In the mental health setting, board certified music therapists focus music interventions on a variety of individualized psychosocial, affective, cognitive and communicative needs. Music therapy goals may include exploring personal feelings, developing coping skills, providing opportunities for self-expression, connecting with moods and emotions, and/or facilitating relaxation.

Examples of music interventions used within a mental health setting may include but is not limited to:

• Lyric Analysis: Facilitated discussion of song lyrics and their relevance to participants’ lives and experiences.
• Songwriting: Creating a new song on a topic relevant to treatment.
• Music & Memories: Exploring memories and personal associations with music, including information regarding the brain science which influences development of musical memories.
• Emotions & Music: Exploring emotional reactions to musical elements in a variety of musical selections.
• Music & Art: Exploring visual associations with musical elements utilized within a variety of musical selections.
• Relaxation: Guided music-assisted relaxation experience.

Additional information and research supporting music therapy within a mental health setting is available here.