WHERE IS MY MIND?
Musicians on Mental Health
"Where is My Mind? Musicians on Mental Health" is a series of conversations with musicians about mental health as an artist, presented by Seattle music nonprofits SMASH and Sonic Guild.
Each episode includes an interview with a local musician or band plus a stripped-down version of a song they feel speaks to artists' specific mental health struggles.
EPISODE 1: SMALL PAUL
Episode one features a conversation with Seattle indie rock band Small Paul. In this episode, the band discusses their struggles with mental health, including how band members were able to get sober due to access to mental health treatment, how they now have tools to handle the unique stresses of pursuing a music career, and their debut album “Come Alive & Live Again” which explores themes of mental health.
MUSCIANS' MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FUND
The Head & The Heart and fellow Seattle music community members Stone Gossard, Susan Silver, Lily Cornell Silver, and Maggie Savarino are supporters of SMASH through the newly established Musicians Mental Health & Wellness Fund.
​
SMASH works with in-person and telehealth providers to provide musicians with free and low-cost mental health care for musicians in King, Snohomish, Pierce, Mason, Kitsap, and Thurston counties.
​
Donate to the SMASH Musicians' Mental Health & Wellness Fund today and directly impact our capacity to offer musicians free and low-cost mental health support.
.png)
"Through SMASH, I connected with a therapist through their telehealth services, which was life-changing. My mental health is something I’ve struggled with for a long time.
A lot of our music icons and role models as musicians are people who struggled with their own demons and addiction, and it’s easy to lean into that and chalk it up to being part of the job. Having SMASH in my life to help me overcome this belief has been amazing. The best version of myself as a musician starts with being healthy and happy, and I wouldn’t be on this track right now without them."
- SMASH Member
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS
We’ve compiled a list of mental health resources, programs, and services from city, county, state, and other nonprofit organizations to help those in the Seattle area struggling with their mental health. These resources include help with getting access to low-cost and free therapy, substance use disorder treatment, and more.
-
I’m a music teacher, can I still become a SMASH member?YES! SMASH exists to support all types of musicians.
-
Do spouses, partners, and children of musicians qualify?Musicians’ spouses, partners, and children are not eligible to receive primary care services, however, efforts will be made to locate services for them.
-
Do I have to use only SMASH partner providers and clinics?No, you do not have to use only SMASH partner providers and clinics if you have preexisting care but since payments go directly to the providers we can not reimburse for appointments that have not been coordinated with the provider and SMASH. If you are not currently receiving care our SMASH Membership Managers will match you with a SMASH partner or utilize providers in your insurance network.
-
Do you only offer preventative care?No. Although SMASH is primarily focused on preventative healthcare and overall wellness, SMASH can provide support for acute injuries and concerns via a primary care appointment.
-
What if I need a services not listed?SMASH will do whatever we can to help you access the care you need even if we don’t currently have a partner that provides it. Please let us know during your member onboarding meeting how we can help.
-
Does SMASH pay for pre-exisiting medical bills?At this time, SMASH does not pay for healthcare costs that occured before becoming a member or for healthcare costs not coordinated in partnership with SMASH. We recommend applying for a Music Cares grant to help with preexisting medical bills. Contact MusiCares West Region: 3030 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404 Ph: 310.392.3777 Fx: 310.392.2187 MusiCaresRelief@MusiCares.org
-
Does SMASH make appointments on behalf of members?SMASH does not manage appointments, test results, or nonbilling related communications. We are here to provide resources, funding, and support navigating your health care.
-
Does SMASH have my medical records?No. SMASH does not keep any medical records of members and does not speak to your provider about your specific healthcare needs without your written authorization. Your medical records are confidental and between you and your provider.
-
Why do I have to reapply annually?We ask musicians to reapply annually so we can keep your information up to date, recheck eligibility, and maintain proper reporting for our non-profit status. It is also an opportunity to renegage about existing and new programs.
-
I play music part-time, can I still become a SMASH member?YES! SMASH exists to support all types of musicians.
-
Is SMASH health insurance?No. SMASH is a service specifically for musicians, and we are not health insurance. We connect you to certain medical services based on your needs so you can protect your health. You can still access and benefit from all our services with, or without, health insurance.
-
How long does it take to become a SMASH member?Less than 5 minutes! Our easy and free online application is all it takes.
-
How do I show that my income has changed in the last couple of months?With so much uncertainty, we ask that you project what your best guess is on anticipated earnings. Our income guidelines are that SMASH members make at or below the King County median income.
-
I live outside Seattle, can I become a SMASH member?YES! We have expanded to support musicians in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Mason and Thurston counties.
-
I want to become a SMASH memberThe SMASH member application is free and confidential. Your contact information will never be sold for any reason. We are not a health insurance provider; if you have insurance, you can still qualify for SMASH services. MEMBER ELIGIBILITY To become a SMASH member, you must be a musician and/or a music teacher who performs, records, teaches, or composes music within the SMASH service area and fall under our income guidelines. SMASH SERVICE AREA: King Snohomish Pierce Mason Kitsap Thurston HOUSEHOLD YEARLY INCOME GUIDELINES: Household of 1: $55,895 Household of 2: $120,979 Household of 3: $154,352 Household of 4: $178,227 Click here to join SMASH: https://smashseattle.site-ym.com/
.png)
"Where is My Mind? Musicians on Mental Health" is presented in partnership with Sonic Guild Seattle
Sonic Guild is a music non-profit organization committed to supporting the creation and performance of new music by exceptional local musicians. Since it's founding in 2013, they have distributed $5,700,000 to over 250 bands and local music businesses. Learn more at www.SonicGuild.org ​