Frequently Asked Questions
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the clinical and 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.
It is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for people who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.
How is Music Therapy helpful?
Music is a form of communication and connection. It’s natural, cost effective, has no side effects, normalizes the environment, and can work in conjunction with other health care goals, resulting in positive physiological and behavioral changes. Research shows that music therapy reduces pain, alleviates anxiety, reduces stress, increases motor abilities, strengthens respiration, improves memory and brain health, reduces depression, and enhances feelings of well-being, among other benefits.
What is Rhythm 2 Recovery (R2R)?
Based on the latest neuroscience…R2R is an integrative model of experiential therapy combining rhythmic music with cognitive-based reflection. Groups deliver a tailored therapeutic program and professional development opportunity that utilize fun and engaging music activities to support social and emotional development. Activities are strength-based, focus less on exploring problems, and more on finding solutions!
What are expressive arts activities?
Expressive arts activities are therapeutic techniques that integrate counseling with art, clay, music, play, sand, drama, movement, writing, etc. to meet individual or organizational goals.
How are expressive arts activities helpful?
Activities are action-oriented, focusing on the process of creating and doing, not the product. They activate the brain, relieve stress, promote self-discovery and understanding of feelings or life concerns, and create a pathway to sound health.
What is Play Therapy?
Play is the language of the child. Toys are the child’s words. Play builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their environment. It helps children communicate and relate to others, express feelings, modify behavior, and develop problem-solving skills.
What is Animal-Assisted Play Therapy?
The integration of animals in play therapy, where the therapist and animals engage with the child, through playful interventions, with the goal of improving the child’s functioning, while ensuring the animal’s well-being and choices.
What if I’m not musical and talking helps me the most?
While we all have music within us (rhythm is in our bodies) and the potential to be musical, a skilled provider will never push you to engage in a task that is too uncomfortable. Most people willing to try some of these interventions find them fun, relaxing, and more enjoyable than simply talking about troublesome circumstances. (Happier people also heal faster!)
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Capital Blue Cross
- Carefirst
- Cigna
- Highmark
- Optum
- Quest
- United Health Care
We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid plans at this time.
Out-of-network benefits can also be pursued to obtain services, as well as private pay for those who do not wish to use their insurance.
We suggest you contact your insurance company prior to your appointment. Please ask your insurance company the following questions and bring this information with you to your appointment.
- Is SHCS a participating provider?
- Does my insurance cover the services I am seeking?
- Do I have a deductible?
- Do I have a maximum number of sessions?
- Do I have a copay or coinsurance?
- Do I need precertification or preauthorization?
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Once you request an appointment, you will receive an email from us with a link to our secure client portal.
In the portal you will receive instructions for completing the intake paperwork (i.e. social history, release forms, and policy forms) prior to your visit.
In addition, you will receive instructions to download Spruce Health, an app for secure calling and texting communications, should you choose to use it.
Please bring along your insurance card and whatever method of payment you choose to use. We will handle the rest.