Music Therapy at BryLin Hospital: Healing Through Creative Care

At BryLin Hospital, we know that healing the mind requires more than traditional treatment alone. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Music Therapy at BryLin Hospital, in partnership with May Creative Arts. This innovative program is helping children, adolescents, and adults in crisis find strength, connection, and new ways to cope through the power of music.

Why Music Therapy Matters in a Psychiatric Setting

Music therapy is far more than listening to a favorite song — it’s a clinically proven, evidence-based practice with wide-ranging benefits. “Music therapy offers a unique pathway to connection and healing,” says Amara May, Owner of May Creative Arts and Board-Certified Music Therapist. “It can enhance emotional expression, increase engagement in treatment, and improve social interaction. It also supports patients as they navigate loneliness, grief, low self-esteem, and the stigma often associated with mental health challenges.”

One of the most powerful aspects of music therapy is its role in building coping skills. Music often anchors life’s biggest moments — joyful and difficult alike. Amara explains:

“Music becomes a constant companion, a timeless emotional anchor. It allows us to reflect, to connect with others, and to express what words alone sometimes cannot.”

Complementing Other Therapies at BryLin

At BryLin, music therapy doesn’t replace other clinical services — it enhances them. “Rather than sitting in silence during difficult moments of treatment, music can fill that space,” Amara says. “Lyrics help clients process complex feelings; instruments offer a safe outlet for intense emotions; and shared musical experiences foster connection and understanding among patients experiencing similar struggles.”

By integrating music therapy into a hospital setting, BryLin is opening new doors for engagement and emotional growth. For patients who have experienced trauma, this approach also aligns with trauma-informed care, a core part of BryLin’s mission.

Amara’s Inspiration and Passion

For Amara, music therapy is deeply personal. Growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome, she witnessed how music helped him find confidence, community, and joy. “I always knew music would be part of my life,” she recalls. “But when I discovered I could combine it with helping others, everything clicked.”

That passion drives her work today, and it’s why she founded May Creative Arts to bring music therapy to communities that need it most.

A Meaningful Collaboration for Buffalo

The partnership between BryLin Hospital and May Creative Arts began through conversations with Shannon Fagan, BryLin’s Director of Therapeutic Services, who had long envisioned offering music therapy to patients. “What excites me most,” Amara says, “is seeing BryLin emerge as a pioneer in bringing music therapy into a Buffalo hospital. In a city that has long needed more creative, trauma-informed care, this represents a meaningful milestone.”

Together, BryLin and May Creative Arts are reshaping what psychiatric care looks like in Western New York — one note, one lyric, and one connection at a time.

Finding Hope and Help

If you or someone you know is struggling and in crisis, call BryLin Hospital today at (716) 886-8200 and speak with a professional who can help. Remember, you are not alone — help and hope are always available.