The issue of mental health in the music industry, and the roles labels, management and other companies can play in helping to keep artists healthy, has been a point of contention for many years. This guest post advocates strongly for a more involved and evolved role for the industry.
Dr. Aprilia West PsyD, MT, PCC is a licensed clinical psychologist, executive coach, trainer and author and a music industry veteran in private practice in Los Angeles. She has 20+ years of niche experience working with artists, creatives, teams, and leaders spanning the entertainment industry, tech, Fortune 500 companies, U.S. Members of Congress, and advocacy campaigns.
David Andreone, MA, AMFT, is founder of ArtistServices Therapy in Culver City. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, where he held executive-level A&R roles at Warner Chappell Music and Sony Music Entertainment, and co-created the television series Rough Draft with Reza Aslan.
Variety welcomes responsible commentary — contact music@variety.com if interested in contributing.
The entertainment industry has long grappled with the unique pressures placed on performers related to wellbeing and mental health. And while Hollywood has gradually increased support for actors, the music industry’s support of talent lags dangerously behind.
