The music therapy assessment manual: A guide to data-based decision making

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This clinical assessment manual written by music therapist, researcher, and educator Eric Waldon, PhD, MT-BC, provides a framework for incorporating data into decision-making in the clinical practice of music therapy. The data-based decision making (DBDM) model referenced throughout the book is emphasized as a practice that allows music therapists to ensure that competency standards are met, to establish evidence for advocacy and potential reimbursement, and to aid in making clinical decisions in service of clients. The two reviewers of this textbook provide an overview and evaluation from the point of view of an upper-level practicum student and a music therapy educator. Written for a broad intended audience of students, clinicians, and educators, the author recommends dividing the book into three parts. In the first part (i.e., Chapters 1 and 2), the author introduces assessment and the data-based model. Chapter 1 establishes clinical assessment as the collection and analysis of information gained from the client and relevant sources that guides planning, treating, and evaluating in music therapy practice. The author differentiates the assessment process from research through both scale and intended audience, focusing on the direct impact to the client rather than a generalizable population. Chapter 2 builds off this clinical responsibility by introducing the DBDM model. The DBDM model encourages clinicians to collect, analyze, and evaluate information from many sources throughout the treatment process to ground and inform treatment decisions.