Join NATSAP: Strengthen Your Therapeutic Program Through Community

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Potential Members,

As Vice President of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), I see firsthand the benefits of unity in our sector. NATSAP is not just an association; it’s a community committed to quality service, ethical standards, and innovative practices. You will be part of a group that is focused on elevating standards and legitimizing our entire field.

Why join NATSAP or renew your membership? The answer is simple: the benefits enhance your program’s growth, credibility, and influence.

Membership in NATSAP provides an emblem of trust recognized by families, professionals, and partners. By following our guidelines, you align with a community that values quality and ethics, and NATSAP will be at the forefront of providing membership programs with sustainable programs in this turbulent time. This alignment bolsters your program’s reputation and competitive advantage.

NATSAP emphasizes education and professional development. We provide resources that keep you updated on industry trends, research discoveries, and educational conferences. These opportunities, including member benefits of conference discounts, enhance your program’s service quality and results, while ensuring that you stay ahead of the curve in the current drive for empirically supported treatment.

NATSAP is a testament to the power of collective effort. Membership gives you access to a network that fosters collaboration, idea exchange, and beneficial partnerships. Our influence extends to lawmakers and regulators, ensuring that the voice of therapeutic programs is heard, protecting our shared interests and those of the families we serve.

NATSAP membership raises your program’s visibility and credibility. Our seal, symbolizing high standards, enhances the quality perception of your program. We offer platforms for visibility, such as online directories and conference exhibitions, and with our member benefits of conference discounts, you can showcase your program’s expertise while making valuable connections.

Joining NATSAP is an investment in your program’s development and our field’s advancement. Your involvement contributes to a brighter future for therapeutic programs and the individuals they serve. NATSAP will be at the forefront of providing membership programs with sustainable programs in this turbulent time.

Existing members are encouraged to utilize the resources that NATSAP offers. Engage actively within our community. Use the resources to help your program excel and stay up to date with the latest research and industry trends.

Explore the benefits of joining our community today. Visit our website or contact us to learn how NATSAP membership can provide you with the support, knowledge, and network to significantly advance your program.

Thank you for your commitment to excellence in therapeutic services. Together, we can build a stronger, more influential network of professionals dedicated to transforming lives.

Respectfully,

Derek Daley

Vice President, NATSAP

NATSAP Board of Directors meets with Congress

Posted on by
Reply

Members from the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) Board of Directors met with Vermont Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham, and Washington Senator Patty Murray to discuss issues affecting adolescents and young adults struggling with mental health issues. The meetings with the Senators were held last Wednesday in anticipation of NATSAP’s annual DC Advocacy Day held each May during Mental Health Awareness Month.

As the largest not-for-profit membership association in the U.S. dedicated to residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness therapy programs for adolescents, NATSAP holds an Advocacy Day every year.

“For more than 10 years, we’ve brought more than 50 NATSAP members onto Capitol Hill to shed light on the mental health epidemic facing adolescents, and to ask for reasonable federal oversight on our schools and programs,” said Megan Stokes, Executive Director, NATSAP.

Currently, NATSAP has drafted a bill addressing some of these issues. That bill is pending introduction. Another bill, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA), has also been introduced in Congress. NATSAP encourages Congress in the fast passage of SICAA and to turn towards NATSAP’s draft legislative language on further increasing standards of care in residential treatment.

For more information about NATSAP, log onto www.natsap.org.

NATSAP Applauds the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act

Posted on by
Reply

A proposed bill that would establish a federal work group to study youth RTCs and recommend best practices is being applauded by NATSAP. The bill, titled the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA), directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a Federal Work Group on Residential Programs comprised of leaders from relevant federal agencies.

Senators Merkley and Cornyn, along with Representatives Khanna and Carter, introduced the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA) this past Thursday. NATSAP supports fast passage of SICAA without amendment.

As part of their role, the agency leaders will consult with a wide array of industry experts. The proposed federal work group would hear from many diverse voices representing the industry including alumni.

“I’m impressed that SICAA’s proposed Federal Work Group is looking to hear from many diverse voices representing our industry–including former students,” said Megan Stokes, Executive Director, NATSAP.

Once convened, the work group will develop recommendations regarding data collection policy initiatives, education and training for professionals, and other activities relating to development, dissemination, outreach, and engagement. In short, the bill would result in creating policy recommendations to improve industry best practices.

“We also applaud the proposed legislation for providing guidance to programs exempted from oversight through state legislation,” Stokes continued. “Those programs would not be accepted as NATSAP members since our members must abide by state licensure and accreditation requirements.”

The proposed legislation will provide guidance to programs exempted from oversight through state legislation. Additionally, the work group would be requested to file a report every two years with the U.S. Senate HELP, Finance, and House Education, Energy, and Ways and Means.

The bill also requires the HHS Secretary to work with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study examining the state of youth in residential treatment centers and related programs. The results of that study will include recommendations on industry best practices. This report needs to be completed within three years after the law’s enactment.

View NATSAP’s Press Release Applauding SICAA

Read the full bill text of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act

NATSAP 2022 Election Recap

Posted on by
Reply

2022 Mid-Term Election Results

As the year comes to a close, we turn our heads to the results of a very crucial election in today’s political landscape. On November 8, 2022, the following elections were held for 470 seats of Congress and 36 Governor races.   

Read the full article below for the entire election overview as we explain results and how it will affect NATSAP & NATSAP Programs

NATSAP 2022 Election Recap

NATSAP Announces NBCC Provider Status

Posted on by
Reply

NATSAP is thrilled to announce we’ve just received NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) status!

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7272. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. 

The National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates (NBCC), is the largest counselor credentialing body in the United States. LPCs, LMHCs, LCPCs, and other state-credentialed counselors seek continuing education programs that offer NBCC continuing education credit.


As an ACEP, NATSAP is authorized to offer NBCC credit for Live Events, delivered in person or by electronic devices that permit the participant to communicate (E.g., Zoom, Google Meet, webinars and roundtables).


WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU!
NATSAP welcomes interested presenters to submit their presentations for review. The presentation must satisfy specific content requirements and must not include any prohibitions. Presentations will be reviewed by a NATSAP member-run committee and overseen by Mike Haarer, Compass Rose Academy.  

Click Here to view the Qualifying Program Requirements for submissions