The relationship between music therapy goals, health goals and education goals in a transition school for adolescents with mental health needs

This exegesis explores the relationship between music therapy goals, health goals and education goals in a transition school for adolescents with mental health needs. Secondary analysis of data uncovered language and goals from the schools Individual Education Plans and Individual Therapeutic Plans. The language and goals from each plan were compared and set against language and goals derived from student music therapist’s music therapy goals. The research showed that although goals set by teachers and therapists in the school addressed different areas of education and health, they were in fact linked. The team worked collaboratively to support students to reach health and education goals. Music therapy supported both health and education goals in the school context. This study presents a community perspective on education and health goals in a school context. Adolescents may need support from teachers and therapists to reach education and health goals in New Zealand schools.