Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is a good candidate for music therapy?
Music therapy can help almost anyone who is willing to try it. We work with children as young as 18 months of age and adults as old as 100 years. We work with people who have significant disabilities and those who simply need a little help making their lives better. To read more about some reasons an individual might make a good candidate for music therapy, please visit our When to refer to Music Therapy page, or download the pdf file here
Can I just sign up?
An assessment session is the required first step. In this session, the therapist will review the case history and evaluate a client's strengths and weaknesses as well as determine their response to music therapy interventions. After the assessment, recommendations will be made for either group or individual music therapy. The therapist will then provide the indicated treatments, which may involve playing instruments, singing, composing and song-writing, moving and/or listening to music. Each individual receives a unique program designed especially to meet their needs.
Does Insurance or Medicaid cover Music Therapy?
Ohio Medicaid does not reimburse for music therapy services. Music therapy is not covered by Level One or I/O waiver programs. However, individuals on the new SELF waiver for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities can use those funds for music therapy under Participant Directed Goods and Services. Private insurance companies only cover music therapy on a case by case basis. Approval may take several months. Ohio county boards of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) sometimes provide reimbursement.
Can we get financial assistance with the cost?
Financial assistance by may available for families in Hamilton, Butler, and Clermont counties that qualify. Family Support Services is provided via the Southwest Ohio Council of Governments (SWOCOG). Sandy Schutte is the FSSP Coordinator and can be reached at 559-6800 or sandy.schutte@hamiltondds.org.
The Family Financial Advocate program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center helps families locate, apply and advocate for resources to help them cover their medical expenses. Contact Rebecca Meyer at 513-803-6144.
Parents who need help paying for their children's medical expenses can apply for grants from the United Healthcare Children's Foundation. To qualify, children must be under 16 years old and meet financial guidelines. Visit www.uhccf.org
Paige's Princess Foundation is a Cincinnati-based non-profit offering grants of up to $2500 to children under 21 with life-long disabilities. For application rules and information, visit http://paigesprincessrun.com/grant-request/.
The Challenged America Website is a medium through which disadvantaged, physically or developmentally challenged children under 18 (or their parents) submit requests for medical attention, rehabilitative therapy, and/or assistive devices they would otherwise be unable to obtain. The benefits to the children go far beyond the physical. Assistance from Challenged America can improve their quality of life, help them gain confidence and self-esteem, and ease their reentry into the community. To request a grant of up to $500, visit: http://challengedamerica.com/tell.asp?page=3
Sliding scale fees may be arranged if all of the above options have been exhausted.
Do you give piano lessons?
Music therapy services provides music instruction only to those with special needs such as ADHD, learning problems, developmental disabilities or physical disabilities who may not be able to benefit from traditional music lessons. For instrumental music teachers in the Cincinnati area visit Southwest Ohio Music Teachers Association, CCM Preparatory Department or Cincinnati Musicians Association.
How long does it last?
Individuals are generally seen once a week for 30-60 minutes, dependent upon need and availability. Sessions are planned in monthly segments. Progress is evaluated and treatment may last from several weeks to several years. No long term contracts are required and clients may choose to discontinue at the end of any month. For therapeutic purposes, two weeks notice is requested.
Do you offer in-home therapy?
We do not provide in-home services. Visit www.aomt.org for referrals to other Cincinnati area music therapists.
How much does it cost?
Please call us at 513-474-6064 for current fee information.
Where are you located?
We are just minutes from I-275 in Anderson Township at the intersection of Beechmont at Eight Mile Road. The address is 8447 Beechmont Avenue.
