Music Therapy Program
In York County, like many others in the country, there is a dire need for more mental health resources. Waiting lists for psychiatrists and therapists can be months-long, and many providers that are accepting patients do not accept insurance. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, "Of the 598,000 adults in Pennsylvania who did not receive needed mental health care, 32.7% did not because of cost." Further, millions of Americans have difficultly locating mental health care, and almost 30 million people with a mental illness go without treatment. The need for no-cost mental health care is great in York, as many of our friends, family and neighbors suffer daily, and often go without any treatment.
We saw a need in our community and are so excited to continue fulfilling it using our skills and knowledge base, which lies in music. Music therapy is a scientifically substantiated treatment for many mental illnesses, and music in general is proven to promote well-being in the general population. According to Frontiers in Psychology, "Research in the sciences associated with music suggests that there are many dimensions of human life—including physical, social, educational, psychological (cognitive and emotional)—which can be affected positively by successful engagement in music." Our program will provide no-cost music therapy sessions, a chance to interact with others in a similar situation, and an introduction into music technology, performing and songwriting. Participants will complete the program with new skills to bring into their everyday life, new friendships and a newfound artistic outlet.
For the 150+ participants in the program, evaluations have revealed that the music therapy experience had an incredibly meaningful, positive impact on them. Dozens of kids expressed their gratitude, and we watched as they learned how to cope with their trauma through music — all in just a few sessions. This program is innovative in that it combines a multitude of benefits and experiences for its disadvantaged participants.
By combining music, therapy and a recording studio environment, we introduce our participants to a completely new experience, where they can learn to express themselves through music, cope with trauma, receive professional mental health treatment and engage with others in a similar situation. This program addresses one of the basic needs of our community, mental health, in a unique way by combining the arts and music with professional mental health treatment. Involvement in the arts has been proven to reduce youth drug and alcohol use, lead students to greater academic success, promote memories in seniors, and lead to a better quality of life for all demographics. Music therapy is a researched treatment that can help patients deal with depression, anxiety, trauma and memory loss. Resources to assist in maintaining mental health can be costly and difficult to find, and this program is unlike any others in the area, which is why Studio 117 is thrilled to continue it for the betterment of our community. All data from each program is sent to the State Music Therapy Task Force to support the Sunrise Application and advocate for a bill to allow music therapy licensure in the state of Pennsylvania.