Reflecting on NATSAP's Fall Regional Conferences, held in September and October, the Association celebrates the shared knowledge, connections, and progress achieved across three impactful events: the Leadership Summit, Northeast Regional Conference, and Southeast Regional Conference. Each gathering brought together professionals dedicated to advancing behavioral healthcare, creating broad-minded environments, and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our field today.

The Leadership Summit: Leading with Accountability and Vision

Kicking off the fall season was the Leadership Summit, an exclusive event for program executives. This year's summit focused on three core objectives: Accounting, Acting, and Leading. Program leaders were encouraged to embrace transparency and reflect on past experiences to build trust and integrity within their organizations. Attendees explored innovative strategies to tackle current challenges while maintaining the highest standards of care and safety. The summit emphasized forward-thinking leadership, accountability, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in behavioral healthcare.

Participants had the opportunity to engage in deep discussions, share insights, and foster professional growth in a supportive environment. By the summit's conclusion, leaders returned to their programs with renewed energy and actionable strategies to drive the future of their organizations and the field as a whole.

NATSAP Board Vice President, Derek Daley

NATSAP Board Member, Caleb Cottle

Northeast Regional Conference: Tackling Key Issues with Depth and Insight

Held in Newport, Rhode Island, the Northeast Regional Conference addressed a range of critical topics affecting the behavioral health community. Notable sessions included discussions on attachment-based family therapy for LGBTQIA+ emerging adults, generational trauma and its impact on mental health, and strategies to enhance staff well-being and retention. Attendees gained valuable insights into the evolving landscape of adolescent behavioral healthcare and practical solutions for mitigating burnout and fostering resilience.

Southeast Regional Conference: Exploring Technology and Teens in the 21st Century

With a theme centered on the role of technology in adolescent lives, the Southeast Regional Conference offered a deep dive into both the opportunities and challenges technology presents in therapeutic settings. A highlight was the Family Systems Training Institute, where attendees learned skills for engaging family systems and promoting systemic change. The conference also featured program tours for educational consultants, showcasing innovative approaches within the region’s youth programs.

Moving Forward Together

As this season of regional conferences concludes, the NATSAP community remains united in its commitment to addressing the evolving challenges in youth and family services. The Leadership Summit, Northeast, and Southeast conferences each offered valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and collaboration, setting the stage for continued innovation and excellence in behavioral healthcare.

Looking ahead to our 2025 Annual Conference, NATSAP is excited to build upon the momentum generated this fall and carry these lessons into our ongoing work to support the mental health and well-being of the youth and families we serve.