NMTSA is proud to offer a variety of programs to benefit clients, families, and the community as a whole. Please contact us if you have questions or would like to discuss a potential or customized program for yourself, your client/s, or your organization. All services are offered at our clinic located in central Phoenix, unless otherwise noted.
NMT Sessions
NMTSA provides Individual and Group NMT sessions that address the individual needs of clients through the application of standardized NMT interventions based on scientific research of music and the brain. Neurologic Music Therapy is an evidence-based treatment and is defined as: "the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor dysfunctions due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system," (Thaut, 1999). Through continual observation and evaluation of the clients’ needs and responses to treatment, specific interventions are selected and implemented to address areas of need such as communication, motor skills, and cognitive functioning. With consistent, ongoing treatment, clients show improved motor control, increased communication skills, and enhanced cognitive functioning; however, treatment is most effective when consistent positive strategies are implemented in all environments within an individual’s daily life.
Funding Sources
NMTSA is an AHCCCS provider. NMTSA's clinical therapy services may be funded in a variety of ways including: ALTCS-Medicaid/Title XIX, Department of Economic Security/Division of Developmental Disabilities, EverCare, SSI/Disability Income, Private Pay, Varying Insurance on a case by case basis, Clinical Scholarships, and Department of Economic Security/Rehabilitation Services Administration.
Parent Training
Click here to download a sign-up form for the September 6th Parent Training
NMTSA’s Neurologic Music Therapy Parent Training is designed for parents, caregivers, team members, and parents with a child on our waitlist. This training presents NMTSA’s treatment philosophy, inclusive of the evidence-based practice of NMT and the importance of assuming competence; practical strategies and positive behavioral supports to use at home and in the community; and opportunities for problem solving of issues that interfere with the optimal functioning of the individual in all environments. This educational experience is free of charge to families and caregivers who have one or more children receiving services through NMTSA or who are on NMTSA’s wait list for services and is open to the general public for a small fee. We hope that after attending the parent training, parents, caregivers, and teachers and others like them may have a greater understanding of neurologic disorders and how NMT can help; that they will be equipped with simple, effective strategies to incorporate in all environments; and that they will feel empowered to help their child reach his or her full potential.
NMTSA's Community Education and Training Programs are funded through donations, charitable contributions and grants. Click here to learn about free and easy ways you can support NMTSA's programming!
Home Program
After attending the parent training and with therapist recommendation and consultation, families are eligible to participate in the 3-Phase Home Program and/or Home Drumming Program designed to assist families in providing appropriate accommodations in order to facilitate improved sensory integration and maximum independence within the home. Both Home Programs involve parent and family participation with the use of rhythm, music, and specific drumming use.
Treatment Team Consultations
In order to ensure consistent treatment throughout all therapies the child receives, NMTSA provides Treatment Team Consulations. NMTSA therapists are available for consultation during team meetings, for school personnel, habilitators, etc.
Competency-Based Communication Program
Click here to download a printable FC Parent Training Level 1 registration form
Click here to download a printable FC Parent Training Level 2 registration form
Many of the clients served by NMTSA do not have an effective way to communicate with their loved ones, caregivers, teachers, and community members. As communication is vital to one’s participation in therapeutic interventions as well as every-day life, NMTSA strives to identify and incorporate a functional communication method for each child/individual served. While many strategies are explored with each client, Facilitated Communication Training (FCT) has proven to be a highly effective means of expression for some individuals with labels of autism and other disabilities who do not communicate verbally at their age-level.
FCT involves learning to communicate by typing on a keyboard or pointing at letters, images, or other symbols to represent messages. In order to provide support to those who use this communication method and their families and caregivers, NMTSA’s Competency-Based Communication Program was developed. One component of the program is NMTSA’s Competency-Based Communication Training, designed as a beginning level training to educate participants in the history, current research, methodology, and practice techniques of FCT. Community members in attendance participate in practice sessions and are provided with strategies to assist individuals in utilizing FCT as an effective, functional communication system.
In order to support those who utilize FCT as a primary communication method, NMTSA also offers Competency-Based Communication Peer Support Groups as part of this program. Groups provide the opportunity for individuals and their communication partners to practice communication skills and techniques within a supportive, validating social setting. Participants are divided by age and assigned to one of three groups held each month. With a trained therapist or community member as a communication partner, participants communicate with peers regarding topics of interest or issues needing attention. Parents, siblings, and caregivers are invited to observe or actively participate in order to facilitate integration of FCT into all aspects of the individual’s life.
(Click here to read course descriptions)
UPCOMING EVENTS
August 23
Competency-Based Communication
Training Level 1
September 6
NMT Parent Training
October 25
Competency-Based Communication
Training Level 2
Call 602-840-6410
or talk to your therapist to make reservations for these programs.
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