For Release: March 11, 2024

Contact: Maddy Schoap, Public Affairs Director, 301-986-8770, maddy@natsap.org

NATSAP Response to “The Program” Documentary on Netflix

Bowie, MD—As The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), we stand in full support of the recent Netflix documentary, “The Program”, shedding light on the distressing realities within some unregulated programs. This documentary serves as a powerful call to action for our field to confront and eliminate any mistreatment or abuse within residential treatment settings.

The experiences portrayed in the documentary, such as those Katherine Kubler featured, are deeply troubling, and we extend our solidarity to survivors and their families. NATSAP was founded in 1999 as a solution-making organization with the goal of eliminating abuse and trauma in the residential treatment field. This documentary shows the long history of the field. The Association and its member programs are not, nor have ever been, affiliated with any WWASPS programs or any member of the Lichfield family. NATSAP Member programs are committed to helping youth with mental health challenges through practices based solely on clinical evidence and therapeutic research data. The Association will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate systems of abuse and champion genuine, safe solutions for youth in need of authentic therapy.

In the wake of this documentary, we reiterate our dedication to excellence and our determination to transform residential treatment environments into truly therapeutic spaces. This documentary is a great public call to drive positive change and create a future where every young person receives the support and care they deserve. As such, NATSAP will surge our advocacy even further, continuing collaborations with lawmakers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to enact meaningful change within the field.

While NATSAP itself is not a regulatory or enforcement authority, the Association is a dedicated advocate for excellence and safety. Principles of Good Practice for clinical treatment have been developed and widely disseminated to all member programs. Additionally, as of 2023, all NATSAP members are required to obtain accreditation from an independent, nationally recognized behavioral health accreditation agency, such as the Joint Commission.

As society progresses, so too must the mental health field. All programs should be subject to rigorous standards, accreditation, licensing, and oversight by government agencies. Since its inception in 1999, NATSAP has been steadfast in our efforts to ensure that every child receives the most appropriate treatment in a safe environment. We remain committed to advancing these measures and fostering positive change.

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About the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP)

Founded in January 1999, NATSAP, a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit membership organization, is a national resource for programs and professionals assisting young people with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Located throughout the U.S., NATSAP members include therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness therapy programs, young adult programs, and home-based residential programs. The Association is governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors comprised of representatives from its membership. NATSAP members are independently operated and owned; therefore, NATSAP does not provide placement services. All NATSAP member programs that treat children are overseen by state therapeutic licensure or accredited by major mental health bodies.