Chapter 4 - Music Therapy in Mental Health Treatment

Abstract

Music therapy is a flexible treatment modality, able to promote wellness, facilitate symptom management, and improve the quality of life of those with mental illnesses. Qualified, credentialed music therapists use active and passive music therapy interventions to target specific objectives like improving mood, increasing compliance and motivation, and enhancing emotional expression. Data suggest that music therapy intervention results in clinical improvement in individuals with a range of mental health needs, and these benefits are seen among individuals with varying diagnoses, ages, and ethnicities. The data also suggest that music therapy is cost effective, has little adverse effects, and is well received by those with mental illnesses. This chapter provides an overview of music therapy in mental health treatment, including commonly found diagnoses among individuals served, evidence-based practices, and outcomes found in the literature. Descriptions of music therapy interventions are provided, as are case examples to illustrate music therapy in mental health treatment. Finally, service provision is discussed, as is current music therapy research and areas for future investigation.