Music therapy is growing internationally to be one of the leading evidence-based psychosocial allied health professions to meet needs across the lifespan.The Oxford Handbook of Music Therapy is the most comprehensive text on this topic in its history. It presents exhaustive coverage of the topic from international leaders in the field.

The profession of music therapy is receiving more and more recognition as an effective intervention in a variety of healthcare settings. Given this increased attention, the question of how to fund music therapy services also is being asked more frequently by many key decision makers. Discovering potential ways to "reimburse" or "cover" music therapy services through public and private third party payment systems has become a critical component to the business of music therapy. In order for music therapists to be successful in their practices, they must demonstrate competency regarding the current healthcare market, the insurance industry, and where music therapy fits within this environment. This book is designed to provide music therapists and related professionals with a basic understanding of the reimbursement process. Students, clinicians, and educators will find this resource helpful as they explore opportunities in healthcare funding. In addition to providing valuable resources and outlining specific guidelines, this book also includes the results of surveys and interviews with member music therapists reporting the successes with third party payment. Clinicians also will find marketing tools, sample forms, and coding information as practical supports to implementing the reimbursement process in their own practices.

The fascinating and exciting evidence in this book has tremendous appeal. For students of Music Therapy, and others training in medical and paramedical disciplines, it can be considered an essential text for study, and required reading to gain an overview of the field. This book provides a landmark in the literature of Music Therapy. For the scientist, chapters on the biological and medical effects of music give a wealth of research evidence on the value of music in therapy and music in medicine. For readers from paramedical, educational and other clinical fields, there are eighteen chapters detailing music therapy techniques and approaches in psychiatry, pediatrics, learning difficulties, elderly and sensory handicap. Diagnosis and assessment are covered in considerable detail and the general effect of music is reviewed in many of the contributions. For all qualified music therapists and students.