Music therapy is an effective approach for reaching a wide variety of therapeutic goals in both healthcare and educational settings. Extensive clinical research supports its effectiveness in improving social skills, language skills and physical coordination, treating depression and anxiety, improving cognitive functioning as well as improving problem solving and conflict/resolution skills. Music therapy has been used for many years in school, hospitals, nursing homes and private practices.
NOVA Music Services takes a client centered approach to music therapy services. We work with you to develop a treatment plan, and use clinical, evidence-based music interventions to accomplish your goals.
FAQs about Music Therapy with NOVA Music Services
What is music therapy?
Music Therapy is an evidenced-based treatment modality that addresses clinical objectives and goals through a client-therapist relationship aimed at using active music making and/or receptive music experiences as catalysts for change.
Who can benefit from music therapy?
Music Therapy is effective for everyone. Music is a “whole-brain” phenomenon, that when applied with care to the therapeutic process can be a highly effective means for achieving one’s personal goals. Board-certified music therapists work with all ages, all levels of need, and in all clinical and private settings.
How is music therapy different from music lessons?
The goal of music therapy is to affect clinical outcomes through evidence-based musical interventions that are specially designed to either increase, decrease or maintain a physical or psychological process that impacts one’s relationships and/or daily functioning. Various musical instruments are used in music therapy to aid the client in her or his therapeutic process. Music Lessons are focused on the development of technique, theory, and musicianship on one instrument at a time. Music students’ primary goal in lessons is to acquire a skill on an instrument. Secondary gains in feelings of self-confidence, wellness, and mindfulness are embedded in lesson outcomes, but are not the sole focus of lessons.
How long has music therapy been around?
Music Therapy was established in the United States as a health care profession in the 1940’s. The first use of music to assist health-related outcomes in hospital settings occurred between the end of WWI and throughout WWII. In Western history, the earliest writings on the use of music to impact the physical and behavioral states of humans are credited to Aristotle and Plato. The first degree program for Music Therapy was established at the University of Michigan in 1944.
How much does music therapy cost at NOVA Music Services?
50 minute private session: $140
Is music therapy covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans will cover music therapy services as out-of-network, however, this is dependent on the specific plan and provider you have. Please work with you insurance provider to determine coverage. Please visit According to the American Music Therapy Association (2019) :
Medicare
Since 1994, music therapy has been identified as a reimbursable service under benefits for Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP). Falling under the heading of Activity Therapy, the interventions cannot be purely recreational or diversionary in nature and must be individualized and based on goals specified in the treatment plan. The current HCPCS Code for PHP is G0176.
The music therapy must be considered an active treatment by meeting the following criteria:
Be prescribed by a physician;
Be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the individual’s illness or injury;
Be goal directed and based on a documented treatment plan;
The goal of treatment cannot be to merely maintain current level of functioning; the individual must exhibit some level of improvement.
Medicaid
There are currently a few states that allow payment for music therapy services through the use of Medicaid Home and Community Based Care waivers with certain client groups. In some situations, although music therapy may not be specifically listed within regulatory language, due to functional outcomes achieved, music therapy interventions qualify for coverage under existing treatment categories such as community support, rehabilitation, or habilitation services.
Do I need to know how to play music in order to do music therapy?
No. You do not need any music background whatsoever to engage in and benefit from music therapy services.
Where are you located?
NOVA Music Services is located wherever you are located. We come to you!
How do I get started?
Click on the “Get Started” button on this website to begin the intake process. We will reach out to you within 1 business day to schedule your first session.