Telehealth music therapy research, training and practice: A scoping review

Telehealth music therapy (TMT) has rapidly evolved from a niche practice into a vital mode of service delivery, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to 2020, literature on TMT was sparse and exploratory; however, the pandemic catalyzed widespread adoption, compelling music therapy practitioners to adapt quickly to virtual formats. This scoping review mapped and synthesized existing evidence on TMT to examine its scope, reported experiences, and emerging frameworks across clinical, educational and community domains. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, eight databases were searched, yielding 53 eligible peer-reviewed studies, spanning 2009–2025. Included studies addressed applications of TMT across diverse populations and contexts, including children with developmental delays, adults with cancer, older adults with dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, veterans, caregivers, and students. Results demonstrated high feasibility, accessibility, and acceptability of TMT, while also acknowledging that TMT may not always be the optimal choice. TMT was predominantly delivered synchronously via videoconferencing and therapeutic benefits included reduced anxiety, improved mood, greater caregiver-client connection, and enhanced client engagement. Educational studies highlighted both challenges and innovation in telehealth training, while practitioners’ perspectives showed resilience, adaptability, and their need for structured telehealth methods. Existing research is dominated by small-scale qualitative and feasibility studies, with a lack of randomized controlled trials to establish comparative effectiveness. Despite these limitations, evidence supports TMT’s acceptability and its potential for integration into hybrid service delivery methods, expanding access and continuity of care. This review provides a comprehensive foundation for future research, practice innovation, and policy development in TMT.