Universal Music Group (UMG) is taking a major step in addressing mental health challenges within the music industry by partnering with the non-profit Music Health Alliance (MHA) to establish the Music Industry Mental Health Fund.

The new initiative, which debuted earlier this February 14, 2025, offers a range of mental health services to professionals in the music industry across the U.S., including personalized referrals to mental health counselors and psychiatrists and grants to help cover treatment costs. With the assistance of the program, industry professionals seeking support can expect a response within 24 hours, gaining immediate access to MHA’s team of health advocates to guide them through the process.

This fund builds on UMG and MHA’s ongoing collaboration, which began with the Priority Healthcare Advocacy Program back in 2021. According to statistical data released by MHA, the program has already assisted over 1,000 clients, saving them $12.5 million in healthcare expenses, and has been a crucial resource for legacy UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing songwriters seeking healthcare solutions.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Tatum Allsep and the Music Health Alliance,” said Susan Mazo, UMG’s Chief Impact Officer. “By enhancing mental health resources, this initiative reinforces our commitment to providing long-term support for those working in the music business.”

However, the program is not limited to UMG employees, as it is open to all current and former music industry professionals in order to reflect UMG’s commitment to improving accessibility to mental health resources across the entire industry. “We’ve worked diligently to create a seamless pathway for mental health care, funding, and planning,” Mazo added. “MHA’s expertise allows us to effectively support professionals across the spectrum of mental health needs.”

The announcement from both parties comes at a pivotal moment for the music industry, with growing calls for better healthcare and fair compensation in the industry, notably after Chappell Roan raised the call for better treatment of artists during her Grammy acceptance speech. Roan’s publicized remark urged record labels to provide livable wages, health insurance, and protections, sparking a wider conversation about the need for industry-wide change.

Roan recently launched the ‘We Got You’ initiative in partnership with the non-profit Backline, a fundraising campaign aimed at improving healthcare access for artists. The campaign has already garnered significant support, with Roan’s initial $25,000 donation matched by major companies such as Live Nation, and AEG, and popular artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Noah Kahan.

UMG’s partnership with MHA is just the latest in a series of initiatives the company has pursued to enhance mental health and wellness within the industry. In 2023, UMG collaborated with AI company Endel to create wellness music, while also joining forces with Ariana Huffington’s Thrive Global to launch a music-focused wellness app. Last year, UMG teamed up with Rescape Innovation to develop a VR-based anxiety treatment incorporating personalized music and partnered with Warner Music Group and Realize Music, Inc. to bring a wealth of therapeutic tracks to the Realize Music: Sing app.