Creative Arts Therapy
HELPING PATIENTS AND FAMILIES THROUGH THE CLINICAL APPLICATION OF CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIES
Creative arts therapies are allied health professions that utilize therapeutic relationships within arts interventions, such as music and visual arts, to improve and support emotional, physical and neurologic well-being. According to the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations:
“Creative Arts Therapists are trained and credentialed according to their distinct profession and each Creative Arts Therapy field is governed by a separate professional association with a unique scope of practice. There are more than 15,000 Creative Arts Therapists practicing in the United States and around the world. Creative Arts Therapy organizations have been active in this country for over 50 years.”
OUR MISSION
Creative Arts Therapy has been a part of the healing mission of the Center for Performing Arts Medicine at Houston Methodist since 2014. This referral-based program offers support to patients and families during hospital admission and visits as part of their medical treatment. The goals of a music therapy or art therapy session are specific to medical diagnoses, development and course of treatment, and discharge timeline.
Music therapy and art therapy can help patients improve cognitive, physical, psychological and social functioning. Research shows that music can alleviate pain; decrease blood pressure, heart rate, stress and anxiety; prime neurological pathways; and improve blood flow and respiration. Art therapy can help with reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving neurological functioning, and enhancing overall quality of life.
At Houston Methodist, creative arts therapists use research-based music and art interventions to help patients improve in the following areas:
- Attention and perception
- Communication, including speech and language
- Pain management
- Emotional expression
- Memory
- Procedural support
- Motor coordination and rehabilitation
- Stress management and coping skills related to hospitalization and life changes
HOW CAN I GET MUSIC THERAPY OR ART THERAPY?
Inpatient: Music therapy and art therapy are inpatient bedside services offered on certain units. Any staff member can refer a patient for music therapy. Talk to your doctor or a nurse to find out if creative arts therapy is available on your unit.
Outpatient: Creative arts therapies are offered in the Behavioral Health and Infusion outpatient clinics. Ask your nurse or provider for a referral.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY SESSION?
Your creative arts therapist will work with you to understand your goals and desires of treatment as well as your preferences and expectations. Once goals are established, your therapist will provide arts-based interventions to meet those goals.
Music therapy interventions may include songwriting, lyric analysis, music improvisation, adapted music lessons, neurologic music interventions (relating to how the body and brain responds to music), music-assisted relaxation and music listening. The music therapist works with the patient to determine appropriate goals and interventions that align best with the patient's goals. Music therapy sessions may involve music, talking, and/or silence. The music therapist may provide live music or recorded music, support the patient in creating music, or engage in verbal processing to help process and understand emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
WILL INSURANCE COVER MUSIC THERAPY AND ART THERAPY?
Creative arts therapies may be reimbursable through certain insurance companies and waiver programs. However, when it is not, music therapy and art therapy may be offered free of charge to patients in the inpatient setting and infusion center. For outpatient behavioral health, speak with the Behavioral Health team about payment options for outpatient music therapy.