Music Therapy Perspectives · 2011 · 20 citations · 0 references
MedicineBehavioral SciencesPsychiatryCommunity PsychiatryHomelessnessMental Health CareMental HealthMental IllnessPsychiatric RehabilitationPsychosocial InterventionsPsychosocial RehabilitationTreatment Of Mental DisordersBehavioral Music TherapyCommunity Music TherapyComplex Care NeedsMusic Therapy IntegrationMusic Therapy ModelsMusic Therapy TrainingMusic-based InterventionSinging Voice Therapy
People who are homeless and mentally ill have complex needs that require sensitive and tailored care. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) task force (Lamb, Bachrach, & Kass, 1992) has made the treatment and rehabilitation of people who are homeless and mentally ill “the highest priority in public mental health” (p. 5). My experience working at the Continuing Treatment (CSS/CTP) Program at the 30 th Street Men's Shelter in New York City led me to question how music therapy methods, and specifically music therapy methods using the voice, could be used to meet the needs of this population. A review of the literature showed a significant knowledge gap about how music therapy methods can help individuals with histories of homelessness and psychiatric diagnoses.