Holistic Therapy

Music Therapy (MT)

Music therapy uses rhythm, melody, and guided sound to help you feel calmer, think more clearly, and express what’s hard to put into words. Some sessions are active—like drumming, singing, or writing a simple chorus—while others are restful, with quiet listening and breathing exercises. Unlike talk therapy, music therapy turns sound into a tool you can carry with you, especially during stress, cravings, or difficult moments.

Major health organizations endorse Music Therapy:

What Music Therapy Really Looks Like

Music therapy is an evidence-based approach that blends creative expression with body-calming techniques. The goal is simple: ease anxiety, lift mood, and build coping skills you can actually use. Sessions match your preferences—paced breathing to a steady beat, quiet listening, or lyric reflection—so the work feels comfortable and practical from day one.

Calm Your Body, Clear Your Mind

Rhythm helps slow racing thoughts and ease your breathing. With that calm, it’s easier to notice what matters and make decisions without mental overload.

Tools You Can Use Anywhere

You’ll practice short routines like humming, steady-beat breathing, or a two-song playlist for tough moments. These are easy to use at home, at work, or before bed—no special equipment required.

Progress That Lasts Beyond Sessions

Each visit ends with a plan: a few songs, a practice routine, and a reminder cue. These small steps make the benefits stick and keep helping you between sessions.

How Music Therapy Works

Here’s what a typical session looks like, including how it fits with your medical care if you’re in detox or residential treatment.

Start with a Health Check and Your Goals

You’ll share how you’re feeling—mood, sleep, cravings, pain—and set a focus, like easing anxiety at night or reducing stress during cravings.

Set Up a Safe Space

You choose headphones or speakers, light levels, and whether you sit or recline. Instruments are sanitized, volume stays comfortable, and you can pause or switch activities anytime.

Relax the Body First

Slow music pairs with guided breathing to shift your nervous system out of “fight-or-flight.” Within minutes, many people notice looser muscles, calmer breathing, and a steadier heart rate.

Work with Thoughts and Emotions

You might reflect on lyrics, write a few lines, or tap a rhythm. The structure of music makes it easier to explore feelings without becoming overwhelmed.

Practice Real-Life Tools

You’ll rehearse quick routines—like a humming exercise or a bedtime playlist—so you can use them during cravings, stress, or sleepless nights.

Wrap Up with a Plan

Each session ends with one or two takeaways to try on your own. Notes are added to your treatment plan so your full care team stays aligned.

Get Cost / Coverage Answers Upfront

Your information will be kept private

Why Guidance Matters

Music therapy works best when it’s delivered by professionals trained in mental health, addiction care, and trauma-informed approaches. Skilled guidance keeps sessions predictable and respectful, adapts activities to your comfort level, and coordinates with the rest of your treatment so everything pulls in the same direction.

Ky'arra Crigler

Group Facilitator

Earl Lumpkin II

Therapist

What Music Therapy Helps With Day to Day

Music therapy adapts to a wide range of needs and backgrounds, even if you don’t consider yourself “musical.”

Substance use recovery

Structured music routines can steady mood, reduce tension, and offer quick coping during cravings. Many people use a short breathing track or grounding song when urges hit.

Sleep problems

Slow, guided listening paired with relaxed breathing helps quiet a busy mind and signals the body it’s time to rest.

Depression and low motivation

Uplifting tempos, lyric exploration, and small creative wins can spark energy and connection. These sessions often support the benefits of therapy and medication already in place.

Anxiety and stress

Gentle rhythms and paced breathing help dial down fight-or-flight. With practice, you can use these tools anywhere—from a waiting room to a work break.

Trauma and emotional regulation

Predictable rhythms and choice-based activities build safety and reduce reactivity. You stay in control of pace, volume, and content.

Chronic pain and medical anxiety

Music-assisted relaxation can ease muscle tension and shift attention, supporting pain-management plans designed with your medical team.

Care That Wraps Around You

Music therapy fits smoothly into the broader treatment experience at The Haven Detox. It complements individual counseling, group support, medication management, and family involvement. Skills from sessions often show up in peer groups, during family calls, and at home—like using a sleep playlist at night or a grounding track before a stressful appointment.

Build Relationships

Calm, Creative Environment

Alternative Therapeutic Opportunity

Locations Offering Music Therapy

Choose from The Haven Detox centers that offer Music Therapy. Spaces are quiet, private, and designed for relaxation and creative work. Admissions can share which locations provide Music Therapy now and how it can fit into your plan.

The Haven Detox - Florida

Space Available

Insurance Accepted

Music Therapy Offered

The Haven Detox - West Memphis

Space Available

Insurance Accepted

Music Therapy Offered

The Haven Detox - Arizona

Space Available

Insurance Accepted

The Haven Detox - Little Rock

Space Available

Insurance Accepted

The Haven Detox - New Jersey

Space Available

Insurance Accepted

The Haven Detox - New England

Space Available

Insurance Accepted

Music Therapy Success Stories

Sean F.

This place has saved my life and provided me with everything I needed for a successful detox and the next steps in treatment after. The techs are amazing. They helped me with the process and provided fun activities for us to do in the evening.

Amber R.

The staff here is incredible, very supportive, kind, and helpful. The facility is also very well kept and offers insightful groups, as well as activities. I’m grateful for the opportunity to receive the help they have to offer!

Rena M.

I have NEVER met people that go to such lengths to ensure a positive and impactful stay. They offer art therapy, music therapy, group and individual therapy. There are so many amenities to keep yourself busy and build a community with other clients that can truly last a lifetime.

Insurance Coverage & Accessibility for Music Therapy

Many insurance plans cover Music Therapy when it’s part of a licensed treatment program and considered medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan, so a quick, confidential benefits check can confirm what’s included and any out-of-pocket costs. If you are paying privately, flexible options are available, and admissions will explain everything in plain language before you begin.

100% Confidential

FAQs About Music Therapy

Do I need to be musical to benefit?

No. Sessions are guided step by step, using music and techniques that match your comfort level and goals.

What happens in a typical session?

You check in about how you’re feeling, choose an activity like guided listening, light drumming, or lyric discussion, and end with a small plan for using the tools during your day.

Is music therapy actually effective?

Research shows music therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and support coping during medical care. Benefits are strongest when sessions are led by trained, board-certified therapists.

Can music therapy help during detox or early recovery?

Yes. Sessions are gentle and regulating. Many people use short breathing tracks and steady rhythms to manage cravings and withdrawal discomfort.

How quickly will I notice a difference?

Some people feel calmer in the first session because music directly influences breathing and heart rate. For lasting change, a series of sessions helps you practice and personalize the skills.

What if certain songs bring up hard memories?

You stay in control. Your therapist avoids triggers, keeps choices predictable, and offers grounding techniques so sessions feel safe.

How long are sessions and how often do they happen?

Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes. Frequency depends on your level of care and goals—often one to three times per week during treatment.

How is this different from just listening to my own playlist?

Personal playlists are great. Music therapy takes it further by using clinical methods—like tempo, rhythm, and structured breathing—to target specific symptoms, then practicing those skills so they stick.

Will this replace my other treatments or medications?

No. Music therapy works alongside counseling, medications, and medical care. Your team coordinates everything so therapies support each other.

Can I continue music therapy after I leave?

Yes. Admissions can help you plan for continued sessions or community options near home.

Related Treatment Options

Have Questions? Let’s Talk!

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