Virtual Music Therapy for Cancer Care
Cancer can bring about a complex combination of symptoms and experiences. Oftentimes, those navigating cancer have more nuanced needs compared to other medical and mental health conditions.
Music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based approach focused on using music interventions to accomplish treatment goals within a therapeutic relationship.
Music has been shown to improve health outcomes, enhance quality of life, and manage side effects/symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment. Specific music techniques are implemented to help address the following cancer-related issues:
- Distress & Coping
- Depression & Loneliness
- Anxiety
- Grief & Meaning-Making
- Fatigue
- Pain Management
- Quality of Life
No music experience is required to participate in and receive the benefits of music therapy.
What Does a Music Therapy Look Like?
Music therapy sessions are tailored to the individual based on treatment goals, music preference, and ability level. Techniques incorporate receptive and/or active music experiences including:
- Music Listening & Song Sharing
- Singing & Vocalizing
- Instrument Playing & Instruction
- Lyric Reflection/Exploration
- Playlist Creation
- Music-Assisted Relaxation
- Songwriting
- Multi-Modal Experiences (ex. incorporating art and/or movement)
- Digital Music Production
Music Therapy treatment is focused on building music strategies, processing experiences, accruing resources, and gaining insight about the impact of music on cancer-related symptoms and overall wellbeing.
All music therapy sessions are facilitated virtually through confidential and HIPAA-compliant software.
*picture from Find Your Voice Music Therapy
Consultation, Assessment, & Treatment Planning
The first 75-minute session is focused on assessment and treatment planning which includes the following elements:
- health-focused clinical interview
- music use assessment
- clinical needs & preferences
- collaborative treatment planning
Follow-up sessions (50-minutes) are focused on checking-in, engaging in a receptive and/or active music intervention as developed during treatment planning, and evaluating progress.
How Many Sessions Until I Notice an Improvement?
Noted improvements may depend on the individual's treatment goals and the severity of their symptoms. Some clients find one or two sessions enough in building new music resources and knowledge, while others find regular sessions (weekly, biweekly or monthly) to be the most effective way of receiving the benefits.
Frequency and results vary by individual.
Why Choose Music Therapy?
Effective & Safe: National cancer guidelines identify music therapy as an effective and non-invasive form of treatment, supported by many scientific studies
Non-Medication Options: Music therapy may be a good choice for individuals who take multiple medications for their cancer treatment and are concerned about adding more to address side effects.
Personalized Treatment: Each music therapy session is curated to the unique needs and preferences of the individual
Professional, Leading-Expert Care: The Music Therapy Clinic at The Collective Resonance Center is founded and led by the board-certified music therapist who established and developed the music therapy program within the Cherng Family Center for Integrative Oncology at City of Hope in Southern California.
How Much Does it Cost?
Consultation Call (10-minutes): Free
First Session - Assessment (75-minutes): $125
- Includes full assessment, collaborative treatment planning, and recommended course of treatment
Follow-Up Sessions (50-minutes): $90
- Includes receptive and/or active music interventions as outlined in treatment plan; resources provided for in between sessions
All services are paid via out-of-pocket, however a Superbill can be provided to client to submit to private insurance company as 'out-of-network' care for partial reimbursement. For some PPOs, services have been reimbursed for 20-80% of total. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and client is responsible for checking with their insurance provider if seeking this option. HMO's, Medicaid/Medicare are not reimbursable.
Sliding scale options may be available for low-income individuals.