Music Therapy Program Development for Pediatric Patients in a Medical Facility Awaiting Behavioral/Mental Health Placement

Abstract

There is a growing need for support and treatment of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, especially among the pediatric population. Pediatric patients in need of psychiatric stabilization have little access to supportive services during interim hospitalizations prior to psychiatric admission. The purpose of the evidence-based practice project was to assess if music therapy was an effective intervention to support pediatric behavioral/mental health (BMH) patients awaiting medical stabilization and psychiatric placement. Music therapy services were offered, consisting of interventions to promote positive coping and normalization and to decrease anxiety and behavioral outbursts in pediatric BMH patients. Pre- and post-behavioral states and characteristics of engagement demonstrated a beneficial change after the music therapy session(s) as evidenced by 88.5% of recorded patients reaching a positive behavioral state and 86.9% demonstrating a higher level of engagement. Music therapy was an effective intervention to support pediatric BMH patients awaiting medical stabilization and placement. The availability of music therapy services for BMH patients can produce positive effects for patients, families, and medical staff.