2024 Election Results

President

Following the November 2024 Presidential election, former President Donald J. Trump and running mate US Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) have secured the requisite electoral college number to be declared the winners. This marks a return to office for Trump, whose administration is anticipated to implement conservative policies, especially with regards to regulatory and healthcare reform.

A major focus of Trump’s campaign was his pledge to reshape health policy and bolster his administration’s approach to government oversight, which may have implications for residential treatment and mental health care, especially for youth. His administration’s priorities could lead to stricter regulations for healthcare programs, particularly in sectors receiving federal funding or oversight. Additionally, Trump’s stance on reducing federal spending could impact the availability of grants and Medicaid funding that many residential treatment programs depend on for operational support. The new administration also appears supportive of small businesses. The Republican Party’s campaign platform includes a focus on minimizing government intervention in small businesses, which could benefit residential treatment and mental healthcare providers by potentially easing regulatory pressures.

With the recent election results, NATSAP remains optimistic about advancing set legislative priorities. The Association will continue advocating for balanced federal oversight, focusing on measures that enhance quality and accountability while keeping a close eye on policy changes that impact the field.

Congress

The 2024 elections have concluded with Republicans gaining a stronger foothold in both the Senate and the House, marking a shift that could heavily influence the legislative direction over the next two years before the midterm elections in 2026.

US Senate
The GOP has managed to secure a narrow majority in the Senate, picking up several seats in key battleground states. This change in control provides Republicans with the ability to advance their legislative priorities, make cabinet level appointments, and significantly influence judicial nominations. Some notable Senate victories include:

Montana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania: Republicans won highly competitive races, flipping key seats that were previously held by a Democrat.

Florida, Texas, and West Virginia: These states saw strong support for Republican incumbents and an open seat to secure a majority.

With this new Senate leadership, the GOP is positioned to support a Trump Administration agenda, pushing through nominations and potentially revisiting key issues like healthcare reform, federal spending cuts, and federal regulatory oversight. This majority will also allow Republicans to set the legislative agenda in the Senate, focusing on areas such as deregulation, tax reform, and limited governmental policies.

US House of Representatives
In the House, Republicans have also retained a slim majority, allowing the GOP to maintain control of the chamber. Some of the most notable House races this cycle included:

California-47 and Texas-15: These battleground districts saw fierce competition, with Republicans ultimately keeping or gaining key seats.

Pennsylvania-7: A strong Republican showing here helped secure a slight but crucial majority in the House.

With leadership of the House, the GOP now has the ability to initiate investigations, shape fiscal policies, and halt Democratic-backed legislation. This shift will likely bring a focus on conservative fiscal policies, including potential cuts to social programs, as well as hearings on issues that align with Republican priorities, such as border security and federal agency oversight.

Impact on NATSAP Members

With a Republican-led Congress and a Trump administration shaping the federal policy landscape, NATSAP members—who represent residential treatment programs for youth—may experience both challenges and new opportunities. Potential impacts may include:

1. Funding and Access to Mental Health Services

Federal funding for mental health services may face cuts or be restructured under GOP-led initiatives. Many residential treatment centers that rely on Medicaid and other federal grants for operations could find themselves with limited resources due to the shift toward reduced federal spending. Programs might need to adjust to potential funding shortfalls, particularly in states with limited mental health budgets. NATSAP members may find themselves advocating at both state and federal levels for mental health funding to maintain essential services and to ensure equitable access to care for families in need.

2. Changes in Regulatory Landscape

With a Republican majority, federal regulation of healthcare facilities, including mental health treatment centers, may be loosened. NATSAP members could see fewer possibilities of federal regulations. This deregulation might lead to inconsistent standards across states, with varying levels of oversight that could impact treatment quality and patient safety. NATSAP members may need to rely on other regulatory avenues requiring best-practice standards and training to maintain high levels of care despite lack in federal oversight.

3. Mental Health Parity and Insurance Coverage

The Trump administration and a Republican Congress could potentially reform or reduce Affordable Care Act provisions, including mental health parity laws, which ensure equal insurance coverage for mental and physical health services. If parity protections weaken, residential programs may see reduced insurance reimbursements, potentially increasing out-of-pocket costs for families. NATSAP members might need to work closely with insurance providers to negotiate coverage or explore other funding options to make treatment accessible.

4. Increased Emphasis on Telehealth

GOP priorities might include telehealth expansion, especially as a cost-effective solution for rural and underserved areas. For NATSAP members, this could mean more opportunities to incorporate telehealth for follow-up care, family therapy sessions, or initial assessments, potentially enhancing accessibility and continuity of care. However, telehealth’s suitability for residential treatment remains limited; not only due to in-person, immersive environments being critical for many of the services NATSAP programs provide, but also due to lack of clinical license reciprocity between states.

5. Research Funding and Evidence-Based Practices

While some realignment of priorities could occur, especially as federal resources are directed toward targeted healthcare areas, the GOP platform also emphasizes the importance of research funding and evidence-based practices. This may mean that NIH, NIMH, and NIDA funding remain accessible for projects focused on impactful, evidence-based mental health interventions. This support for research may help NATSAP members who rely on grants to innovate and refine treatment practices. By staying proactive, members can continue developing high-quality, research-backed treatment methods to meet the needs of youth in residential treatment and mental healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Despite the shifting political landscape following the 2024 elections, NATSAP remains steadfast in its legislative efforts to promote federal regulations for residential treatment programs, ensuring quality and accountability across states. NATSAP will continue to push for the NASW Interstate Licensure Compact, which will expand the ability of qualified mental health professionals to practice across state lines, thus increasing access to care for underserved populations. The organization is also committed to advocating for bills that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health, as well as legislation aimed at expanding mental health care access. Through these efforts, NATSAP intends to ensure that youth and families receive comprehensive, high-quality care that is inclusive and accessible, putting the safety and well-being of youth at the forefront of priorities in residential treatment.