NATSAP Celebrates 25th Anniversary in 2024! 
NATSAP DC Advocacy Day
Uniting Voices for Youth Mental Health and Therapeutic Care
NATSAP Advocacy Day is an annual event that brings together professionals, alumni, and advocates to champion the needs of youth and families in therapeutic programs. Hosted in Washington, D.C., this day serves as a vital platform for NATSAP members to engage directly with lawmakers, advocating for policies that support the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents in residential treatment and therapeutic settings.
NATSAP has a long history of working to influence public policy at the federal and state levels. Advocacy Day is a central part of that mission—a collective voice on Capitol Hill that ensures critical services provided by member programs remain accessible, effective, and safe for all who need them.
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What Happens on Advocacy Day
On Advocacy Day, NATSAP members meet with legislators, policy staff, and key government officials to discuss critical issues affecting therapeutic care. Each meeting is tailored to educate, inform, and inspire action. Most importantly, advocates discuss legislation related to youth mental health, such as bills that promote suicide prevention, substance use treatment, or protections for youth in care. Alumni and families who have benefited from therapeutic programs share success stories, highlighting the long-term impact of quality care as a large part of advocating for stronger legislative support of the field.
NATSAP also prepares participants with training and resources to ensure that each meeting is productive and meaningful. From meeting guidance to legislative briefings, tools are provided for confident engagement with policymakers.
The Significance of Advocacy Day
Advocacy Day represents a united effort to:
- Promote awareness about the importance of therapeutic programs in addressing behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges for youth.
- Influence legislation that directly impacts therapeutic programs, including issues related to mental health funding, regulation of residential treatment centers, and educational support for youth in therapeutic care.
- Strengthen relationships with policymakers, ensuring NATSAP remains a trusted resource for lawmakers seeking expertise in youth mental health and family services.
- Highlight success stories from alumni of therapeutic programs, showcasing the positive outcomes and transformative impact these programs have on countless lives.
NATSAP Advocacy Day is a chance for each participant to contribute to lasting change, whether seasoned professionals or former program participants now using lived experiences to inspire and guide others.
Why Each Voice Matters
Legislation and public policy directly shape the work done in therapeutic settings. Advocacy Day offers an unparalleled opportunity for NATSAP members to make voices heard in discussions that impact the future of therapeutic programs and the youth served. By participating in Advocacy Day, participants can:
- Share expertise and insight with policymakers unfamiliar with the field.
- Ensure that the challenges and successes of therapeutic programs are understood by decision-makers.
- Advocate for resources and regulations that allow therapeutic programs to thrive.
NATSAP’s History of Advocacy
Since its founding, NATSAP has been committed to ensuring that therapeutic schools and programs within its membership are recognized and supported by policymakers. Advocacy Day builds on years of outreach and engagement with Congress, state legislators, and regulatory bodies.
- Early Advocacy Efforts: In the early 2000s, NATSAP began organizing advocacy initiatives to address growing concerns about the regulation and oversight of therapeutic programs. These efforts focused on ensuring that families had access to safe, effective, and reputable treatment options.
- Expanding the Legislative Agenda: As the need for youth mental health services grew, so did NATSAP's advocacy. The agenda expanded to include issues such as Medicaid funding for mental health care, protections for vulnerable populations, and support for workforce development in therapeutic fields.
- Ongoing Policy Work: NATSAP continues working closely with congressional offices and partner organizations to address the challenges facing therapeutic programs today. From advocating for greater federal investment in mental health services to protecting the rights of youth in care, these advocacy efforts remain central to NATSAP’s mission.
The Future of Advocacy
Looking to the future, NATSAP remains committed to expanding advocacy efforts. With the increasing demand for mental health services and the evolving landscape of therapeutic care, Advocacy Day is just one way NATSAP works to influence policies shaping the industry. Through year-round engagement, coalition building, and educational efforts, NATSAP will continue leading the charge in ensuring that all youth have access to the support and care they need.
Together, a lasting difference can be made.
