ABOUT US
Welcome to the Music Therapy Clinic at Georgia College & State University! It is our mission to support and enrich the lives of individuals and groups in the central Georgia area through music therapy services and community music experiences.
All our services are provided by professionally trained, state-licensed, and board-certified music therapists. However, as a university teaching clinic, it is important to note that music therapy students and interns may also be present during session to observe and/or assist as part of their clinical training experiences.
Our on-campus clinic is located on the first floor of the Health Sciences Building, room 111, on the campus of Georgia College & State University and hosts equipment and instruments to accommodate various needs, such as adaptive technology and a sensory space containing bean bags, floor mats, bubble tube, and a vibrotactile Somatron chair.
WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?
As defined by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), music therapy is the clinical & 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.
Music therapy can be beneficial to people across the lifespan with various health needs and life circumstances. It is proven to address:
- Emotional Expression
- Mental Health
- Pain Management
- Behavior Regulation
- Attention and Focus
- Physical Rehabilitation
- Memory Recall and Retention
- Sensory Integration
- Identity Development
- Communication
- Social Interaction
- Substance Abuse Recovery
- Grief & Bereavement
Contact Us
200 N. Wilkinson St.,
Campus Box 67
Milledgeville, GA 31061
mt.clinic@gcsu.edu
(478) 445 – 8579
Clinic Services
Individual sessions
We provide an initial music therapy assessment free of charge and offer 30 minute sessions for $35 and $75 for hour sessions (50 minute session and 10 minutes of documentation). We offer sessions both in-person and virtually. If you desire an in-person session outside 20-mile radius of clinic, an additional fee will apply for mileage reimbursement.
The assessment session, the Client Information Packet, and any additional submitted paperwork will assist the state licensed/board certified music therapist recommend a focus for treatment including measurable music therapy goals and objectives. Monthly reports are submitted to the individual served or the individual’s caregiver in order to provide accurate documentation on progress.
Please note that this form and any insurance information (if not paying out of pocket) MUST be received prior to the initial assessment. It may be emailed to mt.clinic@gcsu.edu or mailed to our clinic. If they are not received prior to your first appointment, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early in order to complete your paperwork.
Download the Information Packet here:
Included in our Client Information Packet you will find also find consent for services, medical release, attendance policy, audio/visual release, photographic release, and notice of privacy practices. Please feel free to ask any questions!
Client Packet Information Packet – Adults
Client Packet Information Packet – Under 18
Group sessions
We offer group music therapy services through one hour and half hour sessions depending upon the needs the group and organization. Rates vary depending upon the size of the group. Typically, we contract with an organization to provide group music therapy sessions for a specific group of clients. A group assessment is completed to provide areas of focus for the groups. Documentation is completed by the music therapist according to the requirements of the organization.
If you are interested in group sessions, please email us at mt.clinic@gcsu.edu
Organazation & facility partnerships
Often times organizations would like to, but are unable, to employ a full-time music therapist. We offer contract services with community organizations and facilities to provide music therapy to individuals or groups that they serve. Some organizations that we have had contracts with include Baldwin County School District and Heartland Hospice. Our rates vary according to location and number of clients served.
If you are interested in becoming a community partner, please email us at mt.clinic@gcsu.edu
Community music
We offer community music experiences, such as events, workshops, and camps. By engaging in making, creating, and listening to music, we aim to afford opportunities to promote overall well-being. Examples of this include but are not limited to: group drumming for team building, songwriting to increase expression, and performing to develop confidence. Rates for these experiences vary according to location and need. The experiences do not require any previous music experience!
If you are interested in hiring us for an event, workshop, or camp, please email us at mt.clinic@gcsu.edu . To find out about the community music experiences we will already be offering, check back on our website for updates.
UPCOMING CAMPS
Jam Band
Fall 2024; October 2, 2024 - December 4, 2024
Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 4:50 pm
Jam Band is an all-abilities band for teens ages 12-18. This band exists to provide accessible opportunities for teenagers of various abilities and learning styles to have successful music experiences. The group will meet once a week (on Wednesday afternoons) for 50 minutes for 8 weeks. Participants will receive one-on-one instruction on the instrument of their choice, as well as learn to play in a band. Instruments provided on-campus, but having personal instruments at home to practice is recommended.
More information about the group and how to register can be found here
Clinic Staff
FACULTY & STAFF
MUSIC THERAPY CLINIC COORDINATOR
Erin Kelly, MT-BC
erin.kelly5@gcsu.edu
DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF
Tammie Burke
Administrative Assistant
(478) 445 – 2645
tammie.burke@gcsu.edu
Department Faculty
FULL BIOGRAPHIES HERE https://www.gcsu.edu/artsandsciences/music/faculty-staff-department-of-music
FAQs
Will my insurance pay for music therapy services?
The Music Therapy Clinic is an out-of-network provider for private insurance companies and services may count toward out-of-pocket deductibles. We do not file for our clients at this time, but can provide billing documentation for you to submit to your insurance company. Medicaid and Blue Cross & Blue Shield (BCBS) of GA do not cover Music Therapy services, although some of the BCBS plans from other states do cover Music Therapy.
How do i pay for music therapy services?
We accept private payment for our services, through self-pay, scholarships, and/or grants. Examples of grants are mentioned in our Helpful Forms and Links section.
Reduced fees may be available on a case-by-case basis and are decided using the National Sliding Fee Scale. This is determined by income and number of dependents using the National School Lunch Program data for eligibility requirements.
If you think you may qualify for a discount, please email us at mt.clinic@gcsu.edu to determine the necessary documentation to submit for possible qualification.
How often do music therapy sessions occur?
It is recommended that sessions occur at least once a week. However, it depends on a number of factors including the focus and interest of the individual. Music Therapy sessions are typically at the same time on the same day each week. This provides a sense of consistency that is extremely important for the therapy process.
How is music therapy different than entertainment?
The beauty of music is that it is entertaining… and thus one reason why music therapy is so motivational! While experiencing music is entertaining, music therapy is different in that it is relationship and focus-driven to achieve therapeutic goals and objectives. Music therapists tap into the “entertaining” factor to promote healing, growth, and change.