National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) is a United States trade organization of therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness programs, outdoor therapeutic programs, young adult programs, and home-based residential programs for adolescents and young adults with emotional and behavioral difficulties.

National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs

Abbreviation	NATSAP
Formation	1999
Type	Nonprofit organization
Tax ID no.	77-0511753
Headquarters	United States
Location	Bowie, MD
Region served	International (primarily United States)
Membership	Therapeutic boarding school Residential treatment center Wilderness therapy
Official language	English
Executive Director	Alec Stone
Publication	Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
Revenue	$1.6 M USD (2022)
Expenses	$1.9 M USD (2022)
Website	NATSAP.org

NATSAP is not an accrediting or licensing body, though it offers a membership program via which member instituions can advertise themselves as NATSAP approved. In order to be members, schools and programs are said to be required to be in full compliance with NATSAP's published Ethical Principles and Principles of Good Practice. According to NATSAP, there is no process to assess compliance. ^[1]The organization publishes a professional journal, the Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, conducts conferences and workshops, and publishes a directory of its members.^[2] Schools that are NATSAP members often refer to themselves as "accredited" by the organization, and typically display NATSAP seals on their websites.^[3].

History

It was formed in January 1999 by the founders of six programs within the "troubled teen industry," and its board of directors consists of program owners and educational consultants.^[4] As of 2021, all but one of those founding six programs have been shut down in the ensuing years for a variety of reasons, including child abuse, neglect, licensing violations, and successful class action lawsuits.^[5]

In United States House Committee on Education and Labor hearings in October 2007, NATSAP Director and Spring Ridge Academy owner Jan Moss Courtney stated that the organization had no process for checking up on this compliance, nor correcting any programs that stray from these guidelines.^[6][7]

A leaked 2023 phone call of Megan Stokes, NATSAP’s current executive director, contained audio of her warning NATSAP facilities to reduce documentation and "paper trail," recommendations on how to identify requests from students who may be associated with anti-TTI activism or lawsuits, and how to slow or prevent former students and advocacy organizations from obtaining records that youth facilities may be legally required to retain and provide. ^[8]

Notable schools and programs

• Aspen Achievement Academy
• Diamond Ranch Academy
• Carlbrook School
• CEDU
• Élan School
• Hidden Lake Academy
• Logan River Academy
• Provo Canyon School

Further reading

• Rimer, Sara. "DESPERATE MEASURES -- A special report.; Embattled Parents Seek Help, at Any Cost" *The New York Times*, Sept, 10, 2001, https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/17/business/a-business-built-on-the-troubles-of-teenagers.html