The ChildTrauma Academy Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (c)

The NMT Assessment Process

The NMT Assessment is designed to complement other clinical assessment models. An NMT Trained clinician will collect a complete developmental history as well as assess a client’s current functioning. The clinician will use this information to complete the NMT Metric Report (including a “Functional Brain Map”). The NMT Assessment process helps identify domains of functioning that are either undeveloped or dysfunctional, which, in turn, helps guide the selection and sequencing of developmentally-sensitive neurobiologically-guided interventions.

About the NMT

The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) is a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology informed approach to clinical problem solving developed by The ChildTrauma Academy. NMT is not a specific therapeutic technique or intervention. It is an approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform work with children, families, and the communities in which they live. The Neurosequential Approach has three components: training/capacity building, assessment, and then, specific recommendations for the selection and sequencing of therapeutic, educational, and enrichment activities that match the needs and strengths of the individual.

This clinical approach helps professionals determine the strengths and vulnerabilities of children and helps them create individualized intervention, enrichment, and educational plans to match each child’s unique needs. The goal is to find a set of therapeutic activities that meet the child’s current needs in various domains of functioning (i.e. social, emotional, cognitive, and physical).

The ChildTrauma Academy has developed an NMT Training Certification process for individual clinicians and organizations. This training process provides the necessary exposure to core NMT concepts, practical applications, and use of the web-based NMT Metrics as part of the clinical evaluation package. Clinicians may complete an introductory-level certification program (Phase I) or an advanced level program (Phase II). 

The NMT is widely applicable to a variety of clinical and educational environments and has been integrated into a variety of settings across the full life cycle – infants through adults. Numerous organizations, public and private, as well as private outpatient clinical professionals have become certified and routinely use the NMT in their practices.

*NMT Certification does not comprise clinical “endorsement” – it merely implies that the clinician or organization has completed the necessary training elements required to use the NMT Assessment Process with acceptable fidelity. Any results and/or recommendations made by an NMT Certified clinician or organization are solely the responsibility of the clinician or organization making them.