Mental Health
Songwriters are the lifeblood of the music industry.
The SONA Foundation has created a mental health resource page and soon-to-launch grant program to ensure healthy, fulfilling lives for all music creators as they navigate the inevitable challenges and rewards of the music business.
Mental Health Fireside Chats
The SONA Foundation's Fireside Chat Series, in partnership with Backline, is a monthly virtual conversation centered on Mental Health for Songwriters.
Each session includes a moderator, two songwriters, and a clinical counselor exploring tender topics that are at the center of the human experience and creativity. Prior sessions have explored unexpected illness, topics of identity, loss of a child, the process of navigating sobriety and addiction, and so much more. Guest songwriters include both those who work behind the scenes writing for others, as well as those who tour as performing artists themselves, as we discuss the unique challenges songwriters face in the music industry, share tips on how songwriters can take care of their mental health in and outside of the studio, and explore ways in which the industry can support songwriters for the long term.
Fireside Chats are free to attend, live permanently on both The SONA Foundation's website and YouTube Channel.
Watch recent Fireside Chats below and click here for the YouTube Fireside Chat playlist.
Emergency RESOURCES
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project: Info and support to LGBTQ young people 24/7, all year round.
The NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline: 800-950-NAMI
Postpartum Support Intl: 800-944-4773
National Hopeline Network: 800-442-4673
Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255
Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990
Mental Health America: Text MHA to 741741
Sobriety For artists and performers looking for sober supporters while they perform, The Phoenix Music can connect you with a supporter for the day of your show. Email MUSIC@THEPHOENIX.ORG to access a community of musicians, road crew, sound and production engineers.
Find a THERAPIST
Backline.care is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources. They are building a safer and more supportive music industry by helping our community access quality mental health care providers that understand our line of work.
Backline will work one-on-one with you to get the mental health and wellness resources that are right for you. Schedule a call with them to determine what types of services can be provided, assess your financial, and insurance status, and develop a plan of action. Click here for more info.
More RESOURCES
Psychology Today Find a Therapist Tool
APA (American Psychological Association) Psychologist Locator
ZenCare Therapist Database
GoodTherapy Therapist Directory
The SIMS Foundation provides mental health and substance use recovery services and supports for musicians, music industry professionals, and their dependent family members in and around Austin and Central Texas.
Finessed Media is a New York City-based WOC-led startup which provides resources and education for underrepresented artists and other music industry entrepreneurs, and hosts quarterly events focused on mental health featuring professionals from across the music industry.
Music Industry Therapists Collective Therapist List and Contacts
MusicCares provides:
Mental health and addition recovery services, health and human services, and crisis relief, preventive care, recovery resources, and need-based financial assistance for people across all music professions.
Music Health Alliance provides personal healthcare advocacy services to help the music community navigate specific healthcare needs in vision, dental, medical, mental, and senior care guidance, as well as access to state and federal health insurance options.
Online Therapy RESOURCES
Click graphic to download and for hyperlinks