• Make a Real Difference: Use the power of music to support people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction—helping them heal, connect, and find hope.

• Express Your Creativity: Incorporate singing, playing instruments, movement, and songwriting to create meaningful and personalized therapy experiences.

• Work in Diverse Settings: Bring music therapy to hospitals, schools, mental health centers, nursing homes, addiction treatment programs, and more.

• Grow Your Skills: Stay inspired by learning new music techniques, therapeutic approaches, and research that keep your work fresh and effective.

• Find Deep Fulfillment: Watch clients open up, gain confidence, and reach goals—knowing your work helped change their lives for the better.

Music therapy combines your passion for music with the opportunity to positively impact others' lives.

With a bachelor's degree  or higher:

• Music Therapist

A music therapist uses music to help people improve their mental, emotional, and behavioral health, manage stress, and express emotion in healthy ways. They might play instruments, sing, write songs, or use listening activities with clients.  In Ohio, music therapists often work in hospitals, schools, mental health centers, or private practices. They create treatment plans based on each person’s needs and may work as part of a larger care team that includes licensed counselors.

• Crisis Therapist

A Crisis Therapist helps people during  mental health emergencies, like when someone is thinking about harming themselves or others. They stay calm, listen, and work quickly to make sure the person is safe. They also help create  plans for recovery and support.  [Learn more about Crisis Response careers→]

• Primary Care Behaviorist

A Primary Care Behaviorist works in a doctor’s office to help patients with mental health, stress, or behavior problems. They’re part of the healthcare team and work closely with doctors and nurses. If someone is feeling anxious, depressed, or having trouble sleeping, the behaviorist can step in to help right away—often during the same visit! They also help people make healthy changes, like quitting smoking, managing weight, or dealing with chronic illnesses.

• Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants work with adults who care for young children, such as  parents,  teachers and child care workers. They help adults understand how to support children’s emotions, behavior, and development. If a child is having a hard time with big feelings or changes, the consultant provides tools and suggestions to help. They don’t usually work one-on-one with children, but they help create safe, caring places for kids to grow. [Learn more about Early Childhood Mental Health careers →]

• Clinical Case Manager

A Clinical Case Manager helps people manage their mental health treatment. They connect clients to services, check on their progress, and make sure all parts of their care are working together. They support clients every step of the way on their recovery journey.  [Learn more about careers in Care Coordination →]

• Program Manager

A Program Manager plays a vital role in helping to transform the lives of patients. They oversee the day-to-day operations in mental health and/or addiction treatment programs. They collaborate with staff to plan services, manage personnel, and ensure the program meets clients’ needs. In behavioral health, they also track program results and ensure the programs comply with ethical standards and state rules.  [Learn more about Management careers→]

• Policy Advocate/ Analyst

A Policy Advocate/Analyst works to change laws or rules to make mental health care better for everyone. They study problems, suggest solutions, and speak up to leaders and lawmakers. Their work helps improve services and support for people across Ohio.  [Learn more about careers in Advocacy →]

With a master's degree or higher:

• Clinical Supervisor

A Clinical Supervisor is a key leader in the counseling profession, responsible for mentoring less experienced counselors. Clinical supervisors provide feedback, consultations, and evaluations to help develop the skills and knowledge of the counselors they oversee. They review casework to ensure that therapeutic practices meet the ethical and legal standards of the State of Ohio. Clinical supervisors build strong teams, encourage collaboration, and handle conflicts. They also help shape the culture of their organization while making sure that diversity and cultural differences are respected in every part of the process. In Ohio, clinical supervisors need a special supervisory endorsement for their professional license.  [Learn more about Clinical Supervision careers →]

• Chief Clinical Officer (CCO)

Chief Clinical Officers (CCOs) in behavioral health are top leaders who ensure that people receive high-quality mental health and addiction care. In Ohio, CCOs can work in hospitals, clinics, or community programs. They oversee the provision of services, ensuring they meet state laws and professional standards. They also lead teams of therapists, doctors, and support staff, helping create treatment plans, guide staff training, and make sure patients are treated with respect and safety. CCOs often collaborate with other leaders to develop new programs, manage budgets, and enhance services. [Learn more about Clinical Supervision careers→]

• Agency Director

An Agency Director provides the leadership and vision for the organization. They enforce best practices, accreditation, and ethical standards in all aspects of the work— from hiring staff and managing budgets to ensuring clients receive the care they need. They oversee clinical services, office operations, and work with local mental health and recovery boards to advance the mission of the agency to serve the community in the best way possible.  [Learn more about Management careers→]

• Client’s Rights Officer

A Client’s Rights Officer makes sure people receiving mental health or addiction services are treated fairly and with respect. They help protect client rights, listen to complaints, and work to solve problems. They stand up for clients when something feels wrong.  [Learn more about careers in Advocacy →]

Other job titles you may see:

• Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

• Neurologic Music Therapist

• Board Certified Music Therapist

[Learn more about Therapy careers →]

A career in music therapy offers multiple paths, each allowing you to use music to make a positive impact!

• Assess Each Client’s Needs: Get to know the client’s emotional, social, and mental health needs to set personalized therapy goals.

• Design Meaningful Sessions: Create music-based experiences—like drumming, singing, or songwriting—that match each person’s strengths and challenges.

• Lead Therapeutic Activities: Facilitate sessions where clients express themselves, build coping skills, and connect with others through music.

• Track Growth and Healing: Observe how clients respond, document their progress, and adjust sessions to support their development.

• Team Up for Better Outcomes: Work closely with counselors, doctors, social workers, and families to provide well-rounded, supportive care.

In behavioral health, music therapists use structured musical activities to help clients manage emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.

[Learn more about Therapy careers →]

• Hospitals and Clinics

• Mental Health Centers

• Schools and Special Education Programs

• Music Programs

• Rehabilitation Facilities

• Private Practices

• Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Centers

• Hospice and Palliative Care

• Community Centers and Nonprofits

• Correctional Facilities

• Telehealth/Virtual Sessions

Music therapists work in diverse environments, bringing therapeutic music experiences to people in need.

• Children and Teens: Help young people with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges express themselves, build confidence, and grow through music.

• Adults: Support individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or life changes by using music to relax, reflect, and heal.

• Older Adults and Seniors: Use music to improve memory, boost mood, reduce feelings of loneliness, and support overall well-being.

• People with Disabilities: Help individuals with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities improve communication, movement, and social skills.

• People in Recovery: Support those healing from addiction, trauma, or mental health struggles by using music to process emotions and stay motivated.

• Individuals with Serious Illness or Chronic Conditions: Use music to ease pain, reduce stress, and improve quality of life during treatment or long-term care.

• Hospice Patients and Their Families: Provide comfort, connection, and emotional support during end-of-life care through meaningful music experiences.

• People in Crisis or Trauma Recovery: Offer a safe, creative space for expressing feelings and beginning to heal from difficult experiences.

Music therapists assist a wide range of individuals, using music to promote healing and personal growth.

To become a music therapist, you will need:

• Bachelor of Music Therapy from an accredited program. 

  • The program must include at least 1,200 hours of hands-on experience, including supervised internships.

• Board Certification: After completing your training, you must pass the Music Therapy Board Certification Exam (MT-BC).

Some music therapists choose to go further by earning a Master of Music Therapy, Social Work or Counseling. This can help you specialize in certain areas, qualify for teaching or leadership roles, or work in advanced clinical settings.

You must be licensed to be a Music Therapist in Ohio:

• Licensed Professional Music Therapist (LPMT): Required to practice legally in the state of Ohio, offered by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.

In Ohio, LPMTs must maintain a Music Therapy Board Certification (MT-BC) credential alongside the state license.

Click here to learn more about licenses, credentials, and certifications.