May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to elevate national understanding, reduce stigma, and amplify the importance of accessible, effective mental health care—especially for children, adolescents, and young adults. At the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), this month represents more than just recognition; it underscores our core mission and the vital role our members play within the broader mental health care continuum.

A Crisis Demanding Urgency

The youth mental health crisis has become one of the most urgent public health issues of our time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 3 high school students reported experiencing poor mental health during the pandemic, and nearly half felt persistently sad or hopeless. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that suicide remains the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10–14 and 15–24. This is not just a set of statistics—it is a call to action.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) continues to lead efforts to promote trauma-informed care and support mental health literacy through programs such as Project AWARE, while the National Institutes of Health (NIH) expands evidence-based research on early interventions and mental illness in youth. Immediate access to crisis services has also improved through the nationwide implementation of 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, ensuring that help is only three digits away.

NATSAP Members: Frontline Responders in the Youth Mental Health Ecosystem

NATSAP member programs—therapeutic schools, residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, and more—serve as critical intervention points for youth and families navigating complex emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Our members provide structured, intensive, and individualized care, often at pivotal turning points in a young person’s life.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, NATSAP is proud to highlight the impactful work of our members. These programs offer hope and healing when outpatient services may no longer be sufficient. They support youth experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, and co-occurring conditions with evidence-informed, relationship-centered care designed to foster long-term success.

Advocacy in Action: Ensuring Access and Accountability

In tandem with direct care, NATSAP is deeply committed to advancing policy and advocacy that protects youth, improves outcomes, and strengthens access to therapeutic care. This includes:

• Advocating for mental health workforce development
• Working to protect educational and therapeutic rights for youth with mental health challenges.
• Supporting oversight structures that elevate safety, transparency, and family empowerment.
• Collaborating with lawmakers to ensure that state licensure, Medicaid eligibility, and insurance coverage align with the needs of youth in higher levels of care.

As part of our 2025 Legislative Agenda, NATSAP will continue engaging with Congress, federal agencies, and national coalitions to amplify the voices of families and practitioners committed to youth mental health recovery.

Call to Action

This May, NATSAP encourages policymakers, educators, mental health professionals, and the general public to:

• Explore national resources like 988lifeline.org, samhsa.gov, nimh.nih.gov, www.cdc.gov/mental-health, and nih.gov.
• Support policies that invest in the full spectrum of youth mental health care, including residential and therapeutic programs.
• Reach out to learn more about how NATSAP member programs are transforming lives across the country.

Let us use this month not just to raise awareness—but to reinforce our collective responsibility to protect, nurture, and advocate for the mental well-being of all youth.