In Harmony Therapeutic Services aims to address the accessibility of music therapy services and the equity of provision. Barriers such as lack of knowledge about the field, lack of professional recognition, limited reimbursement opportunities, and insufficient funding hinder the widespread availability of music therapy and contribute to disparities in access to care. By raising awareness, advocating for recognition, seeking reimbursement opportunities, and securing funding, In Harmony Therapeutic Services strives to overcome these barriers and make music therapy more accessible to all individuals in need.
In Harmony Therapeutic Services is addressing the problem of accessibility and equity in music therapy through various approaches. Our commitment to responsive costs, diverse revenue streams, compensatory wages, immersive education, and advocacy for professional recognition and field advancement demonstrates our dedication to overcoming barriers and ensuring that music therapy services are accessible to all individuals in need.
Music therapy is a globally recognized healthcare profession in which certified music therapists use music-based interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
Music therapy can benefit a wide range of populations including but not limited to;
Cognitive, academic, motor (gross and fine), emotional, social and musical skills can all be addressed through music therapy. Music therapy clients also see an improvement in their general quality of life, daily mood, and overall well-being. Sample goal areas include; emotional expression, pain management, decreased anxiety, physical coordination, improved memory, stress management, increased comfort, attention to task, improved communication, and stronger social connections.
These terms are related but refer to different practices and approaches. Music therapy is a formal and recognized healthcare profession provided by trained and certified music therapists. It involves the use of targeted, evidence-based musical interventions to achieve specific goals within a clinical therapeutic process. The therapeutic use of music, on the other hand, refers to a broader application of music as a therapeutic tool that can be used by anyone. Therapeutic use of music could be listening to music for relaxation, engaging in music-making for stress reduction or using music as a means of self-expression.
Music therapy is provided by trained and certified professionals known as MT-BC’s (board certified music therapists). These individuals have completed formal education in music therapy, which typically includes a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited music therapy program. They also undergo supervised clinical training, must pass a certification exam, and complete ongoing education to maintain expertise in the use of music as a therapeutic tool.
Music therapy offers unique and effective benefits that are a critical part of inclusive and holistic healthcare. With equal opportunity to experience these benefits through targeted interventions, individuals and groups previously excluded can access improved well-being through music therapy. In addition, when vulnerable populations are supported and early intervention is prioritized, communities at large are strengthened and the overall field is legitimized as a valuable form of therapy, leading to increased support and resources for research and advancement.
Systemic barriers limit equal access to services. Despite research-based evidence proving the therapeutic benefits of music therapy, there remains lack of coverage for services under Medicaid, Medicare and Private Health Insurance. Reimbursement opportunities also remain limited. Without alternative forms of funding, these services would simply be inaccessible to large portions of the population in need.
In Harmony Therapeutic Services should be a philanthropic priority because of our transformative impact in the field, our deep commitment to accessibility and equity, our inclusive care, advocacy efforts, professional development initiatives, and overall community impact. We have a trauma-informed, holistic approach to well-being, as well as the reach to amplify the need for access. By supporting In Harmony Therapeutic Services, individuals become an instrumental partner in creating a more inclusive and compassionate society where music therapy is readily available to all who can benefit from its healing potential.
