Music Industry Mental Health Resources — A Therapist’s Guide

The music industry asks a lot of the people who make it run. Unfortunately, the industry’s culture doesn’t always create space for prioritizing health. Luckily, I’ve seen that culture challenged by the growing availability of music industry mental health resources seeking to shift the narrative.

As a therapist in Nashville, Tennessee, I’ve built my practice around serving musicians, artists, songwriters, crew members, and music industry professionals of every kind. I believe the music industry is worthy of intentional mental health care. But therapy is just one piece of the puzzle. There is a growing network of organizations providing a variety of music industry mental health resources, and you deserve to know about them.

Whether you’re looking for financial assistance to cover the cost of therapy, a crisis support line built for you, or a community of people who get what it’s like, this guide introduces four incredible organizations for those in need of music industry mental health resources.

Backline

If there is one organization I recommend as a starting point for music industry mental health support, it is Backline. They function as the central hub of mental wellness for anyone in the music industry, and the depth and breadth of what they offer is remarkable.

When someone in the music industry reaches out to Backline, they are paired with a case manager who gets to know them personally and builds an individualized care plan at no cost. This may include referrals to trusted therapists and psychiatrists, educational resources to support well-being on the road, and access to free yoga, meditation, breathwork, and other wellness resources. If financial assistance is needed, Backline partners with another organization, Sweet Relief, to provide grants to cover the cost of mental health care.

One of my personal favorites from Backline’s resource library includes their Touring Notebook. This is a practical, downloadable guide with preparation and reflection questions for industry professionals heading out on the road. More recently, Backline has introduced B-Line, their 24/7 mental health and crisis support line dedicated solely to music industry professionals. Beyond all of this, Backline maintains the most robust directory of national and international music industry mental health resources I have seen.

ECCHOLive

ECCHOLive is a nonprofit serving live events and touring music professionals. They seek to fill the human resources gap in the music industry by offering mental health, financial health, career-focused and peer-based support. Their two main programs, All Access and All Access on Site, make mental health support directly accessible to those in the live events world.

The All Access program provides referrals to mental health counseling and financial coaching for live event professionals, their partners and dependents. This program also includes four paid-for sessions per year paid directly to the provider. All Access on Site takes things a step further. This program offers free on-site counseling at major festivals including CMA Fest, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits. These sessions are available to schedule in advance or drop in on the spot.

Beyond mental health support, ECCHOLive does a remarkable job of helping live event professionals connect with one another and stay educated on topics that affect their careers and well-being. Their annual Fall Workshop and monthly “Day Off” networking events offer casual, meaningful ways to stay connected with others in the touring industry.

As a clinical partner of ECCHOLive, I have had the privilege of speaking at their annual workshop, providing on-site counseling at festivals, and collaborating as a referral partner. I have witnessed firsthand how deeply their staff and board care about the community they serve. And they’ve only just begun.

Music Health Alliance

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Music Health Alliance has been helping music industry professionals navigate the confusing world of health insurance since 2013. They recognize that many people in the music industry lack access to the healthcare they need, and they’re helping change that.

Think of Music Health Alliance as your health insurance translators and advocates. Whether you are uninsured and self-employed, employed without group insurance benefits, or insured with a plan that doesn’t meet your needs, their team of case managers can help you find appropriate and affordable coverage for yourself and your family. Their team provides support navigating options for dental care and mental health coverage as well.

Beyond insurance navigation, Music Health Alliance maintains a vast network of vetted referrals and resources. This includes primary care, dental care, prescriptions, medical supply resources, and mental health counseling. If cost is a barrier to accessing therapy, their Music Industry Mental Health Fund may be able to help. Eligible clients can apply and receive up to $1,000 from this fund to cover the cost of counseling or psychiatric services with licensed professionals.

MusiCares

MusiCares is the Recording Academy’s charitable foundation. They offer some of the most comprehensive mental health programs. Better yet, their support is available to anyone working in the music industry. Their programming spans three main areas: mental health and addiction support, health services, and human services.

Mental health support through MusiCares is robust. Folks can expect access to emotional support groups, addiction recovery groups, therapy referrals, and mental health workshops. MusiCares also provides grants to cover the cost of therapy to those who apply and are eligible. Their physical health support offers financial assistance for medical expenses and physical therapy and access to biannual clinics for dental, vision, and holistic health services. Their human services programming fills a unique gap in care for the music industry. This program offers support in financial literacy, affordable housing, career development, legal issues and senior services. Humanitarian disaster relief is also available for basic living expenses following a natural disaster.

One of the things I appreciate most about MusiCares is the breadth of who they serve. Their programs are open to anyone working in any facet of the music industry. This includes those in areas that are often overlooked, like digital and marketing teams, makeup artists, costume designers, and engineers.

You Deserve Support — And It’s More Accessible Than You Think

The culture of the music industry is changing thanks to many who have spoken out about their mental health and the help of the organizations listed above. Whether you are a touring artist, a crew member, a songwriter, or someone who has spent their career behind the scenes, there is support available specifically for you.

If you are ready to take the next step and work with a music industry-informed therapist, I’m here to help. I offer therapy for music industry professionals in Nashville and via telehealth across Tennessee. I also partner with several of the organizations above to provide grant-assisted sessions to those who qualify.

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