Music therapy is a recognized healthcare profession in which a credentialed therapist uses music to help people improve their health, functioning, and wellbeing. Simply put, music therapists use music to help people. We do this using music-based therapy techniques that look a lot like singing, playing instruments, listening to music, improvisation, and dance. The difference is that during music therapy, we are intentionally using music as a tool to work towards non-musical goals. Most often, these are similar to goals addressed in other types of therapy- such as physical, occupational, speech, or psychotherapy.

Music therapy is for anyone looking for a creative, personalized approach to therapy. Music therapists work on the same goals and with the same populations as other therapists, like physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and psychotherapists. At Modulations Therapies, we specialized in early childhood and senior services. We work with young children with a variety of special needs on developmental and educational goals. We serve older adults with Parkinson's Disease, memory loss, and chronic health conditions.

Not at all! Music therapy is not just for musicians, and you don’t need to be “musical” to benefit. Most of our clients are not musicians. Music is the tool used for therapy, not an outcome or performance by the client. Your music therapist is a trained musician (and trained therapist), so you don’t need to be.

At Modulations Therapies, we provide music therapy sessions in homes, schools, and facilities throughout Hancock and Penobscot Counties. Most private clients are seen in their own homes, eliminating the need to travel to another appointment. Schools and facilities contract with us to provide both group and individual sessions at the location of their choice. This allows us to collaborate with other healthcare and education professionals and serve as part of the treatment team. Most commonly, sessions last an hour and occur on a weekly basis. This varies based on individual needs, age and attention span, financial considerations, and scheduling availability. Some clients with ongoing needs use our services for months or even years, while others see us for just a few sessions. Your therapist will work with you on a schedule that meets your needs and goals.

The number of success stories involving private insurance reimbursement for music therapy continues to grow, and it is worth asking your insurance company if coverage is provided. Music therapy is not currently reimbursed by Medicare (except in Partial Hospitalization Programs) or Mainecare. Potential sources for reimbursement of music therapy services include: flexible spending accounts (FSAs), workers’ compensation, TRICARE, private auto insurance, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B related services funding, foundations, grants, and local charitable contributions.

Music therapists are credentialed healthcare professionals with extensive training in music, psychology, research, and therapy principles. To become a music therapist, one must complete an approved music therapy degree program, including 1200 hours of clinical practice. This is followed by a national certification exam that designates the credential MT-BC or music therapist- board certified. There are currently over 7,500 board certified music therapists working in the United States. Your first step is to learn as much as you can about the profession. Visit the American Music Therapy Association website. Explore our website and see if there are opportunities to meet a music therapist near you. The educational requirements for a music therapist include coursework in music, music therapy priciples and techniques, psychology, biology, and research. There are over 75 colleges and universities in the United States that offer a degree in music therapy- find one here.