Letter of the Week - F
The "F" Word: Fun and Funding in Music Therapy
Negotiating the world of funding is a journey many families find complex. It isn't always as simple as receiving a diagnosis and immediately accessing the necessary resources.
For those seeking Music Therapy, the process can sometimes feel a bit indirect. Often, I am only contacted after a family has successfully secured their own funding. Lately, this has become a significant "hot topic" in my office—after working on my fourth funding-related inquiry this week, I felt it was time to share some reflections.
As I grow The Nest, a consistent theme has emerged: a high demand for services versus the practicalities of availability and affordability. While some professions have established broad agreements with support agencies across New Zealand and Australia, Music Therapy often operates on a case-by-case basis. This requires a dedicated, individualized approach for every family—a process that requires patience from everyone involved, especially when we can all see the potential benefits of a music therapy intervention.
So, how are we working to make this better? We advocate, we communicate, and we keep learning. I even sat down with an AI tool to better understand the systemic reasons behind these hurdles. Here is a summary of what I’ve gathered so far:
Understanding the Landscape
The distinction in how different therapies are funded in New Zealand can feel like a maze. While both Arts Therapy and Music Therapy involve high-level clinical training and are self-regulated (rather than under the HPCA Act), they often sit under different funding umbrellas.
ACC Social Rehabilitation: Historically, certain creative therapies have been included in specific counseling frameworks like the Integrated Services for Sensitive Claims (ISSC). While Music Therapy is well-recognized for physical and neurological rehabilitation (such as stroke recovery), it isn't always a "default" selection on every mental health list. However, it can often be approved as "Social Rehabilitation" when it aligns with specific goals like communication or motor skills.
WINZ Disability Allowance: Work and Income (WINZ) generally considers Music Therapy applications through the Disability Allowance. Success here often depends on how the service is defined. For an application to be considered, a GP must typically certify that the therapy is "essential" and "regular" for the client’s specific needs, distinguishing clinical Music Therapy from general music lessons.
Professional Advocacy: Organizations like Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ) are part of Allied Health Aotearoa NZ and work hard to increase the visibility of Registered Music Therapists (RMTh). While the profession is smaller than some others, there is an ongoing, collective effort to have Music Therapy recognized alongside other established provider lists.
Current Pathways at The Nest
I am currently learning alongside my clients and exploring the following pathways:
ACC can be requested by a case manager as part of a Social Rehabilitation or Training for Independence plan. I am currently learning how to support these requests through case-by-case reporting.
WINZ Accessed via the Disability Allowance. I am happy to provide the necessary clinical information to support applications that a GP may then review.
Ministry of Education Through ORS funding, where Music Therapy is a recognized "specialist service." I value the collaborative relationships I've built with local schools and Ministry office over the last four years.
I Am Hope Some therapists register with the Gumboot Friday platform. I have recently reached out to register my interest in becoming a listed provider and am awaiting further information.
If you are facing challenges with access or funding, please do reach out. Beyond these national pathways, it is often worth exploring local charities and community grants. While I am still navigating these systems myself, I am part of a wonderful network of experienced Music Therapists I can consult for guidance.
Let’s stay hopeful. We are in this together!
Emma
