39th Annual Student Research Conference
New Measures: Evaluating the Clinical Impact of Telehealth in Music Therapy
Chloe Armentrout
Prof. Amanda Turnbull, Faculty Mentor
The global shift toward telehealth after March 2020 accelerated the use of Telehealth Music Therapy (TMT), requiring music therapists to adopt innovative strategies, including structured turn-taking, use of rubato, and greater reliance on receptive methods. TMT presents notable benefits, such as reducing costs, expanding access, and increasing opportunities for caregiver involvement, which can strengthen clinical outcomes. However, challenges persist. Latency and technical barriers limit synchronous music-making, while the absence of physical presence reduces opportunities for connection and direct assistance. Clients with limited technological literacy or poor internet access face additional obstacles, and confidentiality remains a concern when therapists cannot confirm who is present in the client’s environment. Caregiver involvement may also be passive or disruptive, impacting engagement and session flow. Clinical decision-making in TMT must be guided by evidence-based practice, integrating research, therapist expertise, and client preferences. With continued research and adaptation, outcomes can be comparable to in-person care.
Keywords: telehealth music therapy (TMT), COVID-19 pandemic, technical barriers, intervention adaptations, evidence-based practice (EBP), caregiver involvement, risk mitigation
Topic(s):Music
Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: -1
Location: SUB 3202
Time: 1:00