Six Things You Shouldn't Assume About Treatment From A Music Therapist

Music therapy has a lot of potential to help patients suffering from both physical and psychological health issues. That's why you should be properly informed about how music therapist services can benefit you.

The following are six things you shouldn't assume about treatment from a music therapist. 

Music therapists only offer therapy to children

Music therapy is not specifically geared toward children. In fact, patients of all ages can benefit from the services of a music therapist. You shouldn't assume that music therapy services won't be available to you as an adult. 

There is no standardized training or certification process for music therapists

Another common inaccurate assumption people sometimes make is that music therapists don't really go through rigorous training and don't have to meet any educational standards to become music therapists. This is not true.

Music therapists generally need to complete a Bachelor's degree program in music therapy and pass a certification test to qualify for professional positions. 

The services of a music therapist won't be effective for you

Music therapy can be effective for patients suffering from a wide range of conditions. You shouldn't assume that music therapy doesn't make a difference for those suffering from a physical condition rather than a psychological condition, for example. Give music therapy a try before assuming that it won't make a difference for you. 

Insurance never covers the services of music therapists

While health insurance won't cover music therapy in every situation, you shouldn't assume that you'll definitely have to pay for this type of therapy out of pocket. Your health insurance might offer coverage if your physician provides a referral for such treatment and classifies it as "medically necessary". 

You have to be a musician or a music lover to benefit from the services of a music therapist

Patients can benefit from music therapy even if they have no prior experience playing an instrument. In fact, patients can benefit from this type of therapy even if they are not particularly musical and haven't listened to music frequently in the past. 

You don't need a music therapist to benefit from music therapy

Some patients think that they can provide themselves with music therapy independently. Patients may make the mistake of thinking that music therapy doesn't really involve anything other than listening to music or playing an instrument.

However, music therapists offer specialized training that allows patients to grasp the full potential music offers for coping with their condition. This makes it so that music therapy is far more effective when provided by a trained professional. 

Make an appointment with a music therapist for more information.