Q: Why is it important to work with a Board-Certified Music Therapist?

A: Whether you're seeking music therapy or music lessons for a child with special needs, working with someone who has specialized training makes all the difference.

At A Therapeutic Melody, sessions are led by Alice Chiang, MA, MT-BC, a Board Certified Music Therapist. This credential, awarded by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), means Alice has passed a national certification exam and is trained to use music in a clinical and therapeutic way.

Alice supports your child’s music and non-music goals, including:

• Emotion regulation

• Communication

• Attention

• Self-expression

• Cognitive skill

• eye-hand coordination

• social skills

• fine/ gross motor skills

Even something as simple as playing to a beat engages neurological coordination, motor planning, and sensory integration. Alice tailors each session to your child’s unique needs and responses.

Q: How long are the classes?

A: Most students start with a 30-minute weekly session. Over time, some may extend to 45 or 60 minutes, depending on:

• Your child’s needs

• Progress in sessions

• Schedule availability

Some students benefit from twice-weekly sessions for additional support and consistency.

What happens in a typical session?

A 30-minute session might include:

• 10–15 minutes on the piano or guitar (depends on each child’s attention span).

• Singing, drumming, and rhythm-based musical exploration

• Built-in breaks for sensory needs

Even playful musical interventions are powerful work for a developing brain—and all needs are supported with compassion.

Q: Can I use Regional Center funding for music therapy?

Yes! Music therapy is considered a non-medical service by the Regional Center and can be funded through:

• Social Recreation

• Self-Determination Program (SDP)

Here’s how it works:

• Social Recreation provides access to non-medical supports like music therapy (or music lessons).

• SDP gives families flexibility to use their budget for community-based services—even if the provider is not a Regional Center vendor.

💡 A Therapeutic Melody is not a direct vendor, but we work closely with many families who receive support through these programs. Parents make payments directly to A Therapeutic Melody, and we’re happy to provide invoices and documentation for reimbursement or approval..

A: Can I get reimbursed for music therapy sessions?

Many families are able to get partial or full reimbursement through the following options:

1. Regional Center

Start by contacting your local Regional Center.

Coverage varies: Some centers fund “Music Therapy,” others only cover “Music Lessons.”

• Let us know what terminology your Regional Center approves—we’ll tailor the invoice accordingly.

• Parents often act as “mini-vendors,” paying upfront and getting reimbursed later.

• The Exemption Program is a simple and common option for Regional Center reimbursement.

2. Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Many families use HSA accounts to cover music therapy. We’ll provide an invoice with a brief service description you can submit for reimbursement.

3. Private Insurance (less common)

Some families have successfully received reimbursement through private insurance, though coverage is rare. A Therapeutic Melody:

• Does not bill insurance directly

• Can provide an invoice

• Will include Alice’s Board Certification number if helpful

Note: Regardless of the option, we provide the same information: an invoice with a brief description of the service. While I’m not an expert on reimbursement, these suggestions come from other therapists and clients, and many families have found them helpful.

Disclaimer: This information is intended to help parents and potential clients explore possible pathways for music therapy coverage under different Regional Center programs. However, every case is unique! If you have specific questions about eligibility or funding, please reach out directly to your Regional Center or case manager for personalized guidance.

Q: What is the process for signing up?

Getting started is simple! You can:

• Click the “Contact Me” button on our website to share your child’s details and preferred schedule

• Email us directly at alice@atherapeuticmelody.com

• Or fill out the form below and hit submit

Once I receive your information, I’ll reach out to schedule a free consultation. If it feels like a good fit for both of us, we’ll book your first session and get the music started!

We’re here to answer any questions and support you every step of the way.

Do you work with non-verbal kids?

Absolutely! A Therapeutic Melody warmly welcomes both verbal and non-verbal students. If your child uses an AAC device or a letter board, they’re encouraged to bring it to sessions. Music is a universal language, and our focus is on creating a safe, joyful, and expressive space for every child.

Do you offer after-school or weekend sessions?

Yes! We offer:

• Weekday after-school sessions

• Saturday lessons

🎵 These time slots are popular and may fill up quickly—early inquiries are encouraged.

Do you offer music groups?

Yes, we do! We’re currently offering a Family-Centered Music Group—a small and supportive music group designed specifically for you (the parent), your child, and the therapist. While it’s an intimate setting, it still meets the criteria for a group model, with the added benefits of individualized support and meaningful social interaction.

These sessions focus on building communication, emotional connection, and social engagement through musical interventions like singing, movement, and instrument play. Your presence not only supports your child’s participation but also strengthens the parent-child bond and helps develop your child’s social and communication skills through shared music-making.