Rehab Centers That Offer Music Therapy

Among the wide variety of treatment modalities in addiction recovery are holistic therapies. Holistic therapies use non-traditional approaches to help treat addiction and can be used on their own or are often used in combination with traditional treatment services.

A common holistic approach used in addiction recovery is music therapy. Music therapy can offer many benefits in recovery including emotional healing, improved communication, and more. The therapeutic approach is growing in popularity and is offered at many treatment facilities across the country.

Keep reading to learn all about music therapy including how it supports recovery, cost and insurance information, and how to find the right rehab center for your needs.

Music therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses music and musical elements to accomplish therapeutic goals, like addiction recovery. It’s typically held one-on-one between an individual and a licensed music therapist, but it’s not uncommon for music therapy to be offered in group settings as well.

Music in the context of therapy has been around since as early as 1789 but garnered more substantial support in the early 1900s. Research has shown the impact of music on the brain, emotions, and mental health, supporting the scientific basis of music therapy in addiction treatment.

There are many indications for music therapy nowadays including treatment for mental health disorders, stroke, cancer, traumatic brain injuries, dementia, chronic pain, autism spectrum disorders, and substance use disorders (SUDs).

In addiction recovery, music therapy is used in many different ways. Treatment can involve listening to music, singing and instrument playing, improvisation, analysis, and more.

Music therapy can play an incredibly important role in addiction rehabilitation due to the many ways it supports recovery. This can include emotional release and stress relief as well as improving emotional and cognitive function.

Many people with substance addictions also struggle with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), known as co-occurring disorders. Music therapy is a fantastic option to address both addiction and co-occurring disorders as it has been shown to reduce these negative emotions and experiences. Having an outlet for emotional release and stress relief is of the utmost importance in addiction recovery as the process can be very overwhelming and challenging. Further, emotional release allows individuals to focus more on their recovery, leading to more positive treatment outcomes.

There is also substantial evidence supporting how music therapy can improve your emotional and cognitive functioning. Many people with SUDs struggle to regulate their emotions and often turn to substances to deal with difficult thoughts and feelings.

Music therapy can improve behavioral health, teach better emotional regulation skills, improve self-awareness and acknowledge one’s emotions, and teach healthy coping mechanisms. In the long run, this can set individuals up for success when they experience something challenging or triggering, allowing them to rely on new coping skills rather than substances.

Likewise, music therapy has been shown to improve cognitive functions like attention and memory. Addictive substances can negatively affect your cognitive functioning, especially when abused over long periods of time. As a result, these improvements can make it easier to tackle addiction recovery and return to daily activities you found easier before addiction.

The benefits of music therapy when used in the treatment of alcohol and drug addictions are countless. In fact, music therapy offers unique benefits in comparison to other types of therapy which can be more effective in particular groups of people.

One unique benefit of music therapy is the opportunity for non-verbal communication and emotional expression. Many traditional therapy methods rely on verbal communication to make progress, and while this is an important part of recovery, it is not always an accessible approach for every individual.

Some people with SUDs, especially those with a history of trauma, may struggle to communicate and express their emotions verbally. For others, verbal communication is simply not a strong suit. Though this can be improved, it can be immensely helpful to utilize a non-verbal technique like music therapy in the meantime.

Further, creating and engaging with music to express one’s emotions without words can be therapeutic and healing in different ways than verbal expression. There are also interpersonal benefits to music therapy in addiction treatment. Many people experience improvements in confidence and social interaction/skills following music therapy.

These benefits are typically seen when music therapy is offered in group settings as it allows for frequent interaction. Group music therapy can help foster a sense of belonging and community that can further support your recovery. As a result, many people find they are better at interacting and communicating with others and are more motivated in their recovery.

As mentioned previously, there are many approaches you may take during music therapy. Depending on your needs, goals, and how you respond to different techniques, you and your music therapist will determine what options may be best for you.

One of the most common techniques used in music therapy is active music-making. This can include singing, drumming, and playing other instruments. Music-making can help individuals explore emotions and improve self-awareness regarding their mental health, fostering connection with one’s feelings and the ability to work through challenges.

On the other side of the spectrum is listening to music. Some music therapy sessions focus on just listening to music rather than being a part of the music. Calming or meaningful music is often used in guided music therapy sessions to evoke memories, stimulate emotions, and create a safe emotional environment. After listening to music, your therapist may ask you questions about how it made you feel or what you thought of while listening to it.

Music therapy also utilizes the therapeutic effects of songwriting and lyric analysis in some cases. Analyzing song lyrics related to emotions you may be feeling or experiences you have had can be very healing and help individuals articulate and understand their emotions better.

When writing your own lyrics, you may also be able to reflect on your experiences with addiction, trauma, and personal growth in a different way than you’re used to. Some people find they have meaningful breakthroughs doing this as they are able to express their emotions in a less traditional manner.

Many people are overwhelmed by the sheer number of treatment centers available for addiction recovery. Luckily, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you narrow your options and choose a facility that is right for you.

First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure not only that a rehab center offers music therapy, but that it is well equipped to do so. In other words, make sure the rehab facility you choose has certified music therapists to administer treatment. Additionally, it’s important that the center you choose has a comprehensive music therapy program.

Along the same lines, look out for recovery centers that integrate music therapy with other traditional treatment options and alternative therapies. More comprehensive treatment approaches are shown to lead to better recovery outcomes as different therapies have different benefits.

When choosing a rehab center, you’ll also want to consider the type of addiction treatment program you’re looking for. In other words, whether you’d like to enroll in an inpatient or an outpatient program.

Inpatient treatment is considered the highest level of care in addiction rehabilitation. It is sometimes called residential treatment as participants live in the care facility for the duration of their treatment. Inpatient rehab offers round-the-clock care and supervision and typically involves a detailed, regimented schedule.

Some people choose to pursue outpatient treatment right off the bat or step-down treatment from inpatient care. Outpatient rehab is also very effective but does not offer the same level of supervision and intensity as inpatient care. In outpatient programs, participants travel to an addiction treatment center on specific days of the week for rehab.

As mentioned above, therapists must be well-qualified to provide music therapy. Your therapist serves several functions during therapy, so you want to ensure you find someone with the knowledge and expertise to do so.

Music therapists must be specially trained and accredited to provide music therapy. This includes having a music therapy degree, board certification, and meeting state requirements – which differ across the country.

Having these certifications allows music therapists to effectively guide patients through their recovery. Based on your needs, history, and progress throughout therapy, your therapist will be able to determine what elements of music therapy will have the most therapeutic effects for you. They can help you navigate the challenging experience of addiction recovery via their expertise.

Further, music therapists guide emotional and behavioral change throughout treatment. By tailoring treatment to the individual, they can help patients achieve emotional breakthroughs, engage with their emotions, process trauma, and develop new coping mechanisms.

Techniques they use to achieve these goals include listening to and analyzing music, writing and dissecting song lyrics, playing instruments, and singing. Following these techniques, your therapist may ask questions to encourage further breakthroughs and discussions.

Like any other addiction treatment service, music therapy does not come without its obstacles, unfortunately. That being said, the challenges are not typically insurmountable, but instead, something to keep in mind when considering music therapy.

A common challenge people face in music therapy is self-consciousness in music creation. Some people may not feel confident in music creation as part of therapy as they are insecure about their musical talent or are new to music creation in general.

The good news is, music therapists are trained to help individuals overcome this obstacle in particular. Therapists can help you build confidence over time. You may also be reminded that music therapy is for all skill levels. Group settings can also make music therapy more approachable as seeing your peers try something new can be motivating.

Another common challenge is the reality of facing deep emotional trauma in therapy. As a therapy method, it is not uncommon for music therapy to evoke powerful emotions related to trauma and even be triggering at times. This can be intimidating for many people.

Thankfully, therapy is a safe space to experience these difficult emotions as music therapists are there to help you process them in a safe and healthy manner. Your music therapist can help you manage and navigate any trauma that is brought up by therapy, which can help you deal with similar emotions in the long run.

The cost of music therapy in rehab can vary quite a bit. If receiving music therapy on its own, you may pay anywhere from $50-$140 per session. On the other hand, music therapy through inpatient and outpatient programs tends to be more expensive. Factors that can affect the cost of treatment include the type of treatment you choose, the length of the program, location, and availability.

If you have health insurance, you will likely be able to get at least part of the cost of your addiction treatment covered, with a few caveats. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all marketplace plans must cover substance abuse treatment to some extent. Coverage varies between insurance plans and providers, so you’ll want to verify with your insurance company for more information.

Generally, to get your insurance plan to cover your treatment, you first want to ensure that the rehab center you choose is in-network with your provider. You can often find this information on a facility’s website or by calling.

From there, you’ll want to check with your insurance provider for any requirements you must meet for coverage. For example, you may have to meet your deductible, get an official SUD diagnosis, or get prior authorization before receiving coverage.

The future of music therapy in substance abuse treatment is looking bright. While the treatment is fairly popular now, it may become a core of addiction treatment.

This is for a few reasons. First, emerging trends such as digital music therapy platforms, online sessions, and the integration of AI in creating personalized music therapy experiences are making music therapy more accessible to more populations of patients. Additionally, these trends allow for further personalization of treatment.

The concept of music therapy is expanding in its role as part of a comprehensive, holistic treatment plan. More and more rehab facilities are starting to integrate alternative therapies alongside traditional treatment methods for better treatment outcomes.

With additional research being performed and published, it’s also clear that the efficacy of music therapy in addiction recovery and mental health treatment is well documented and supported. Thus, rehab centers are adopting music therapy as a core treatment now more than ever.

There are several ways to go about finding a rehab facility that offers music therapy. Here are a few recommendations to get you on the right track.

One of the easiest ways to find a rehab center with music therapy is to ask your doctor for a referral. They’ll be able to provide a list of qualified treatment centers for you to choose from.

You can also make use of online directories and search engines. A few we recommend are our lists of top rehab centers in each state, the NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) search engine, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) treatment locator.

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential treatment centers, we encourage you to check client reviews and testimonials for more insight into the patient experience. You may also want to look for more information about the facility’s music therapy program specifically. Look for programs that offer personalized treatment programs, are administered by licensed professionals, and are in your preferred setting (inpatient or outpatient).

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions like:

• Do you offer music therapy?
• Do you have a board-certified music therapist?
• Do you integrate music therapy into a broader treatment plan?
• Do you offer any amenities?
• What are your payment options?
• What aftercare support do you offer?
• What do your housing arrangements look like? Will I be sharing a room?
• Do you offer dual diagnosis treatment?
• How long is your treatment program?
• What are your visitor restrictions?
• Do you offer personalized treatment plans?
• How will my treatment plan be developed?
• Is your program inpatient or outpatient?

Music therapy is a unique but largely beneficial technique that can be used to treat substance addictions. As a treatment service, it is growing in popularity and can help with skills like emotional resilience, healing, and communication.

Though it can be used on its own, music therapy can be a fantastic addition to a comprehensive addiction treatment plan.

If you or a loved one is considering music therapy as part of their recovery journey, give our helpline a call today for additional guidance.