualify for coverage under existing treatment categories such as community support, rehabilitation, or habilitation services.
For clients who are covered by private insurance, the number of success stories involving third party reimbursement for the provision of music therapy services continues to grow as more clinicians seek this coverage. AMTA now estimates that approximately 20% of music therapists receive third party reimbursement for the services they provide. Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna have all paid for music therapy services at some point, although success still occurs on a case-by-case basis. Like other therapies, music therapy is reimbursable when services are pre-approved and deemed medically or behaviorally necessary to reach the individual client's treatment goals.
A: In short, music therapists work with client to achieve goals in non-musical areas. Goals can be in the areas of communication, social functioning, cognitive skills, emotional well-being, and self-regulation. Some of the tools music therapists use to work on these goals include song writing, lyric discussion, musical improvisation, receptive music listening, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music.
Q: How can I find a qualified music therapist?
A: Persons who complete a college program in music therapy approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), including a clinical internship, are then eligible to sit for the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). All music therapists must pass this examination in order to hold the nationally recognized credential of music therapist-board certified (MT-BC), and must complete 100 hours of continuing education per five-year recertification. The CBMT offers a search feature on their website, which allows you to easily ascertain if a music therapist is board certified.
Q: What is the difference between music therapy and other therapeutic music services?
A: AMTA has put together a brief, helpful side-by-side document, which is provided for the purposes of reviewing some of the difference between music therapy and other therapeutic music services.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Music therapy session rates are dependent on a variety of factors, including length, frequency, and whether you/your child is seen individually or within a group. Please contact us for current rates.
Q: Is music therapy a reimbursable service?
A: Families in many states have had success receiving insurance reimbursement for music therapy services. For clients who are covered by Medicare, music therapy has been identifies as a reimbursable service under benefits for Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) since 1994, as long as it is an individualized, active treatment, based on goals specified in the treatment plan.
For clients who are covered by Medicaid, there are currently a few states (Arizona, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin) that allow payment for music therapy services through use of Medicaid Home and Community Based Care waivers with certain client groups. In some situations, although music therapy may not be specifically listed within regulatory language, due to functional outcomes achieved, music therapy interventions qualify for coverage under existing treatment categories such as community support, rehabilitation, or habilitation services.
For clients who are covered by private insurance, the number of success stories involving third party reimbursement for the provision of music therapy services continues to grow as more clinicians seek this coverage. AMTA now estimates that approximately 20% of music therapists receive third party reimbursement for the services they provide. Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna have all paid for music therapy services at some point, although success still occurs on a case-by-case basis. Like other therapies, music therapy is reimbursable when services are pre-approved and deemed medically or behaviorally necessary to reach the individual client's treatment goals.