Highland Park Resident Go to Capitol Hill to Discuss Youth & Mental Health Issues

Highland Park, Illinois residents Ross Deutsch and Mindy Deutsch, parents of New Haven (Utah) graduate; and their daughter, Reggi Deutsch, a graduate from New Haven, went to Capitol Hill as part of an 18-member delegation from the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP).

The Deutsch's talked with staff members in congressional offices about the importance of therapeutic treatment options for at-risk adolescents and teenagers, NATSAP programs credentials, and the organization's desire to work on legislation that would improve therapeutic schools and programs.

"In our meetings, we not only discussed the importance of therapeutic treatment options for at-risk adolescents and teenagers, we also stressed the credentials of NATSAP-member programs," said Ross Deutsch.

Joining NATSAP members from Arizona, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Wisconsin and Utah, the Deutsch's shared their personal story and first-hand experiences about the diverse, quality treatment programs provided by NATSAP members.

"When we met with staff and congressional members, we also talked about the NATSAP's desire to work collaboratively with congressional leaders on more improved, effective legislation," said Mindy Deutsch.

The Deutsch's met with Sen. Mike Lee (UT), and staff members from the offices of. Sens. Mark Kirk (IL), Dick Durbin (IL), Roy Blunt (MO), Elizabeth Warren (MA), and Ed Markey (MA).

NATSAP members represent therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness therapy programs, young adult programs, and home-based residential programs designed to help struggling teens.

"We go to the Hill to educate legislators on the importance of our programs, which help fill the gap of mental health programs for adolescents and young adults not being met by publically-funded programs," said Cliff Brownstein, Executive Director of NATSAP.

All NATSAP member programs that treat children under 18 are overseen by state therapeutic licensure or accredited by major mental health bodies, and in some cases, both.

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About the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP)

Founded in January 1999, NATSAP, a 501(c)(3) 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.