These acronyms represent professional credentials your music therapist may hold. Here’s what each one means:

LPMT – Licensed Practicing Music Therapist

This credential indicates your therapist is licensed to practice music therapy in your state.
Not all states require a license—but if yours does and your therapist lists “LPMT,” they’ve met your state’s specific licensure requirements.
Note: You must be MT-BC certified before becoming licensed.

MT-BC – Music Therapist, Board Certified

This national certification is required for all practicing music therapists in the U.S.
It means your therapist has:

Completed an accredited music therapy program

Passed the national board exam from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)

Met the standards to legally practice music therapy in the U.S.

If your therapist is not licensed (LPMT) but is an MT-BC, they are still fully qualified to practice in most states.

NMT – Neurologic Music Therapist

This advanced certification comes from the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy.
An NMT is a board-certified music therapist who has received specialized training in techniques grounded in neuroscience to support brain and behavior function. This credential reflects a higher level of specialization in working with neurologic conditions such as stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s, and more.

While music therapy shares many goals with speech therapy (SLP), physical therapy (PT), and occupational therapy (OT)—such as improving communication, mobility, or daily function—it uses a completely different approach to get there: music.

Music Therapy (MT)

Music therapists use rhythm, melody, harmony, and movement to engage the brain in ways that stimulate neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire. Goals may overlap with other therapies but are addressed through evidence-based musical interventions such as singing, rhythm-based motor exercises, or melodic intonation to improve speech and movement.

Speech Therapy (SLP)

Speech-language pathologists focus on verbal communication, language comprehension, and swallowing. Music therapists often collaborate with SLPs, using musical tools to activate and support the same brain areas used in speech.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapists work to improve gross motor function, balance, and strength. Music therapists may support these goals with rhythm-driven movement or gait training techniques like Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS), often used for conditions like Parkinson’s.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

OTs help people regain the ability to perform daily tasks (like dressing, eating, or writing). Music therapy may complement these efforts through fine motor activities like instrument play, or task-sequencing using rhythm and timing.

Bottom line: Music therapy doesn’t replace other therapies—it adds a unique, brain-based layer that can accelerate and enhance outcomes through the power of music.

Just as a physician begins care with a thorough exam, our music therapists begin by assessing your current abilities to ensure we provide safe, effective, and personalized treatment. This initial session is designed to gather a complete picture of your strengths, needs, and goals through both standardized and music-based assessments.

Your music therapist will arrive at your chosen location—whether that’s your home, hospital room, or rehabilitation facility—and begin by reviewing and completing all required new client paperwork. If any forms are incomplete, your therapist will assist you in filling them out before proceeding.

The assessment session will include a combination of standardized tools—such as the Mississippi Aphasia Screening Test (MAST), BERG Balance Scale, or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)—alongside interactive, music-based evaluations like vocal exercises, song-singing, rhythmic movement, and musical recall activities. These tools help us evaluate your motor, cognitive, speech, and emotional functioning through a neurologic lens.

Once the assessment is complete, payment will be collected, and a comprehensive report outlining your therapist’s findings, observations, and personalized recommendations will be emailed to you in 48 hours.

If you decide to move forward with ongoing sessions, your music therapist will collaborate with you to schedule a recurring time that fits your routine and preferred location.

At this time, Pulse Music Therapy LLC does not accept or bill medical insurance directly. However, some clients have successfully obtained reimbursement for out-of-pocket music therapy expenses by submitting claims to their insurance providers.

If you're interested in exploring this option, we're happy to provide documentation or assist you with the information your insurer may require.

Payment Policy

All sessions must be paid at the time of service, unless you have arranged a monthly billing plan. We accept the following payment methods:

- Cash

- Check

- Venmo

- Zelle

If you have questions about payment or insurance reimbursement, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

Each session is carefully designed to meet your individual needs, using music as a powerful tool to activate the brain and promote functional change. Here’s what a typical session looks like:

Before your session:

Your therapist will arrive at your home or designated location at the scheduled time.

They’ll bring all necessary instruments and materials—no prep required on your end.

You’ll review your progress, set goals for the day, and check in briefly about how you’re feeling.

During your session

Sessions typically last 60 minutes and may include:

- Music-based movement or gait exercises to support motor control

- Singing, vocalizing, or rhythmic speech to improve communication

- Instrument play or drumming to build coordination or fine motor skills

- Cognitive tasks set to music (like musical memory or sequencing)

- Emotional expression or stress reduction through improvisation or songwriting

After your session

Your therapist will note observations and track progress toward your goals.

You may receive personalized practice materials or exercises to use between sessions.

If desired, your therapist can coordinate with other members of your care team (e.g., PT, OT, SLP).

Many clients begin to experience the benefits of music therapy in their very first session—whether through increased engagement, emotional connection, or immediate responses to rhythm and sound. However, reaching long-term goals and maintaining lasting progress varies from person to person.

Because every brain is different, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. Outcomes depend on factors such as:

- The specific neurologic condition

- Severity and type of symptoms

- Time since onset

- Learned compensatory behaviors

- Level of caregiver and family support

- Frequency of therapeutic repetition

What Can Speed Up Progress?

Neuroscience research suggests that it takes 400 to 2,000 meaningful repetitions per day to begin driving functional neurological change. Clients who are actively engaged, consistently attend sessions, and practice between visits—especially with the help of a support system—tend to experience faster, more sustained progress.

At Pulse Music Therapy, we support this by:

- Involving clients in their own goal-setting process

- Providing customized practice materials and protocols

- Encouraging collaboration with caregivers, family members and therapy team members

Progress isn’t always linear, but with time, consistency, and the right tools, meaningful change is possible.