Westborough resident goes to Capitol Hill

A Westborough, Massachusetts resident, Eileen Antalek, Educational Consultant with Educational Directions, Inc. Westborough, MA, went to Capitol Hill as part of an 18-member delegation from the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP).

Antalek 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.

Joining NATSAP members from Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Wisconsin and Utah, Antalek shared her personal story and first-hand experiences about the diverse, quality treatment programs provided by NATSAP members.

"In our meetings, we discussed the importance of therapeutic treatment options for at-risk adolescents and teenagers, the credentials of NATSAP-member programs, and the organization's desire to work collaboratively with congressional leaders on more improved, effective legislation," said Antalek.

Antalek 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.