FAQ
Who can benefit from music therapy?
Music therapy can help individuals of all ages and abilities. No musical skills or experience is necessary to be successful! JMT serves clients from all walks of life, but we specialize in those with developmental delays and various health concerns. Neurodiversity is respected and celebrated here.
A few populations we serve:
- Premature Infants
- Early Intervention
- Developmental Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Neurological Disorders and Brain Injury
- Physical Disabilities
- Chronic Illness and Oncology
- Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders
- Mental Health
- Labor and Delivery
- Healthy Aging
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Do you take insurance?
We currently take Gardiner Scholarship, Step Up For Students, WellCare, StayWell, Children's Medical Services, AAA, and CDC+. Traditional insurances in the state of Florida do not currently cover music therapy, but our self-pay options are competitive. Contact us for information.
What are common misconceptions about music therapy?
The client has to have some particular music ability to benefit from music therapy – they do not.Listening to music on headphones is the same thing as music therapy. It is not.Anyone can be a music therapist. This is not the case. Board-certified music therapists are allied health professionals who undergo rigorous and ongoing training. Therapists have completed at a minimum an undergraduate degree or its equivalence in music therapy from an approved program, completed an internship of at least six months, and passed the National Board Certification exam and complied with many continuing education requirements.
What happens in a music therapy session?
Each music therapy session will look different depending on the needs of the individual client and client preferences. Our music therapists plan and design each intervention focused on specific goal areas in the treatment plan.
Most likely, your loved one will be involved in:
- Playing instruments
- Dancing
- Singing
- Interacting with the therapist through musical actions
Everything the music therapist does is designed to help the client progress in meaningful ways. Please feel free to ask about anything you see or hear during a session to learn more.
What is the assessment?
The assessment is likely the first time we meet. An intake form will be filled out to gain a basic idea of the client’s needs and history. It is important to be thorough and open in this intake process. If needed during an assessment, caregivers can come into the treatment room while the therapist works with the client. There might be questions such as “is this a common behavior at home?” or “what are favorite songs?” This portion of the assessment lasts about 60 minutes. After the assessment, the therapist will develop a unique treatment plan with goals and objectives to address in-future therapy sessions.
Do you offer music lessons?
Yes, we offer various instrument lessons, including piano, drums, guitar, and voice lessons. Unlike traditional music classes, they’re more than lessons. They’re therapy. Learn more about adapted lessons HERE.
What are the qualifications of a music therapist?
All of the music therapy services offered at JMT are provided by board-certified music therapists. The credential, Music Therapist – Board Certified (MT-BC), is granted by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) to identify music therapists who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to practice at the current level of the profession. These therapists have completed at least anundergraduate degree in music therapy from an approved program, completed an internship, and passed the board certification exam.
For further information, visit The American Music Therapy Association.
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