Music Therapy Helps Nonverbal and Autistic Clients in Arizona

Medicaid funding for the therapy is limited, affecting access for those who could benefit

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Music therapy is proving beneficial for children and adults with developmental disabilities in Arizona, helping to improve motor skills, language development, and social connection. However, access to the therapy is limited due to issues with Medicaid coverage and reimbursement.

Why it matters

Music therapy has been shown to have transformative effects on the brain, but the scientific proof of its efficacy is still lacking due to inconsistent research and small study sizes. This has led to music therapy being considered a lower priority compared to standard medical treatments, making access difficult for those who could benefit the most.

The details

At the nonprofit Higher Octave Healing in Tempe, music therapists work with clients on a range of therapeutic activities, from singing and playing instruments to using music to express emotions. The therapy is designed to improve cognition, motor skills, social skills, and confidence. However, Arizona's Medicaid program, AHCCCS, does not list music therapy as a standalone reimbursable service, though it can be covered under certain habilitation codes. This limited funding affects the ability of music therapists to provide their services to those who need them.

  • In November 2025, clients at Higher Octave Healing were observed participating in music therapy sessions.

The players

Carly Jacobs

A music therapist at Higher Octave Healing in Tempe.

Shelbe White

The CEO of Higher Octave Healing and a board-certified music therapist.

Eugenia Hernandez Ruiz

An associate professor at Arizona State University who researches music therapy and trains future clinicians.

Suzanne Oliver

The executive director of Neurologic Music Therapy Services of Arizona.

Sarra Erb

A board-certified music therapist at Banner Health, working across the pediatric intensive care unit, general pediatrics, oncology, clinic and NICU.

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What they’re saying

“We'll often take in new referrals that say, 'Oh, she loves music, or he wants to learn how to play the piano.' That's all great. We might be able to help, but that's not the point.”

— Shelbe White, CEO, Higher Octave Healing (azpbs.org)

“Music therapy and other forms of habilitation can make an incredible impact on a member's life, so long as the services fit the member's individual needs and goals.”

— Division of Developmental Disabilities (azpbs.org)

“I've had children who say their first word within a session. Music helps them understand the world and understand sensory input, and so they can relate to language.”

— Eugenia Hernandez Ruiz, Associate Professor, Arizona State University (azpbs.org)

What’s next

Researchers and advocates continue to push for increased recognition and funding for music therapy, as the benefits for individuals with developmental disabilities become more widely documented.

The takeaway

While music therapy has shown promising results in improving outcomes for nonverbal and autistic clients, limited Medicaid coverage and reimbursement in Arizona remains a significant barrier to accessing these services. Expanding access to music therapy could have a transformative impact on the lives of those with developmental disabilities.