Telehealth Music Therapy

 

Who Makes a Good Candidate for Telehealth Music Therapy

Client Characteristics & Clinical Needs:

  • Motivation and Engagement: Clients who are motivated to actively participate in sessions, explore music, and engage in therapeutic processes will benefit most.

  • Ability to self-direct and engage: Clients who can stay focused and participate actively with minimal in-person prompting.

  • Good self-awareness: The capacity to identify and communicate their needs, feelings, and responses to the music without or with minimal support.

  • Ability to Self-Regulate: Clients who can manage their emotions and responses independently, or with minimal support, are better suited for a remote setting.

  • Cognitive and Communication Abilities: Sufficient cognitive capacity to understand instructions and engage in verbal and musical interactions.

  • Young Children, Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health Disorders, Neurological Needs, Older Adults, Family Units: These populations have all been shown to benefit from online music therapy.

  • Specific therapeutic goals: Telehealth has been effective for:

    • Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, PTSD)

    • Neurodevelopmental populations (e.g., autism (ASD), fetal alcohol syndrome (FASD))

    • Speech and language goals

    • Cognitive rehabilitation

    • Stress reduction and relaxation

    • Skill development (e.g., learning an instrument, songwriting)

Specific Barriers that Telehealth Can Address:

  • Geographic barriers: Clients in rural or remote areas with limited access to in-person services.

  • Mobility issues/physical limitations: Individuals who find it difficult to travel to appointments.

  • Time constraints/scheduling flexibility: Telehealth can offer more flexible scheduling options.

  • Anxiety/comfort in own environment: Some clients feel more relaxed and open in their familiar surroundings.

  • Caregiver involvement: Telehealth can facilitate greater participation from family members or caregivers, which can be beneficial for some populations (e.g., children with disabilities, older adults).