Music is more than entertainment. It can move us emotionally, stir memories and bring people together. For many, music also plays a vital role in healing. This idea forms the foundation of music therapy, a growing field of mental health support that uses music as a clinical tool for emotional and psychological treatment.
Whether you’re coping with anxiety, trauma or cognitive decline, music therapy offers an alternative to traditional talk therapy by engaging the brain in a different and powerful way.
What’s Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based treatment in which trained professionals use music to address individual mental, emotional, cognitive and physical goals. It’s not about musical talent or performance but about how music can be used as a tool for healing and communication.
Music therapists are licensed professionals who design personalized treatment plans. Sessions may include listening to music, writing songs, singing or playing instruments. Some sessions are interactive, while others focus on passive listening and emotional processing.
The approach can be used alone or alongside other therapies. It’s flexible and adaptable for people of all ages, from children to seniors, and across a wide range of mental health conditions.
Who Can Benefit From Music Therapy?
Music therapy is used to support individuals with various challenges, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Substance use disorders
- Chronic pain or illness
- Grief and loss
- Developmental disabilities
It can also benefit individuals going through high-stress situations, such as hospitalization, rehabilitation or end-of-life care.
How Music Therapy Works
Music affects multiple areas of the brain, including those responsible for emotion, memory, movement and language. This makes it especially useful in therapeutic settings. Some ways music therapy works include:
- Emotional expression. For individuals who struggle to put feelings into words, music can help externalize inner experiences.
- Stress reduction. Listening to calming music has been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and promote relaxation.
- Improved communication. Especially in nonverbal individuals, music can open pathways for expression and interaction.
- Cognitive stimulation. Music engages the brain and can help with memory recall, attention and processing speed.
- Physical coordination. Rhythmic movement to music can improve motor skills in people with physical or neurological challenges.
Therapists may use both active techniques (such as drumming or singing) and receptive techniques (such as guided music listening), depending on a person’s goals.
Common Techniques Used in Music Therapy
- Songwriting. This can help clients tell their story or express emotions through lyrics.
- Lyric analysis. Listening to and discussing the meaning of lyrics can open up conversations around mental health topics.
- Improvisation. This involves using instruments or voice to explore feelings spontaneously.
- Music-assisted relaxation. Guided relaxation or meditation set to music may help reduce stress or anxiety.
- Group music-making. This encourages connection and communication in a safe, shared environment.
Each session is tailored to the client’s age, diagnosis and personal preferences.
Music Therapy vs. Listening to Music
While many people use music on their own for comfort or stress relief, music therapy involves the intentional and therapeutic use of music under the guidance of a trained professional. It’s a structured process based on clinical goals and part of a treatment plan, often involving progress tracking and outcome evaluation.
That said, listening to music at home can still be incredibly beneficial. You don’t have to be in therapy to harness music’s mental health benefits. However, music therapy provides an evidence-based, personalized approach that goes deeper than casual listening.
The Science Behind Music Therapy
Music therapy isn’t just a feel-good activity; it’s backed by research. The benefits of music therapy can include:
- Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improved mood and emotional regulation
- Enhanced memory recall in individuals with dementia
- Lowered pain perception in chronic illness
- Support of trauma processing in individuals with PTSD
Because of this, music therapy has been adopted in hospitals, rehab centers, schools and private therapy practices worldwide.
What Happens in a Music Therapy Session?
A music therapy session varies based on the individual and setting but may include:
- Setting goals (e.g., reduce anxiety, improve mood)
- Warm-up or check-in using music or conversation
- Active music-making, listening or creative work
- Reflection or discussion about the music experience
- Closing activities to bring emotional closure
Therapists may use a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, drums and digital tools. No musical experience is required from the participant. The focus is on emotional expression, not musical performance.
Is Music Therapy Right for You?
Music therapy may be a great fit if you:
- Have difficulty expressing yourself through words
- Feel disconnected or emotionally numb
- Enjoy music and are open to creative forms of healing
- Are managing depression, anxiety, trauma or grief
- Have a neurological or cognitive disorder
- Are looking for a nontraditional, holistic therapy option
It’s often especially helpful for children and teens, as the use of music can feel less intimidating than traditional talk therapy.
How to Find a Music Therapist
To find a licensed music therapist near you:
- Search through the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) directory.
- Ask your doctor or mental health provider for a referral.
- Contact local hospitals, rehab centers or community clinics.
- Use therapy directories and filter by specialization.
Always verify that your music therapist is credentialed by a recognized body, such as the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
Some insurance plans may cover music therapy, especially if it’s provided in a medical or rehabilitation setting.
Final Thoughts
Music therapy offers a powerful, creative and evidence-based way to address emotional and psychological challenges. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, dealing with trauma or simply seeking a new way to connect with your emotions, music can help unlock paths to healing.
You don’t need to be a musician to benefit — just have a willingness to engage and explore. As part of a broader mental health strategy, music therapy can bring comfort, clarity and connection when words fall short.
Take the first step in getting help to improve your mental health by calling the Mental Health Hotline.
