Music/Creative Arts Therapy

Music & Creative Arts Therapy is an evidence-based approach to clinical treatment that utilizes music and creative arts approaches and interventions in combination with a therapeutic relationship with a Board-Certified Music Therapist or Licensed Art Therapist to help work on clinical goals for rehabilitation and wellness purposes. For more information about music therapy visit www.musictherapy.org.

The following telehealth music therapy groups are currently available:

This ongoing virtual group provides a space for Veterans to share meaningful songs with peers and facilitate therapeutic discussion of relevant topics each week, supported by a board-certified music therapist. Group may incorporate Veteran-driven themes (ex. songs about hope, support, family, etc.) or be more freestyle in song selection per group preferences and needs each session. Group aims are to increase a sense of connection, allow opportunities for healthy self-expression, and empower our Veterans to address therapeutic topics relevant to their experience through a non-threatening approach.

When: Mondays

Time: 9:30AM

Location: VA Video Connect (virtual)

Referral Information: Request a "Recovery Center Consult" from your provider. Once referred, Veterans will participate in a 1-time orientation before signing up for chosen groups.

This ongoing virtual music-assisted relaxation group helps guide Veterans through a variety of relaxation experiences supported by live and/or recorded music to alleviate pain, anxiety, and stress, and increase feelings of calm, comfort, and acceptance. Relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness techniques will be introduced and practiced each week. Veterans are encouraged to implement these skills into their daily routine and/or when they are in a time of need. Resources may be provided to help Veterans engage in independent relaxation outside of sessions. Adaptations are available for those who may have had difficulty with relaxation experience previously.

When: Tuesdays

Time: 3PM

Location: VA Video Connect (virtual)

Referral Information: Request a "Recovery Center Consult" from your provider. Once referred, Veterans will participate in a 1-time orientation before signing up for chosen groups.

The following music therapy programs are currently available in-person:

We offer several music/creative arts therapy groups through our outpatient PRRC program at both the Perry Point and Baltimore VA that supports Veterans with a diagnosis of severe mental illness (SMI) to help support the development and practice of mental health management skills through the use of music and creative arts therapy interventions. Veterans must be enrolled in the PRRC in order to participate in these groups and can learn more about offerings by talking with their PRRC provider.

This 12-week Women Veteran-focused program aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters connections with peers, and empowers self-expression with therapeutic support through the use of drumming-based interventions. Additional educational goals will be centered in well-being (Whole Health) as well as tools for self-advocacy.

When: Monday evenings

Time: To be shared during pre-screening.

Location: Loch Raven VAMC

Referral Information: Request “Music/Creative Arts Therapy Consult Outpt” from provider (under Physical Medicine & Rehab) and indicate group for referral.

This ongoing program helps support Veteran reintegration into the community by building comfort and confidence in community arts spaces, developing positive social supports through the arts, and supporting the growth and practice of healthy coping, leisure, and expressive skills through various arts modalities (visual art, drama, writing, music, dance, etc.).

This program offers a series of single-day workshops and creative wellness options each month at VA facilities as well as in the community throughout Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil County. These include our weekly Guitar Club and Music Muster groups as well as our monthly community drum circles and much more!

All workshops are FREE to Veterans. Veterans must coordinate their own transportation to attend.

Referral Information: Request “Music/Creative Arts Therapy Consult Outpt” from provider (under Physical Medicine & Rehab) and indicate group for referral.

A community drum circle is a collaborative musical event created in the moment by all the people who participate. When we, as a community, drum together, it changes our relationships for the positive, allowing us to connect non-verbally and express our emotions in new and healthy ways.

No experience necessary! Participants may choose to drum, use shakers, clap, tap, dance, sing, etc.

All Veterans welcome. No pre-registration required. Sign-in at event.

Instruments provided, but feel free to bring a drum or shaker if you've got one!

Loch Raven VAMC, Building 1, Room 130 (Recreation & Creative Arts Therapy Clinic)

Baltimore VAMC, PT/OT Waiting Room (Rm 2D116)

Perry Point POC - Kelsey Eisenhauer, MT-BC

kelsey.eisenhauer@va.gov

410-585-4477

Baltimore & Loch Raven POC - Jenny Lynn Moyer, MT-BC

jennifer.moyer2@va.gov

Dates (see flyer above)

No Referral Required - Drop-in Group

Come learn some of the basics of Native American flute playing and engage in the ancient art of the Native American Flute Circle! This is a great opportunity to develop new musical skills, make music with others, and explore new ways to relax and express yourself through music. Open to Veterans and staff. Flutes provided. Veterans are encouraged to attend multiple gatherings of the flute circle. No musical experience needed, beginners welcome!

Location: Perry Point VAMC

Music Therapy Clinic, Building 24H, Room 013

Dates:

3/16/26 1-2PM

4/20/26 1-2PM

5/18/26 1-2PM

6/15/26 1-2PM

This group is "Drop-in" - no pre-registration required

See downloadable document below for additional creative arts resources available both within VA and the surrounding community.

Nationwide, VA medical facilities use creative arts as one form of rehabilitative treatment to help Veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. Across the country each year, Veterans enrolled for care in VA compete in a local creative arts competition. The competition includes entries in the visual arts, writing, and performing arts. First place winning Veterans are invited to attend the National Veteran's Creative Arts Festival, hosted by a different VA facility each year.

For more information about the VA Maryland Health Care System 's local Veteran's Creative Arts Showcase, click the link below.

Email: Kelsey.eisenhauer@va.gov
Location: Perry Point VA Medical Center - VA Maryland Health Care System, 59 Avenue D, Perry Point, MD, USA

Music Therapy Clinic

Bldg 24H, Rm 013
Work Cell: (410)585-4477

Office: (410)642-2411 x26191