Music Therapists in the UK: What Music Therapy Is and How to Find One
In short: music therapy is a psychological clinical intervention delivered by HCPC-registered music therapists, using live, often improvised music. It can be especially helpful when words are hard, for example for autistic people, after brain injury or with dementia. You don’t need to be musical. BAMT has a finder, and you should check the HCPC register.
This guide explains what music therapy involves, who it can help, how to find a music therapist near you and how to check registration. General information only, not personal advice.
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Please read. This is general information, not medical advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy and we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner. Details were checked on the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT), HCPC and GOV.UK websites on 22 October 2026. If you need help urgently, see the box at the end of this page.
What Music Therapy Is
BAMT describes music therapy as a psychological clinical intervention delivered by HCPC-registered music therapists to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability. It is based on live music-making, often improvised, between you and the therapist, using voice and instruments, within a supportive relationship.
It is not a music lesson, and you don’t need any musical skill.
Who It Can Help
BAMT says music therapy can be particularly helpful where verbal communication is difficult, for example for autistic children and adults, people with brain injuries and people living with dementia. Music therapists are allied health professionals working in health, education, social care and private practice, with people of all ages.
Registration
The HCPC protects four titles for arts therapists: art psychotherapist, art therapist, dramatherapist and music therapist. Anyone using one of them must be on the HCPC register. Search by name, free.
NHS, School and Private Routes
Arts therapists work in NHS mental health and learning disability services, hospitals, schools, prisons, social care, charities and private practice. On the NHS or at school, arts therapy is usually offered by the team already supporting you or your child, so ask your GP, care coordinator, CAMHS team or the school’s special educational needs coordinator (SENCo). Your council’s SEND Local Offer lists services for children with special educational needs. Privately, you can contact an HCPC-registered therapist directly.
To find a music therapist near you, use BAMT’s find a therapist search. BAMT says it isn’t a complete listing of every UK music therapist, so it’s also worth asking local services.
Common Questions
Do I need to be musical for music therapy?
No. Music therapy is not a music lesson. The therapist uses live music, often improvised, as a way to communicate and connect, so you don’t need any musical skill.
How do I find a music therapist near me?
The British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) has a find a therapist search. BAMT says it is not a complete list of every music therapist in the UK, so you can also ask local NHS, school or charity services. Always check the person on the HCPC register.
Who is music therapy for?
BAMT says music therapy can be particularly helpful when verbal communication is difficult, for example for autistic people, people with brain injuries and people living with dementia. Music therapists work with all ages.
Is music therapist a protected title?
Yes. Music therapist is protected by law, so music therapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Find a Music Therapist
On Therapist Circle, music therapists are listed under Arts therapist.
Therapist Circle is new and still growing, so there may be few or none listed near you yet. If so, please use the professional body’s own finder above. It is often the quickest route.
Browse by area: Therapists in London · Therapists in Manchester · Therapists in Nottingham · Therapists in Oxfordshire · Therapists working online
Other Professions
Please read. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, give medical advice or diagnose, and we don’t recommend, endorse or guarantee any practitioner. Always check a practitioner’s registration yourself on the public register; any check we show was correct only on the day it was made.
Call 999 or go to A&E if life is at risk. For urgent help that is not an emergency, call NHS 111. To talk, ring Samaritans free on 116 123 (24 hours). To text, message SHOUT to 85258.
Sources: BAMT: what is music therapy? · BAMT: find a therapist · HCPC: protected titles · GOV.UK: arts therapist. Not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the NHS, the HCPC or BAMT. Last reviewed 22 October 2026.
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