Healing through harmony: How Recovery Unplugged transforms recovery with music therapy
6 Minutes
Team Curative
Mar 13, 2025
For Music Therapy Awareness Month, Curative sat down with Ian Jackson, LPC-MHSP, LMHC, NCC, an experienced licensed therapist with over 14 years in behavioral health and 10 years at Recovery Unplugged. Recovery Unplugged is a national addiction and mental health treatment provider that harnesses the healing power of music and is proudly in-network with Curative.
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice that uses music interventions to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It offers patients an engaging, innovative pathway to recovery beyond traditional treatment methods.
Ian shares his journey in this blog—from discovering music-based treatment in Fort Lauderdale to joining a team that truly puts people first. Curative members who complete their Baseline Visit can continue to access Recovery Unplugged's services with $0 covered care*, ensuring that high-quality, transformative treatment remains accessible at every step.
How did you discover Recovery Unplugged, and ultimately, what made you decide to join their team?
In 2015, while working at a large treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I heard about Recovery Unplugged, a local center known for its music-based approach. I remember a former client saying, “I wish I could return to Recovery Unplugged; it was the best treatment center I’ve ever been to.” That client, who had been treatment-resistant, praised Recovery Unplugged's unique engagement. Later, when I interviewed there, I was struck by the facility’s atmosphere—the music playing in the lobby and the genuine energy of the people. I interviewed with the owners, who explained how they integrated music into every step of the process. For example, at the end of the pre-assessment call, they would ask, “What song inspires you to stay sober?” and even play it when picking up a client. That personal, extra-mile approach resonated with me; I felt an instant connection because I always strive to put people first. That led me to join Recovery Unplugged back in November 2015, and here we are in 2025.
Recovery Unplugged blends evidence-based mental health treatment with music therapy. How does adding music therapy help people connect with their care in ways that traditional methods might not?
Recovery Unplugged uses music as a catalyst to engage people in evidence-based practices. Music can speak when words don’t. I’ve seen clients who, by hearing or relating to a song’s lyrics, can express emotions and reach levels of vulnerability they might not achieve simply by answers, “Can you describe your depression?” or “Can you describe your addiction?” There’s also solid science behind how music activates different parts of the brain and receptors—even ones activated during drug or alcohol use—allowing access to various emotional layers and the subconscious. Using an outside-the-box approach like Recovery Unplugged can lead to different and sometimes better outcomes than traditional treatment methods. Music therapy is especially valuable for someone trying therapy for the first time or someone who has tried multiple times and needs a fresh, creative approach.
What should Curative members know about getting started, and what kind of support is available throughout their journey?
In my experience, using Curative’s member portal and my relationship with my Care Navigator have been game changers. Honestly, it’s been the best healthcare plan experience I’ve ever had—having a real person to call who can help me find the proper care. For me, the Baseline Visit wasn’t just about accessing resources; it was a meaningful conversation with an opportunity to speak with a medical professional about what I’m experiencing and which services might best suit my needs. It set the stage for a positive experience with Curative’s plan.
“Music can speak when words don’t.”
With virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOP) available in several states, how do you ensure members receive the same level of care, connection, and progress as they would in an in-person setting?
We provide a complete 360-degree approach to ensure our virtual IOP feels as supportive as an in-person program. We have a dedicated team of therapists, case managers, nurse care navigators, and an alum system supporting members after they complete treatment. This model allows for group sessions, individual care, and psychiatric services that mirror our in-person offerings. With today’s technology, we can be creative in delivering care so that members can balance treatment with work, childcare, and other life responsibilities.
Can you explain how Recovery Unplugged’s virtual IOP and inpatient services work? How do they complement each other to provide well-rounded support for mental health and addiction recovery?
Recovery Unplugged’s approach bridges virtual IOP and inpatient services to create a continuum of care that adapts to each individual’s needs. Our inpatient program provides intensive, around-the-clock support in a contract environment, ideas for those needing immediate stabilization, and structured treatment. Once clients are ready to transition, our virtual IOP offers a flexible yet comprehensive support system that enables clients to continue progressing from home, ensuring continuity of care without sacrificing quality. The two services complement each other by providing the initial intervention needed in an inpatient setting and the sustained, adaptable support of a virtual program, covering the full spectrum of acute care to long-term management.
Every person’s recovery journey is different. How does Recovery Unplugged personalize treatment plans to meet each individual’s needs? Can you share an example of a time personalized care made a meaningful impact?
One moment that stands out is why Recovery Unplugged developed its virtual IOP. During the COVID-19 pandemic, outpatient care options were scarce in states like Tennessee and Texas, especially in rural areas. Clients who traveled to a city like Nashville for treatment would return to remote areas with little to no support. With our virtual IOP, these members could access a fully rounded program from home, only needing a stable internet connection. It’s been invaluable for those juggling work or childcare who might otherwise have no way to engage in consistent treatment. Recovery Unplugged also offers Spanish-language resources. Native Spanish speakers complete their intake with a Spanish-speaking counselor and are connected with a Spanish-speaking therapist, nurse, case manager, and even medical and psychiatric providers. Essentially, any Spanish-speaking Curative member seeking Recovery Unplugged services can access comprehensive care in their native language.
Looking ahead, what innovations or services is Recovery Unplugged excited to bring to Curative members? How do you see mental health and substance use care evolving to support people in the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited about a few things Recovery Unplugged has in the pipeline. For starters, we’re planning to offer more specialized tracks. Whether that’s for veterans, first responders, Spanish-speaking members, or folks looking for faith-based support, we’re all about breaking that cookie-cutter mold. On the tech side, we’re exploring some cool innovations like virtual reality for exposure therapy. Imagine stepping into a virtual space to work through your challenges. That’s the kind of creative approach we’re passionate about. I see mental health and substance use care evolving into something that’s much more personalized and accessible. Technology is opening doors, making it easier for people to get tailored support no matter where they are or their schedule. It’s all about ensuring everyone can access care that fits their unique needs without all the traditional barriers. Curative members, get the support you need—wherever you are. Recovery Unplugged offers online and in-person mental health care, including a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program in Texas, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and New Jersey, plus inpatient care in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Take the next step in your recovery journey today! Sign up for treatment at https://www.recoveryunplugged.com/curative. For Curative member services, you can call 855-428-7284 or email health@curative.com.
About Curative
Curative is a health plan employees love for its affordability, engagement, and simplicity. With $0 copays and deductibles, members can get the care they need when they need it without the financial burden. Imagine — a health plan that delivers better health without hurting your wallet.
*Every Curative member can continue to qualify for the $0 deductible and copay for covered services from providers listed on Provider Search and preferred prescriptions by completing a Baseline Visit in the first 120 days of the plan’s effective date.
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Table of Contents
Recovery Unplugged blends evidence-based mental health treatment with music therapy. How does adding music therapy help people connect with their care in ways that traditional methods might not?
With virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOP) available in several states, how do you ensure members receive the same level of care, connection, and progress as they would in an in-person setting?
Can you explain how Recovery Unplugged’s virtual IOP and inpatient services work? How do they complement each other to provide well-rounded support for mental health and addiction recovery?
Looking ahead, what innovations or services is Recovery Unplugged excited to bring to Curative members? How do you see mental health and substance use care evolving to support people in the future?
