Should art and music therapy be covered by health insurance?

Music expresses that which cannot be said, and on which it is impossible to be silent – victor hugo.
Art is a constant agent of transformation and is indeed the soul’s drive to be healthy – cathy
malchoidi

Teacher,

Today I will be discussing whether or not Art and music therapy should be covered by health
insurance by stating the following points.

What does art and music therapy entail

Benefits of art and music therapy

Should art and music therapy be covered by health insurance

Firstly is what art and music therapy entails. According to www.charliehealth.com , “Art therapy is a
technique that uses artistic methods to improve a person’s mental, physical, and emotional
wellbeing” this could include colouring, painting, pottery and more. Music therapy is an evidence-
based form of treatment that uses music interventions to help people accomplish their therapy
goals. Music therapy can be split into two categories: active and receptive. Active music therapy is
When a patient is actively making music, whether by composition, singing, chanting, or playing an
instrument, this is referred to as active music therapy. Receptive methods frequently center on
hearing or reacting to music, including having a conversation about a song's lyrics or dancing to the
beat.

Secondly is the benefits of art and music therapy. Art and music therapies provide a safe, productive
outlet for people to express what they are feeling. It provides a form of communication for those
who struggle to express their emotions, it helps patients communicate their feelings and thoughts to
their therapist without having to make use of their words. Art and music therapy have shown to
build confidence and reduce stress. according to Be Brain Fit, art can even increase neuroplasticity,
which affects your emotional resilience and how you cope with stress. Even Psych Central has noted
that music can be a useful stress-reduction strategy. Our emotions are tied to both music and art.
You can lessen the stress you're under by listening to peaceful music.

Lastly is the big debate of today’s speech, “should art and music therapy be covered by health
insurance”. Art and music therapy provide a form of communication, stress relief and a boost in
confidence for patients. Yet health insurance companies do not include this type of remedy in
medical coverage. Health insurance companies often view mental health as less of a priority and do
not take the problems and their treatment seriously. Mental health disorders can range for mild to
severe and revoking patients from getting the treatment they need can lead to serious
consequences. According to ourworldindata.org in 2019 the annual suicide rate was a whoping
703,223. Restricting patients from getting a needed treatment that has proven to be beneficial for
their well-being because they cannot afford it without insurance leads to these high numbers. Art
and music therapy should be covered by insurance to allow the population to afford this treatment.
Mental health should be a bigger priority to insurance companies or else we end up with drastic
suicide rates.

In conclusion, Art and music therapy should be covered by health insurance. These forms of therapy
benefits patient’s communication skills, relieve stress, and builds confidence. They are in the best
interests of the patient’s mental well being.

Insurance companies should allow patients to make use of these therapies without having to worry
about not affording it.

Thank you