Music Therapy Benefits and How It Supports Mental Health and Wellbeing

Core principles and techniques

• Person-centered, collaborative approach: goals arise from the client’s needs and values, with the therapist acting as a skilled guide and facilitator.
• Structured flexibility: sessions combine predictable routines (warm-up, activity, reflection) with adaptive activities to meet changing needs.
• Active and receptive modalities: both playing instruments, singing, improvising, and listening to music are used to elicit expression, regulation, and insight.
• Nonverbal and verbal processing: music provides a bridge to feelings that may be hard to name; talking, journaling, or drawing often accompanies musical work.
• Rhythmic entrainment and tempo modulation: slowing or speeding music can support breathing, heart rate, and arousal regulation.
• Songwriting and lyric analysis: creating or examining lyrics can help articulate experiences, values, and goals in a meaningful way.
• Accessibility and inclusivity: activities are tailored to individual abilities, with adaptations and assistive tools as needed.
• Ethical and evidence-based practice: planners base interventions on current research, document progress, and obtain informed consent and privacy protections.

Techniques commonly used include active music making (drumming, singing, playing simple percussion), improvisation (spontaneous musical responses to feelings or situations), receptive listening (guided listening with discussion and reflection), rhythmic training for motor skills, breathing and relaxation exercises set to music, and songwriting or lyric creation to process experiences. Group sessions often emphasize social connection, turn-taking, and shared rhythm, while individual sessions focus more closely on personal goals and safety considerations.

For those curious about the field beyond a single practitioner, professional organizations offer resources and standards. For example, the American Music Therapy Association outlines credentialing, scope of practice, and study pathways, while the World Federation of Music Therapy provides international guidance and networks. American Music Therapy Association and World Federation of Music Therapy can be starting points to learn more about qualifications, standards, and finding a therapist near you.

Conditions and issues it is most effective for

• Mental health concerns: anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress-related symptoms benefit from structured musical activities that promote mood regulation, resilience, and expressiveness.
• Neurodevelopmental and developmental delays: autism spectrum disorders, developmental coordination disorders, and communication challenges can improve social engagement, communication, and motor planning through interactive music experiences.
• Neurological and medical conditions: stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions may see improvements in motor function, gait, coordination, and executive skills when music supports repetition, motor practice, and cueing.
• Aging and memory care: dementia and mild cognitive impairment often respond to reminiscence work, familiar songs, and rhythm-based activities that support mood and social interaction.
• Chronic pain, fatigue, and coping: music can enhance relaxation, distract from discomfort, and bolster coping strategies in chronic illness care and palliative settings.
• Communication and social skills: individuals with speech, language, or social communication challenges may benefit from songs, call-and-response activities, and group musical cues to practice turn-taking and listening.

Music therapy is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment when those are needed, but it can complement other therapies by addressing aspects of well-being that are harder to reach through talk alone. The appropriateness and likely impact depend on the person’s goals, timing within their health journey, and the therapist’s clinical judgment.

What to expect in sessions

• An initial interview and observation to understand strengths, needs, routines, cultural context, and goals. Assessments may involve standardized tools alongside informal notes about mood, engagement, and progress.
• Goal setting and treatment planning: collaboratively identifying 2–4 achievable objectives (e.g., reduce anxiety before bedtime, improve vocal communication, increase participation in group activities).
• Session structure: most sessions run 45–60 minutes and include a warm-up, a main activity, and reflection. The emphasis is on safety, connection, and meaningful engagement.
• Active participation and choice: clients are invited to choose activities or influence the direction of the session; no one is pressured to perform beyond their comfort.
• Progress monitoring: therapists track changes in mood, function, or skill, and adjust plans accordingly. Clients may keep simple journals or audio excerpts with consent.
• Home practice and routines: optional exercises or listening assignments help reinforce gains between sessions.

During sessions, you may notice a sense of flow, a release of emotions in a safe space, moments of social connection, or improved breath and posture. Some people find music acts as a bridge to talk about difficult experiences; others experience clearer performance of daily tasks through improved motor control or focus. Privacy and boundaries are always respected, and any uncomfortable material is handled with sensitivity and professional support.

The therapeutic process and timeline

Music therapy is typically planned in phases, though timelines vary widely by individual needs and goals:

• 1–3 sessions to establish rapport, gather history, and set initial goals. This phase helps determine what techniques are most suitable and what success will look like.
• Several weeks of targeted interventions aligned with goals. The therapist may introduce new activities as skills emerge or needs shift, and progress is reviewed regularly.
• Periodic check-ins to measure progress toward goals, adjust the treatment plan, and decide whether to continue, extend, or transition to maintenance activities.
• For some, ongoing sessions support long-term management and quality of life; for others, skills are incorporated into daily routines and follow-up may be less frequent.

Because every person’s path is different, there is no universal timetable. Some individuals experience meaningful changes within a few weeks, while others benefit gradually over several months. Open communication with your therapist about expectations, pacing, and any concerns helps ensure the process remains comfortable and productive. If you have urgent mental health or safety concerns, seek immediate help from a clinician or emergency services in your area.

Qualifications to look for in practitioners

• A recognized music therapy credential such as Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) in the United States, or equivalent certifications in other countries.
• Education: a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music therapy from an accredited program, with supervised clinical experience.
• License or registration: state or national licensure or registration where applicable, plus adherence to ethical standards.
• Continuing education: ongoing professional development to stay current with research and best practices.
• Clinical experience: familiarity with your target population (children, adults, older adults, medical or mental health settings) and with the techniques you hope to use.
• Professional affiliation: membership in recognized bodies (e.g., MT-BC organizations) and access to supervision and peer consultation.
• Person-centered approach and safety: clear communication about consent, confidentiality, safety planning, and how concerns are addressed.

When seeking a practitioner, you can ask about their training, supervision, typical caseload, emergency protocols, and how they collaborate with other care providers. It’s reasonable to request a brief phone or in-person consultation to gauge fit and comfort before starting.

Considerations for choosing this approach

• Ensure the therapist’s approach and activities align with your or your loved one’s objectives and preferences.
• Consider whether you prefer private practice, hospital-based, school-based, or community settings, and whether transport, scheduling, and accommodations fit your life.
• Confirm session rates, insurance coverage, and any sliding scale options; clarify cancellation policies and material fees.
• Feel comfortable with the therapist’s sensitivity to culture, language, and personal values; this supports engagement and trust.
• Decide between individual, group, in-person, or telehealth formats, depending on convenience, safety, and preferences.
• Ask how progress is tracked and communicated, and whether the treatment plan includes regular reviews with you or a family member when appropriate.
• For severe mood symptoms, self-harm risk, or psychosis, ensure there is a safety plan and that music therapy is integrated with medical or psychiatric care as needed.
• Inquire about materials, access to instruments, and whether home practice is recommended or required.
• Consider starting with a short trial period to assess fit, comfort, and perceived benefit before committing to a longer program.

For further reading and to locate qualified practitioners, you can consult the professional organizations mentioned above, or search for MT-BC providers in your area via reputable directories. If you’d like to explore research and evidence beyond practitioner guidance, you can look up scholarly articles on music therapy in PubMed.

Resources to learn more: American Music Therapy Association | World Federation of Music Therapy | PubMed: music therapy research