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Music Therapy in Michigan | Counseling & Psychology

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Music therapy is a healthcare service that uses music in a planned way to support your health goals. If you feel stuck with stress, pain, low mood, or big life changes, music can help you cope in a safe, guided space. Our Music Therapy in Michigan services are for children, teens, adults, and older adults who want better daily function—not just “to relax,” but to build real skills. You do not need to be musical to benefit, and many people seek care when talking alone feels too hard.

Signs You Might Benefit from Music Therapy

Music therapy can help when symptoms affect school, work, relationships, sleep, or medical recovery. Some people come in because they feel overwhelmed. Others come in because a health condition makes it harder to cope day to day.

Common signs

  • You feel anxious, tense, or “on edge” most days
  • You have trouble sleeping or calming your body
  • You feel sad, low-energy, or disconnected from others
  • You have chronic pain and stress makes it worse
  • You struggle with attention, focus, or impulse control
  • You have big emotions that are hard to name or talk about
  • You are adjusting to illness, injury, or disability
  • Your child has trouble with communication or social skills
  • You are living with grief, trauma reminders, or burnout

Benefits we often target

Music therapy is not just listening to songs. It is a clinical service with goals and tracking. Benefits may include:

  • Better coping skills for stress and strong emotions
  • Improved mood and motivation
  • Better sleep routines and relaxation skills
  • Support for pain management and comfort during care
  • Stronger communication (verbal and nonverbal)
  • Improved social connection and confidence
  • More focus, planning, and follow-through
  • Healthy ways to express anger, fear, and sadness

Music can affect heart rate, breathing, and stress response. Research has found music-based interventions can support anxiety, pain, and quality of life in many settings (National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH], 2023).

Evidence-Based Approach

We use an evidence-informed, goal-based approach. Each plan is built around your needs, strengths, culture, and music preferences. Sessions are led by a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) following professional standards for safety, ethics, and clinical documentation.

Common music therapy methods

  • Active music-making: simple instruments, drumming, or structured play to build regulation and attention
  • Singing and vocal work: breath, pacing, and emotional expression
  • Songwriting: turning hard feelings into words and a plan for change
  • Guided music listening: carefully chosen music for relaxation, grounding, or imagery
  • Lyric analysis: using song words to explore thoughts, values, and choices
  • Movement to music: safe movement to support body awareness, coordination, and mood

How we choose the right approach

Clinical reasoning means we match the tool to the goal. For example:

  • If you have anxiety, we may use paced breathing with music and grounding playlists to help your nervous system settle.
  • If you have depression, we may use structured music-making and goal tracking to build motivation and routine.
  • If you have chronic pain, we may combine relaxation, attention shifting, and coping skills practice during music listening.
  • If your child struggles with communication, we may use turn-taking games, musical cues, and choice-making to support language and social growth.

Many studies and clinical reviews support music therapy as a helpful part of care across medical and mental health settings (American Psychological Association, 2013; NCCIH, 2023). We also coordinate with your broader care team when needed, with your permission.

Michigan standards and credentials

In Michigan, music therapy services should be provided by trained professionals who follow accepted standards of practice. We recommend looking for a clinician with MT-BC credentialing (board certification through the Certification Board for Music Therapists). MT-BCs must meet education and clinical training requirements and follow a code of professional practice. Some providers may also hold additional Michigan licenses (such as counseling, psychology, social work, or occupational therapy). If you have questions, we will explain our credentials, scope, and how we coordinate with other licensed providers.

What to Expect

Your care should feel clear, safe, and respectful. You are always in control of your choices in session. We can adapt sessions for sensory needs, trauma history, and health limits.

Step 1: Intake and goal-setting

The first visit usually includes:

  • Review of your symptoms, stressors, strengths, and supports
  • Discussion of your health history and current care team
  • Your music preferences (and music that you do not want)
  • Clear goals, like “reduce panic symptoms,” “improve sleep,” or “increase social engagement”
  • A simple plan for how we will measure progress over time

Step 2: Sessions (in-person or telehealth when appropriate)

Most sessions are 45–60 minutes. Each session has a plan and a check-in. You might:

  • Use live or recorded music to practice calming skills
  • Play simple instruments (no experience needed)
  • Create a coping playlist with steps for when stress spikes
  • Write or adapt a song to express feelings safely
  • Practice communication and boundaries through structured music activities

We end with a short wrap-up and a home practice idea that matches your real life. If you are also seeing a therapist, psychiatrist, or physician, we can share coordinated updates with your written consent.

How long does music therapy take?

Some people notice small changes in a few sessions, like better sleep routines or faster calming. Others need longer support for trauma, chronic pain, or complex health needs. We review goals regularly and adjust the plan based on your progress and feedback.

Insurance, Copays, and Cost Questions

Coverage for music therapy can vary. Some plans cover music therapy under behavioral health, rehabilitation, or hospital-based services, while others may not. If music therapy is not covered, we can discuss self-pay options and provide documentation when appropriate.

What affects your cost

  • Copay: a set fee you pay per visit, depending on your plan
  • Deductible: the amount you may need to pay before insurance starts paying
  • Coinsurance: a percentage you may pay after the deductible
  • Authorization: some plans require approval before visits begin

Mental health parity (why it matters)

Federal mental health parity rules are meant to prevent stricter limits on mental health benefits compared to medical benefits. This does not guarantee coverage for every service, but it can affect how plans set visit limits, copays, and approval steps. If you are unsure, we can help you ask the right questions when you call your insurer.

Helpful questions to ask your insurance company

  • Is music therapy covered for my diagnosis or treatment plan?
  • Is there a deductible I must meet first?
  • What is my copay or coinsurance per session?
  • Do I need prior authorization?
  • Is telehealth covered for this service?

FAQ

Do I need musical talent to do music therapy?

No. Music therapy is not a performance or a music lesson. We use simple, supportive tools. Your comfort and goals matter more than skill.

Is music therapy the same as listening to calming music?

Listening can be one part of care, but music therapy is a clinical service with a trained therapist, a treatment plan, and progress tracking. Sessions are tailored to your symptoms and goals, and we teach skills you can use outside the session (NCCIH, 2023).

Can music therapy help with anxiety, pain, or trauma stress?

It may help as part of a full care plan. Music can support relaxation, emotion regulation, and coping, which can reduce distress and improve quality of life (American Psychological Association, 2013; NCCIH, 2023). If you have trauma history, we use a gentle, choice-based approach and avoid triggering music.

How do I know if I should choose music therapy or talk therapy?

Both can help. Music therapy can be a good fit if talking is difficult, if you want body-based calming tools, or if you learn best by doing. Many people use music therapy along with counseling, medication support, or medical care. We can also refer you to other licensed providers in Michigan when needed.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2013). Recognition of music therapy as an evidence-based practice. APA policy and practice resources.
  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2023). Music and health. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/music-and-health