NATSAP Program Definitions

Boarding Schools (Emotional Growth, Therapeutic)

These schools generally provide an integrated educational milieu with an appropriate level of structure and supervision for physical, emotional, behavioral, familial, social, intellectual and academic development. These schools grant high school diplomas or award credits that lead to admission to a diploma granting secondary school. Each school will vary in their approach to the emotional and behavioral needs of the child and we urge parents to review this approach with the professional that has been working with their child to ensure appropriate placement. Placement at these boarding schools can range from 12 months to 2 years depending on the program's therapeutic components.

Outdoor Behavioral Health (Wilderness Programs and Outdoor Therapeutic Programs)

subscribe to a diverse treatment model that incorporates a blend of therapeutic modalities, but do so in the context of wilderness environments and backcountry travel. The approach has evolved to include client assessment, development of an individual treatment plan, the use of established psychotherapeutic practice, and the development of aftercare plans. Outdoor behavioral health programs apply wilderness therapy in the field,which contains the following key elements that distinguish it from other approaches found to be effective in working with adolescents:

1) the promotion of self-efficacy and personal autonomy through task accomplishment,

2) a restructuring of the therapist-client relationship through group and communal living facilitated by natural consequences, and

3) the promotion of a therapeutic social group that is inherent in outdoor living arrangements.

Residential Treatment Centers

The focus of these programs is behavioral support. Medication management and medial monitoring is generally available on-site. These facilities treat adolescents with serious psychological and behavior issues. Most are Joint Commission (JCAHO) accredited. These facilities provide group and individual therapy sessions. They are highly structured and offer recreational activities and academics. Small Residential Programs - are designed to serve fewer than 30 students in nurturing, often family-like settings. Small residential programs offer a holistic therapeutic milieu which is based upon the relationships formed and the social dynamics created in small, intimate environments. These programs offer appropriate levels of structure and supervision for the emotional, social and academic development of their students. These programs often incorporate life skills training, academic instruction, outdoor adventure, recreation, and family involvement into an experiential living environment. Small residential programs often maintain an area of specialty for the students they serve.