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Who We Are

About NATSAP

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), founded in 1999, is a non-profit professional membership organization representing a wide range of therapeutic schools and programs dedicated to supporting struggling youth and their families. NATSAP advocates for and supports the ethical and professional development of residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness therapy programs. NATSAP is not a licensing or accrediting body; instead, the focus is on fostering collaboration, providing education, and promoting best practices within the therapeutic industry. The Association aims to advance therapeutic care and ensure the highest standards for programs serving youth in need of emotional, behavioral, and mental health support.

Members include therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness programs, outdoor therapeutic programs, young adult programs, and home-based residential programs working with struggling teens and troubled adolescents. All members work through NATSAP to ensure the therapeutic industry provides the highest quality services to the young people and families served.

Our Mission

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs serves as an advocate and resource for innovative organizations which devote themselves to society’s need for the effective care and education of struggling young people and their families.

Our vision is a nation of healthy children. We are the voice inspiring, nurturing, and advancing the courageous work of our schools and programs.

Our Purpose

At the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), the purpose is to support and advocate for therapeutic schools and programs that provide care to youth facing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Committed to fostering a community of excellence, NATSAP promotes ethical standards, professional development, and best practices within the therapeutic industry. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, the goal is to ensure that families and their children receive the highest quality of care.

Board of Directors

Derek Daley, SUDC

President
Legacy Treatment Center

Caleb Cottle, MBA

Vice President
Cascade Academy

Mackenzie Hall

Treasurer
Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School

John Singleton, EdD

Immediate Past President
Whetstone Academy

Audrey Peavey

Confluence Behavioral Health

Norm Thibault, PhD, LMFT

Three Points Center

Katie Walsh, MSW

Wediko School

Andrew Kurish

Program Alumnus
natsap guiding the way

The State of Therapeutic Schools and Programs

Therapeutic schools and programs are part of an ever changing and evolving industry, and like the industry, NATSAP has changed with the times. The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) is the largest not-for-profit membership association in the U.S. dedicated to residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness therapy programs.

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Staff

Alec Stone

Executive Director

Alec@natsap.org

Stephanie Lewis

Director, Program Engagement and Community Events

Stephanie@natsap.org

Stacey Poudrier

Director, Strategic Alliance and Business Development

Stacey@natsap.org

Maddy Schoap

Director, Public Affairs

Maddy@natsap.org

Michelle Winters Hudson

Director, Operations

Michelle@natsap.org