Music Therapy

The Music Therapy Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland offers a one-of-a-kind chance for children to experience the healing properties—and simple joys—of music. Research shows that in a hospital setting, music therapy can be beneficial in managing pain, lowering rates of depression, increasing bodily movement, easing muscle tension, and calming patients when they feel distressed. Because we rely on clinical, evidence-based intervention that supports our patients' physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being, we consider our Music Therapy Program to be an integrated and important part of the healing process.

Find Us

Main Hospital
747 52nd Street
Oakland, CA 94609
Phone: (510) 428-3520

Why Families Choose Us

Personalized Music Therapy Sessions for Hospitalized Children

Music therapy sessions are customized to the individual needs of each patient and are based on the patient's preferences and physical and emotional state.
A typical session may involve listening to music, guided visualization, structured songs, songwriting, clinical improvisation, or music-assisted relaxation. Participants may choose to play, sing, direct, or to simply listen.

Music Therapy as Part of Our Multidisciplinary Approach

Music therapy is provided when requested by the attending physician, a member of the nursing staff, a social worker, or a Child Life specialist.
Our highly-trained therapists hold advanced degrees in music therapy and participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluations, and follow-ups—all as part of your child’s healthcare team for integrated and seamless treatment.

Additional Services

Child-Led Participation

Individual and group sessions are available depending on each child's preference and situation.
A large number of easy-to-play instruments are made available so that children of all ages can participate.

Ongoing Music Therapy Support

It's our goal to ensure that every one of our patients has access to services that make them feel at home with us, so we're proud that our Music Therapy Program is supported by community businesses and individual donors.

For more information on how you can support this program, please visit give.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org or contact UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals Foundation at (510) 428-3814 or hospital4kids@mail.cho.org.