For Release: March 6, 2025

Contact: The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, 301-986-8770, info@natsap.org

NATSAP Leads Advocacy Efforts in Utah to Strengthen Residential Treatment Protections

Salt Lake City, Utah – The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) has been actively engaged in Utah’s 2025 legislative session, working to advance policies that enhance safety standards, strengthen licensure protections, and ensure fairness in regulatory oversight for residential treatment programs.

Over the past several weeks, NATSAP has led efforts at the Utah State Legislature, attending multiple committee hearings, meeting with key legislators, and collaborating with advocacy partners to shape the future of behavioral health services. During two major committee hearings, advocates, families, and alumni filled the room while additional supporters tuned in online to provide overwhelming testimony on the life-changing impact of residential treatment. Former students and families shared their personal experiences, reinforcing the importance of preserving access to high-quality therapeutic care.

“With the landscape of state licensure and oversight evolving, we’ve been at the forefront—meeting with key legislators, testifying in critical hearings, and working alongside stakeholders to ensure meaningful, lasting reforms,” said Trina Quinney-Packard, M.Ed, Chair of the NATSAP Utah Chapter Executive Committee. “One of our top priorities has been addressing gaps in state licensure protections for programs facing regulatory challenges. By engaging legal experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, we are advocating for policies that balance accountability with fairness and due process.”

As the session progresses, NATSAP continues to work closely with legislators to refine bill language, ensuring that critical measures move forward with clarity and effectiveness. With proposed legislation now heading to the floor for a vote, NATSAP remains committed to strengthening safety regulations and supporting ethical treatment programs that provide essential care to youth and families.

NATSAP invites all stakeholders to stay engaged as these important initiatives advance. For more information or to learn how to support these advocacy efforts, please contact NATSAP at info@natsap.org. 

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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 under 18 are overseen by state therapeutic licensure and accredited by major mental health bodies.