Molly Austin

Dr. Molly Austin serves as Assistant Professor of Music Therapy at Louisiana State University's School of Music, bringing nearly a decade of board-certified clinical expertise across diverse populations from early childhood to older adults.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Music Education with emphasis in Music Therapy from Florida State University (2025)
• M.M. in Music Therapy from Florida State University (2018)
• B.M. in Music Therapy from Converse University (2015)

Dr. Austin's research pioneers correctional music therapy through her development of Florida's first full-time prison program for mentally ill inmates, while simultaneously investigating censorship practices in school systems and anxiety reduction through preferred music. Her work uniquely bridges clinical practice in eating disorder treatment centers with analysis of secondary traumatic stress among creative arts therapists.

Professional recognition includes:

• Finalist for Graduate Student Leadership Award at Florida State University
• Recipient of Mary J. Hilliard Music Therapy Scholarship
• Induction into Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society

She actively mentors students through AMTA conference presentations and currently serves as Second Vice President of the Southeast Region Chapter, while supervising clinical training across correctional facilities, treatment centers, and K-12 schools.