Featured Music Therapy Program for JANUARY, 2009

Music Therapy Services of Greater Atlanta.

MTS of GA opened for business in 1998. In the last eleven years, the practice has grown into a well-recognized company that serves the metro Atlanta community via 3 clinic locations, partnerships with multiple schools and treatment centers, and home visits.

Elizabeth Hampshire, owner and board-certified music therapist, started the company from her home, with a single contract for once-a-week service at a local nursing home. Within 12 months, she was working at capacity and ready to hire an additional music therapist. “The big change came in 2003 with the opening of our first clinic,” says Hampshire. Today, the company staffs three neighborhood clinics, with space for individual and group services.

MTS of GA serves a wide range of clients with a wide variety of disabilities. Clients with autism spectrum disorders comprise a large portion of the persons receiving services. “There is a high demand for services among clients with autism, and those clients respond well to music therapy,” noted Hampshire. Music therapy groups offer treatment to clients with specific needs and goals, while helping keep the cost of therapy affordable. These services include social skills groups, bereavement support groups, summer camps, and inclusive Music Together® classes. The majority of MTS of GA clients pay privately for services.

The music therapists of MTS of GA typically spend about half of their days travelling to facilities where they contract for services, including nursing homes, private schools, and treatment centers. Afternoons are spent at the company’s neighborhood clinics, serving young clients during after-school hours. MTS of GA services include an inclusive music studio with piano, guitar, and voice students. Approximately 50% of these students are taking adaptive music lessons due to a learning impairment or autism diagnosis. All students participate in spring and winter recitals.

When thinking about the future of her company, Hampshire anticipates continuing with the same mix of clients and services. “Right now, there is a good balance between clinic and facility services, and between group and individual sessions,” she says. “The variety keeps our work stimulating and interesting.”

You can read more about Music Therapy Services of Greater Atlanta at their website, www.mtsofga.com.