New instruments for music therapy program support children struggling with mental health

For 17-year-old Lily Erlandson, music is one of the few things that helps manage her anxiety and depression.

Erlandson discovered this coping method at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital through the Child and Adolescent Day Treatment Program, a center-based daily therapeutic offering for those with mental health concerns.

“In music therapy, we explore various ways music helps us express, communicate, validate, and regulate our emotions,” said M Health Fairview Music Therapist Kendri Ebert, MT-BC. “We develop musical coping skills to support and sustain our mental health.”

Thanks to a generous donation from youth mental health advocacy nonprofit Shine A Ligh7, music therapists with the day treatment program recently purchased new instruments, including a cello, drums, xylophone, and karaoke machine.

Music for expression and healing

M Health Fairview offers four treatment programs for children and adolescents experiencing moderate to severe mental health diagnoses. The goal of this type of treatment is to reduce or relieve symptoms, maintain or improve function, and help integrate patients back into the community.

“Day treatment is an intervention that is often used as a step down from, or in place of, inpatient care,” explained Gene Nisja, manager of M Health Fairview’s mental health-focused day treatment programs. “These programs allow the client to practice skills and take this new knowledge into the home or community setting.”

M Health Fairview’s programs use evidence-based interventions to support the unique goals of each child and family. Approaches include music therapy, art therapy, and group therapy.

When words and talk therapy are not enough, music therapy helps patients build stronger connections and new communication skills. Sessions are designed to educate patients about mental health diagnoses, symptom management, and healthy coping strategies.

Music therapists help patients analyze lyrics, write songs about their feelings, and learn instruments.

Erlandson wrote and composed a song called “SOS,” in which she describes depression (“I’m stuck in a storm; thunder and lightning and all”) and feelings of loneliness (“a boat floating alone in the sea”).

Watch Lily sing alongside country star Jake Owen, and learn how our community partners are helping drive this important work.