Music Therapy in California

Photo of Alfred S Neale - Santa Barbara Music Therapy, MT-BC
Santa Barbara Music Therapy
Board Certified Music Therapist, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Music therapy is an excellent complementary therapy for a wide range of needs. It is important that music therapy clients are open to new experiences and exploring ways to accomplish their therapeutic goals through different active and passive music exercises designed to encourage emotional expression, communication, and regulation. You do not need to be able to play instruments, sing, or write music to participate in music therapy sessions.
Music therapy is an excellent complementary therapy for a wide range of needs. It is important that music therapy clients are open to new experiences and exploring ways to accomplish their therapeutic goals through different active and passive music exercises designed to encourage emotional expression, communication, and regulation. You do not need to be able to play instruments, sing, or write music to participate in music therapy sessions.
(805) 500-7796 View (805) 500-7796
Photo of Joyce A Martin, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Joyce A Martin
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I also offer music therapy using sound tools, such as singing bowls, chimes, and drums, as well as mindfulness meditation.
Let go of stress and return to wellness with personalized counseling psychotherapy sessions. I integrate traditional psychology using Humanistic Theory, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Positive Psychology to promote holistic mental health and well-being to help you feel more centered.
I also offer music therapy using sound tools, such as singing bowls, chimes, and drums, as well as mindfulness meditation.
Let go of stress and return to wellness with personalized counseling psychotherapy sessions. I integrate traditional psychology using Humanistic Theory, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Positive Psychology to promote holistic mental health and well-being to help you feel more centered.
(925) 666-6214 View (925) 666-6214
Photo of Johnny Zhong (He Or They), LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Johnny Zhong (He Or They)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91007  (Online Only)
Johnny Zhong, Trained EMDR, Specialized in couple therapy. A compassionate therapist, specializes in TRAUMA, body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, depression, OCD, life transitions, grief. With a client-centered approach, Johnny offers therapy to both adults and children. He integrates "MUSIC Therapy techniques" such as songwriting, lyric analysis, drumming, improvisation, and singing to explore and process emotions. In addition to these techniques, Johnny incorporates play therapy, sound therapy, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, DBT, and somatic therapy. This holistic treatment approach ensures comprehensive care for their clients.
Johnny Zhong, Trained EMDR, Specialized in couple therapy. A compassionate therapist, specializes in TRAUMA, body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, depression, OCD, life transitions, grief. With a client-centered approach, Johnny offers therapy to both adults and children. He integrates "MUSIC Therapy techniques" such as songwriting, lyric analysis, drumming, improvisation, and singing to explore and process emotions. In addition to these techniques, Johnny incorporates play therapy, sound therapy, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, DBT, and somatic therapy. This holistic treatment approach ensures comprehensive care for their clients.
(707) 610-1094 View (707) 610-1094
Photo of Zachary E Sipos - Music Matterz, Neurologic Music Therapy Practice, MT-BC, NMT
At Music Matterz, we are dedicated to providing quality music therapy, making it our goal to broaden awareness of the unique benefits of music therapy.
We treat all populations, from NICU infants to hospice. We are Board Certified (MT-BC), Neurologic Music Therapists (NMT), who specialize in trauma, PTSD, geriatric, NICU, and autism. We offer highly personalized, specialized, HIPAA compliant, music therapy services, (in-person and via Telehealth), in both individual and group formats. Domain areas include motor and language, social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral. We use standardized, evidenced-based, and peer-reviewed techniques, using music within a therapeutic relationship, to address non-musical goals.
At Music Matterz, we are dedicated to providing quality music therapy, making it our goal to broaden awareness of the unique benefits of music therapy.
We treat all populations, from NICU infants to hospice. We are Board Certified (MT-BC), Neurologic Music Therapists (NMT), who specialize in trauma, PTSD, geriatric, NICU, and autism. We offer highly personalized, specialized, HIPAA compliant, music therapy services, (in-person and via Telehealth), in both individual and group formats. Domain areas include motor and language, social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral. We use standardized, evidenced-based, and peer-reviewed techniques, using music within a therapeutic relationship, to address non-musical goals.
(805) 254-7256 View (805) 254-7256
Photo of Colleen Klym, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Colleen Klym
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you yearning for a more joyful life and more connected relationships? Perhaps you have patterns that are getting in the way of connection and joy bc of difficult past experiences. I provide a warm, accepting environment to allow for clients to clear negative experience, regulate their nervous system and start living in the present. I have a certification in brainspotting, a neuroexperiential model which has been shown to reduce and even eliminate symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I also have a bachelors degree in music therapy so using music and other expressive arts are available to clients. Expressive arts retreats
Are you yearning for a more joyful life and more connected relationships? Perhaps you have patterns that are getting in the way of connection and joy bc of difficult past experiences. I provide a warm, accepting environment to allow for clients to clear negative experience, regulate their nervous system and start living in the present. I have a certification in brainspotting, a neuroexperiential model which has been shown to reduce and even eliminate symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I also have a bachelors degree in music therapy so using music and other expressive arts are available to clients. Expressive arts retreats
(530) 203-6687 View (530) 203-6687
Photo of Mayra Gutierrez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mayra Gutierrez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hello, my name is Mayra Gutierrez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I enjoy creating a welcoming environment for therapy whether is telehealth or in-person session. I have worked with a variety of individuals from ages 4 to 70 years old. I worked with families with a single child to up to 6 children in family sessions. I have years of experience with trauma work, short-term treatment, narrative therapy, art therapy, music therapy, along with implementing smells and lighting into sessions to ground and create space for clientele.
Hello, my name is Mayra Gutierrez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I enjoy creating a welcoming environment for therapy whether is telehealth or in-person session. I have worked with a variety of individuals from ages 4 to 70 years old. I worked with families with a single child to up to 6 children in family sessions. I have years of experience with trauma work, short-term treatment, narrative therapy, art therapy, music therapy, along with implementing smells and lighting into sessions to ground and create space for clientele.
(323) 716-1840 View (323) 716-1840
Photo of Jonathan Morin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jonathan Morin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254  (Online Only)
I also have a passion for music and am able to apply music therapy techniques as additional therapeutic tools.
I'm an experienced psychotherapist skilled in working with individuals and families. I've treated adults with stress, anxiety/depression, relationship and career struggles and teenagers with behavioral/emotional problems, academic issues and parent-child conflicts. I primarily utilize strengths-based, cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches to help people identify and apply their own personal strengths to work effectively through different life circumstances.
I also have a passion for music and am able to apply music therapy techniques as additional therapeutic tools.
I'm an experienced psychotherapist skilled in working with individuals and families. I've treated adults with stress, anxiety/depression, relationship and career struggles and teenagers with behavioral/emotional problems, academic issues and parent-child conflicts. I primarily utilize strengths-based, cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches to help people identify and apply their own personal strengths to work effectively through different life circumstances.
(310) 409-4798 View (310) 409-4798
Photo of Vasily Todoriko, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vasily Todoriko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Wellness Recovery Action Planning), Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Life Coaching, Mindfulness Meditation, Music Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Relationships move us, give us life, and can even suck the life out of us. We were made for them. That is why I specialize in them - relationships with friends, family, colleagues, ourselves, our higher power. Properly realigning these problematic, strained, estranged relationships transforms your suffering into purposeful, worthwhile living. Ultimately your fullest life is my goal as your therapist. The greatest gift you can bring to your relationships is you. The best gift you can give the world is your relationships. What will you choose to do with these two important aspects of your one life?
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Wellness Recovery Action Planning), Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Life Coaching, Mindfulness Meditation, Music Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Relationships move us, give us life, and can even suck the life out of us. We were made for them. That is why I specialize in them - relationships with friends, family, colleagues, ourselves, our higher power. Properly realigning these problematic, strained, estranged relationships transforms your suffering into purposeful, worthwhile living. Ultimately your fullest life is my goal as your therapist. The greatest gift you can bring to your relationships is you. The best gift you can give the world is your relationships. What will you choose to do with these two important aspects of your one life?
(805) 973-0751 View (805) 973-0751
Photo of Rick Erlien, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rick Erlien
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90805
Music Therapy Healing is an option, and it helps if you are feeling down or anxious/stressed to feel better quickly.
Rick Erlien, LMFT. practical help results oriented. Would you like a happier life? I can help you to understand what is going wrong, your strengths, and how to find solutions. I utilize a Solution Focused approach along with Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as in addition if you like... Music Therapy Healing (you do not have to be a musician). I can help you stop repeating old patterns, and make changes for the better, know what to do about it, and feel like you are in control. I use an integrative approach as I described above as well.
Music Therapy Healing is an option, and it helps if you are feeling down or anxious/stressed to feel better quickly.
Rick Erlien, LMFT. practical help results oriented. Would you like a happier life? I can help you to understand what is going wrong, your strengths, and how to find solutions. I utilize a Solution Focused approach along with Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as in addition if you like... Music Therapy Healing (you do not have to be a musician). I can help you stop repeating old patterns, and make changes for the better, know what to do about it, and feel like you are in control. I use an integrative approach as I described above as well.
(323) 894-0715 View (323) 894-0715
Photo of Alicia Ramírez, MA, AMFT, KAP, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alicia Ramírez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, KAP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90024
With an artistic attunement and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy, I work with clients who seek to understand personal creative blocks, as well as utilize music and the arts as powerful allies to deepen subconscious explorations.
I approach psychotherapy as a co-creative alliance between client and therapist. I seek to create a safe, humorous and collaborative space for clients to explore their own ability to access greater insight, clarity and self-awareness. I gravitate towards humanistic, psychodynamic and in-depth psychology (Spiritual) approaches - while also tailoring each session to my client’s particular needs and strengths.
With an artistic attunement and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy, I work with clients who seek to understand personal creative blocks, as well as utilize music and the arts as powerful allies to deepen subconscious explorations.
I approach psychotherapy as a co-creative alliance between client and therapist. I seek to create a safe, humorous and collaborative space for clients to explore their own ability to access greater insight, clarity and self-awareness. I gravitate towards humanistic, psychodynamic and in-depth psychology (Spiritual) approaches - while also tailoring each session to my client’s particular needs and strengths.
(310) 564-7130 View (310) 564-7130
Photo of Wendy L Whitmore - Truth Healing & Evolution Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Truth Healing & Evolution Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Upland, CA 91786
We offer Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, EMDR Therapy, Art & Music Therapy, Group Therapy.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) & clinical life coach, owner of Truth, Healing & Evolution Counseling Services and WLW HEALING HOUSE, and founder of T.H.E. iLove Me Experiences and “My Warrior Life” movement. With over 17 years of experience, I work to provide clients with safe spaces to freely express themselves, encourage them to “stretch & grow” and teaches them the coping skills necessary to assist in their healing. I Am Passionate About: Normalizing Radical SelfCare and teaching clients about their WHOLE Being; focusing on the connections and relationships between their Spirit, Soul, Mind and Body.
We offer Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, EMDR Therapy, Art & Music Therapy, Group Therapy.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) & clinical life coach, owner of Truth, Healing & Evolution Counseling Services and WLW HEALING HOUSE, and founder of T.H.E. iLove Me Experiences and “My Warrior Life” movement. With over 17 years of experience, I work to provide clients with safe spaces to freely express themselves, encourage them to “stretch & grow” and teaches them the coping skills necessary to assist in their healing. I Am Passionate About: Normalizing Radical SelfCare and teaching clients about their WHOLE Being; focusing on the connections and relationships between their Spirit, Soul, Mind and Body.
(909) 512-6521 View (909) 512-6521
Photo of Jana M. Sadler, PsyD, Psychologist
Jana M. Sadler
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Signal Hill, CA 90755  (Online Only)
The interventions and techniques I utilize include: CBT, Behavioral-Based, EMDR and Play Therapy interventions, Mindfulness, as well as Music Therapy.
I specialize in Child and Adolescent therapy, as well as Individual, and Family therapy. My focus is to assist with personal growth and address concerns such as loss and grief, anxiety, and depression. I take pride in providing a safe and nurturing environment where individuals who identify as QTPOC, POC, and/or LGBTQ, feel seen and heard where the focus is on their healing and success. My goal is to help one discover resiliency and begin the journey to healing and overcoming barriers. Through empowerment and support I want to help you discover what is best for you, being your true and authentic self.
The interventions and techniques I utilize include: CBT, Behavioral-Based, EMDR and Play Therapy interventions, Mindfulness, as well as Music Therapy.
I specialize in Child and Adolescent therapy, as well as Individual, and Family therapy. My focus is to assist with personal growth and address concerns such as loss and grief, anxiety, and depression. I take pride in providing a safe and nurturing environment where individuals who identify as QTPOC, POC, and/or LGBTQ, feel seen and heard where the focus is on their healing and success. My goal is to help one discover resiliency and begin the journey to healing and overcoming barriers. Through empowerment and support I want to help you discover what is best for you, being your true and authentic self.
(562) 392-8941 View (562) 392-8941
Photo of Rick Erlien, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rick Erlien
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Encinitas, CA 92024  (Online Only)
I offer Creative Counseling to help you to feel happier, more successful and feeling better. Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with Music Therapy Sound Healing approaches are what I utilize. I use Zoom or telephone for sessions. I offer a results oriented approach for practical results for you to have a happy life. In the first session we can identify what are the issues and what solutions to the issues can be addressed if you are feeling stressed or anxious or feeing down or depressed. I can help you to know what to do and how to fix what is wrong.
I offer Creative Counseling to help you to feel happier, more successful and feeling better. Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with Music Therapy Sound Healing approaches are what I utilize. I use Zoom or telephone for sessions. I offer a results oriented approach for practical results for you to have a happy life. In the first session we can identify what are the issues and what solutions to the issues can be addressed if you are feeling stressed or anxious or feeing down or depressed. I can help you to know what to do and how to fix what is wrong.
(760) 906-8731 View (760) 906-8731
Photo of Juliane Kowski, LCAT, MT-BC, MA
Juliane Kowski
Creative Arts Therapist, LCAT, MT-BC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94709
Music therapy is intended for children, teens and adults who have a strong connection to music, play and art, and who believe that starting with their creativity & strengths can help create therapeutic change. This creative form of therapy uses music in all of its facets. No musical skills are necessary. I work with children and teens who struggle with social-emotional challenges due to trauma, life changes, learning challenges, academic/social pressures that can result in anxiety and depression. For adults, music therapy might provide a richer and more intuitive experience with which to explore and cope with anxiety and depression.
Music therapy is intended for children, teens and adults who have a strong connection to music, play and art, and who believe that starting with their creativity & strengths can help create therapeutic change. This creative form of therapy uses music in all of its facets. No musical skills are necessary. I work with children and teens who struggle with social-emotional challenges due to trauma, life changes, learning challenges, academic/social pressures that can result in anxiety and depression. For adults, music therapy might provide a richer and more intuitive experience with which to explore and cope with anxiety and depression.
(510) 880-3884 View (510) 880-3884
Photo of John Mews - Mewsic Moves, LMFT, NMT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mewsic Moves
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, NMT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90802  (Online Only)
Strength based and music therapy approach is the main focus of my interventions with clients.
Do you have a child that has special needs and looking for a program that focuses on their ability rather than their disability? Then you have taken the right step in finding a therapist that can both benefit your child and your family. I am a music therapist and a marriage and family therapist with over 18 years of experience supporting families of children with special needs as well as client with mental health conditions.
Strength based and music therapy approach is the main focus of my interventions with clients.
Do you have a child that has special needs and looking for a program that focuses on their ability rather than their disability? Then you have taken the right step in finding a therapist that can both benefit your child and your family. I am a music therapist and a marriage and family therapist with over 18 years of experience supporting families of children with special needs as well as client with mental health conditions.
(424) 292-6873 View (424) 292-6873
Photo of Megan N Dozler - Core3 Harmony & Wellness Services, LLC, PhD, MT-BC
Core3 Harmony & Wellness Services, LLC
PhD, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Napa, CA 94558
Megan Dozler, PhD, MT-BC, is the Creator/Founder of Core3 Harmony & Wellness Services, LLC. She provides individual and group music therapy, counseling and holistic wellness services for clients in Napa, Yolo, and Solano County. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals and groups across the lifespan, Megan’s quest as a lifelong learner has helped her combine her passion for music, counseling and psychology in her approach to optimize potential and promote wellness.
Megan Dozler, PhD, MT-BC, is the Creator/Founder of Core3 Harmony & Wellness Services, LLC. She provides individual and group music therapy, counseling and holistic wellness services for clients in Napa, Yolo, and Solano County. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals and groups across the lifespan, Megan’s quest as a lifelong learner has helped her combine her passion for music, counseling and psychology in her approach to optimize potential and promote wellness.
(707) 927-2357 x8479 View (707) 927-2357 x8479
Photo of Brittany Tachkov, LMFT, APCC, MT-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittany Tachkov
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC, MT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is your family navigating increased stress or a new medical or mental health need? We will look to discover your strengths and make a personalized approach to facing life’s changes and challenges. My experience with children, adolescents, LGBTQ+ youth, and adults have supported coping with the impact of grief, loss, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. My years of music therapy work includes facilitating connection, meaning, and understanding in the context of families coping with chronic and terminal illness, children’s bereavement groups, and intergenerational support.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is your family navigating increased stress or a new medical or mental health need? We will look to discover your strengths and make a personalized approach to facing life’s changes and challenges. My experience with children, adolescents, LGBTQ+ youth, and adults have supported coping with the impact of grief, loss, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. My years of music therapy work includes facilitating connection, meaning, and understanding in the context of families coping with chronic and terminal illness, children’s bereavement groups, and intergenerational support.
(925) 281-5892 View (925) 281-5892
Photo of Diego J. Hall, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diego J. Hall
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95404  (Online Only)
I work with clients inspired to change. Let's work together from where you are, with what you have right now, to create a stable and enjoyable life. I can help guide you in controlling your anxiety, depression, and mental suffering with evidence-based practices.
I work with clients inspired to change. Let's work together from where you are, with what you have right now, to create a stable and enjoyable life. I can help guide you in controlling your anxiety, depression, and mental suffering with evidence-based practices.
(707) 216-0567 View (707) 216-0567
Photo of Daniel E Rice, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Daniel E Rice
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Modesto, CA 95355
I enjoy working to develop the relationships of parents, couples, families, individual adults of all ages, and children.
I enjoy working to develop the relationships of parents, couples, families, individual adults of all ages, and children.
(209) 802-2135 View (209) 802-2135
Photo of Anissa McNeil - Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic, PhD, LMFT, Psychologist
Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides psychological evaluations and therapy to kids, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, group, and family sessions including yoga, mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are specialists in trauma informed therapy and our practice provides individual and group therapy services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and violent crimes. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you thrive in the community.
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides psychological evaluations and therapy to kids, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, group, and family sessions including yoga, mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are specialists in trauma informed therapy and our practice provides individual and group therapy services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and violent crimes. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you thrive in the community.
(213) 996-0522 x701 View (213) 996-0522 x701
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Music Therapy

How does music therapy work?

A music therapist will begin by assessing the client’s specific needs and getting a sense of their musical ability and interests. Musical training is not required, and clients of all ages can benefit from this type of therapy. The therapist will then make a plan for how to achieve the client’s therapeutic goal(s) using a range of receptive (e.g., listening to a song) and active (e.g., drumming in a group) music therapy techniques.

What are some common music therapy techniques?

Music therapy usually involves listening to music (either live or recorded). Music therapy clients may also make music on popular instruments, such as the piano, guitar, and hand drum, or sing. Sometimes music therapy can include guided imagery. A music therapist may ask clients to improvise on the spot or even compose their own songs. Dancing or moving to music can be an effective intervention to help clients feel more fully grounded in their bodies and remain in the present moment.

How does music therapy help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Music therapy can be a valuable creative outlet for clients with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have trouble putting their painful feelings into words. Listening to music can be relaxing while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. In addition to its mood-boosting effects, music therapy can help clients build resilience and overcome PTSD symptoms that may interfere with their daily lives.

How long does music therapy take?

Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes. They can be scheduled in advance (for example, once a week) or can be done on an as-needed basis. Some clients will only require a handful of music therapy sessions to achieve their goals, while others may need months or longer, depending on their specific concern.