Music Therapy; Integration of Science and Art in Promoting Mental Health, Beyond a Complementary Approach

Music therapy stands at the intersection of scientific research and artistic expression, offering a powerful approach to mental health care that extends far beyond conventional complementary roles. This article examines how music therapy harmonizes measurable neurological and psychological benefits while simultaneously engaging individuals in creative and meaningful experiences that enhance well-being and resilience. Through exploring its mechanisms, applications, and emerging roles in various mental health settings, we argue that music therapy should be recognized as a central and integral practice—one capable of transforming the landscape of mental health care. By revealing how science and art converge in music therapy, this work calls for redefining its position from auxiliary support to a central and dynamic force in mental health promotion.