NATSAP 25^th Anniversary Statement

In the grand tapestry of therapeutic excellence, the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) has woven a legacy of compassion, transformation, and hope for a quarter-century. As NATSAP celebrates its 25th anniversary, we commend an organization that has tirelessly championed the cause of struggling youth, their families, and dedicated professionals, while fostering a brighter and more secure future for all. Over these years, the Association has achieved remarkable milestones that have reshaped the landscape of therapeutic education and programs, ushering in a new era of safety, ethics, and advocacy.

• Required Accreditation for Programs and Schools: All NATSAP program members are required to be accredited by a national behavioral health accrediting body, fostering a commitment to excellence and accountability. The Association has played a crucial role in advocating for national accreditation and state licensing. NATSAP continues to call on licensing boards and legislative bodies to enforce standards of care, further elevating the field's ethical and credentialing oversight.
• Overarching Ethical Standards: Previously, ethical standards varied widely, often dictated by individual programs or schools. NATSAP led with the Ethics and Standards Committee and the original Board of Directors, developing 13 ethical principles that guide the Association. These measures are regularly reviewed and strengthened, ensuring that members uphold the highest ethical standards. The Best Practices Committee handles ethical complaints and can suspend or recommend the removal of programs engaging in inappropriate behavior.
• Licensed Therapists and Treatment Plans: NATSAP recognized the need for qualified clinicians to oversee therapeutic services, mandating all therapists and clinicians in member programs be licensed. Each student within a NATSAP program must have a treatment plan overseen by a licensed clinician, setting higher standards for the industry and promoting excellence in care.
• Evidence-Based Research and Practice: NATSAP's commitment to effective treatment through outcome studies is recognized through the Research Designated Program (RDP). The RDP provides data to evaluate effectiveness and increase understanding of the positive impact of schools and programs. NATSAP's funding of the Golden Thread software facilitates data collection, even for students who do not attend therapeutic programs, contributing to a more data-driven approach in an industry where randomized controlled studies pose challenges.
• Community Collaboration: NATSAP recognizes the power of shared knowledge and initiates annual national conferences and dedicated regional events, including the Leadership Summit and Academic Conference, to unite professionals, schools, and programs. This collaboration proved pivotal in creating baseline best practices, ethical standards, and therapeutic guidelines, prioritizing student safety and well-being.
• Federal Legislation for Minimum Safety Standards: NATSAP's dedication to the safety and well-being of students is further exemplified by its role in drafting federal legislation outlining baseline standards in therapeutic treatment programs. This legislation aims to eliminate abuse in programs, ensuring individuals seeking therapeutic care are treated with dignity and respect. NATSAP supports the “Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act”, another step towards prioritizing the safety and well-being of youth in residential therapeutic programs.
• State and Federal Advocacy: NATSAP's heightened state and federal advocacy efforts have been instrumental in raising the standards of mental health care nationally. The Association continuously monitors legislation, engages with public offices, and organizes advocacy days, where parents, alumni, program administrators, and therapists meet with legislators to promote essential mental health legislation.