RGV Music Therapy Establishes Music Therapy in the Rio Grande Valley
Photo source @rgvmusictherapy_
RGV Music Therapy is the first center for music therapy in the Rio Grande Valley. Since it opened its doors in 2017, it has grown to become a team of 18 board certified music therapists and recreational therapists who provide specialized therapy across South Texas.
Music therapy is the clinical use of musical experiences to improve an individual’s mental, social, cognitive, physical, or spiritual health. Music therapists work in a wide variety of settings including medical or psychiatric hospitals, school districts, skilled nursing facilities, veterans programs, rehabilitation centers, hospice or palliative care programs and private practice.
In music therapy, clients engage with music in many ways including learning instruments, playing music, listening to music, songwriting or composition, and improvisation. Although music is the vehicle for the experience, the purpose of music therapy aims to improve individuals’ health and well-being using a structured treatment plan and clinical interventions.
RGV Music Therapy was founded by Marisa de León, a music therapist born and raised in Mercedes, Texas. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Texas Woman’s University, Marisa moved back to the 956 to bring her passion of music and health back to her home community. The center itself is also located in Mercedes, Texas where they host therapy services and music-based community wellness events.
Over the last six and a half years, the private practice has grown to provide services in all four countries of the RGV and is even now providing therapy up to Laredo, Texas. Therapists at RGV Music Therapy work in many different settings and provide therapy for neurodivergent adults, youth and adolescents with mental health needs, veterans in nursing facilities, hospice, and memory care.
RGV Music Therapy is also pioneering music therapy education in the RGV and is dedicated to culture-centered music therapy for our community as well as increasing access to educational opportunities for students. They currently offer music therapy supervision for students at all levels - from the clinical practicum to internship to professional supervision following board certification.
Stay connected with RGV Music Therapy and everything their team is doing in the community by following them on social media:
Instagram: @rgvmusictherapy_
Facebook: @rgvmusictherapy
TikTok: @rgvmusictherapy
Website: www.rgvmusictherapy.com
