What is music Therapy?

It is officially defined by the following from the American Music Therapy Association:

Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals:

• Promote Wellness

• Manage Stress

• Alleviate Pain

• Express Feelings

• Enhance Memory

• Improve Communication

• Promote Physical Rehabilitation

• and more

We talk all about music therapy here on our ‘About’ page.

So do you prescribe people the best or most therapeutic types of music they should listen to?

Not exactly! All music used in sessions are client preferred, meaning music interventions are tailored to the musical tastes of the client. Using preferred music is effective, validating, and evidence-based.

Do I Need to have musical experience to benefit from music therapy?

Not at all! Everyone can engage in music experiences and benefit from music therapy.

Where and who do music therapists work with?

Music therapists have been working in a variety of settings including but not limited to hospices, medical and psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, assisted living facilities in memory care units, neonatal intensive care units, in homes, correctional facilities, private practices, safe houses, rehabilitation/addiction treatment centers, and agencies serving those with developmental disabilities. At Making Waves Music Therapy we primarily work in memory care units, schools, in homes serving differently abled persons, agencies providing trauma informed care, and virtually.

Are music therapy services covered by insurance or other third parties?

In the state of Florida music therapy is now a reimbursable service under Wellcare/Staywell, a Managed Care Organization. Making Waves Music Therapy is working to become a provider in this network. Stay posted for updates!

If you are interested in having music therapy as a related service on your child’s IEP music therapy is considered a related service under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and a music therapy assessment can be formally requested by parents or an IEP team member.

Under Medicare music therapy is a covered service in Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) using the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). Facilities can bill Medicare to document that music therapy services were provided. Music therapy provided under PHP must meet the following criteria:

1. Be prescribed by a physician;

2. Be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the individual’s illness or injury;

3. Be goal directed and based on a documented treatment plan;

4. The goal of treatment cannot be to merely maintain current level of functioning; the individual must exhibit some level of improvement.

What is your cancellation Policy?

We strive to be understanding of everyone’s schedules and circumstances so we ask that if you need to cancel that you let the therapist know at least 4 hours prior to your scheduled session time. If you are a no show/no call with no explanation you may be billed for the full amount of the scheduled session. We understand however if there was an emergency or life just got too hectic.