Music therapy in a community mental health program

Journal/Book: Journal of Music Therapy. 1975; 12: 59-66.

Abstract: Describes the evolution of the role of the music therapist in a community mental health program. Programming at the center included music therapy for patients on all levels of care, both within the hospital and in the community. Limited experiences and speculation indicate that both traditional and innovative practices of music therapy can contribute to this essential element of the community mental health program. ABSTRACT 2: This paper describes the evolution of the role of the music therapist in a community mental health program. Community mental health programming called upon the music therapist to expand his services to include servicing patients on all levels of the continuum of care, both within the hospital and in the community. Music therapy practice and techniques were influenced by the concepts of short-term hospitalization and after and precare services. Professional responsibilities increased as the scope of the program expanded to include functioning as a primary therapist and group psychotherapist. These duties were delegated by the psychiatrist who directed inservce training and supervision of those mental health professional selected to function in those roles historically in the realm of other mental health professionals. The distinguishing element of a comprehensive mental health program is consultation and educational services to established community agencies and related professional personnel. Music therapy services in these areas, as in other mental health services, remain undefined and experimental.

Note: role of music therapist in community mental health program

Keyword(s): Community mental health centers; music therapy

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