Art Therapy & Music Therapy

Creative arts therapy services at MUSC Health offer a breadth of expertise in clinically creative interventions supported by ongoing research. Under the creative arts therapy continuum, MUSC Health’s current modalities include art therapy, music therapy, and dance/movement therapy. Nationally registered and certified therapists within their district fields work with children and adults of all ages to identify, explore, and transform difficulties. When words are hard to find, creative arts therapy gives individuals an outlet for expression within a therapeutic relationship, safely providing opportunities for healing.

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What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. In art therapy sessions, participants are encouraged to freely express themselves through art materials, colors, and imagery, without the pressure of creating "good" art. The focus is on the process rather than the final product and does not require talent or technical abilities.

Through this process alongside master’s-level clinicans, participants can gain insight into their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, develop coping skills, increase self-awareness, and enhance communication. Art therapy can be beneficial for individuals dealing with a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, chronic illness, and developmental disabilities. 

Learn more about art therapy.   

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an evidence-based practice that utilizes music interventions within a therapeutic relationship to achieve individualized goals. Music therapists assess the participant's needs and use music-based interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges. This therapeutic approach recognizes the inherent qualities of music to stimulate responses and facilitate positive changes in mood, behavior, pain, functioning, and overall well-being. It can be tailored to individuals of all ages and abilities across MUSC’s hospitals and outpatient settings.

Learn more about music therapy.  

What Kind of Training Do Music Therapists Have?

To become a music therapist, individuals must earn a bachelors, masters, or doctorate degree in music therapy from an approved university. Specific curriculum requirements include music, biology, psychology, and social and behavioral sciences. Upon completing of required coursework, a 6-month internship must be fulfilled at a nationally approved clinical training site. Graduates must subsequently pass a comprehensive examination administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), to earn the MT-BC credential. Music therapists must have the minimum entry-level credential, MT-BC (Music Therapist, Board Certified), to practice and must maintain these credentials by completing at least 100 continuing education hours every five years.

Referral for Creative Arts Therapy Services

Individual Art or Music Therapy – Email artsinhealing@musc.edu to schedule a therapy appointment with a certified clinician today! Arts in Healing is accepting referrals for children and adults at the Health and Wellness Institute located at 1122 Chuck Dawley Boulevard, Building B, Mount Pleasant, SC.

Arts in Healing: Outpatient Art Therapy Brochure (PDF)

Organizations Interested in an Art or Music Therapy Partnership – If you are a community organization interested in integrating art and/or music therapy services in your facilities with your clients, please email artsinhealing@musc.edu. Opportunities to integrate in-person group and individual sessions are available across the state of South Carolina.

Inpatient Art or Music Therapy, MUSC Health Charleston Campus - Referrals for services are made by a nurse or physician on the clinical team via an “Art Therapy/Music Therapy” order in EPIC. For questions about creative arts therapy referrals for yourself, loved ones or your patients, please tell your provider or nurse to place a referral or by emailing artsinhealing@musc.edu. Creative arts therapy services are complimentary for all patients and families actively undergoing inpatient treatment at MUSC.

Creative Arts Therapy Internships

MUSC is currently offering comprehensive internships for art therapists and music therapists. Throughout the internship experience, interns will gain experience in multiple areas of the healthcare environment to assist in the transformation from student to skilled creative arts therapy professional.

Information about the creative arts therapy certification process, coursework requirements and professional career planning can be found on modality-specific national association websites.

Apply for a Music Therapy Internship

Apply for an Art Therapy Internship