05/13/2026
STAT® Inc. Joins National Horses for Mental Health Campaign to Expand Access to Equine-Assisted Services
Ligonier, PA — April 30, 2026 — Southern Tier Alternative Therapies, Inc. (STAT®), a nonprofit leader in trauma-informed equine-assisted services, is proud to announce its participation in the May Mental Health Awareness Campaign hosted by Horses for Mental Health. This national initiative raises awareness and critical funding to expand access to equine-assisted mental health and learning programs across the country.
Through this campaign, STAT® will elevate its mission of serving vulnerable, underrepresented, and underserved populations through innovative, ground-based equine-assisted interventions. Programs support at-risk youth, veterans, individuals in recovery, older adults, and individuals with physical and behavioral health challenges—many of whom do not benefit from traditional approaches or lack access due to financial barriers.
“STAT® meets people where they are—without judgment, without pressure,” said Catherine “Cat” Markosky, Founder and Executive Director of Southern Tier Alternative Therapies Inc.. “The horse creates a space where individuals can experience trust, connection, and self-awareness in a way that is both powerful and deeply personal. Through this campaign, we are expanding access not only to our experiential learning programs, but also to clinical pathways for those who need a higher level of care.”
STAT® offers a continuum of services that includes both nonclinical, experiential equine-assisted learning programs and partnerships with licensed mental health professionals to deliver equine-assisted psychotherapy when clinically appropriate. This flexible model allows individuals to engage at the level that best meets their needs—whether building foundational skills through relationship-based experiences or participating in more structured therapeutic interventions.
All STAT® programs are grounded in trauma-informed care and emphasize emotional regulation, resilience, confidence-building, and authentic human-horse connection. Services are designed to complement—not replace—traditional models, offering an alternative pathway for individuals who may not respond to conventional approaches.
Funds raised through the Horses for Mental Health campaign will directly support:
Expansion of programming for at-risk and justice-involved youth through the M.U.S.T.A.N.G.™ Program
Increased access for Veterans and individuals in recovery
Development and expansion of clinical equine-assisted psychotherapy offerings
Outreach to older adults in out of home placement and individuals with disabilities
Ongoing care, rehabilitation, and support of STAT®’s rescued equine herd
Community members are invited to support the campaign by donating, becoming ambassadors, or sharing STAT®’s mission.
To learn more or support STAT®’s campaign, visit:
https://horsesformentalhealth.org/campaigns/stat-ligonier-therapeutic-center/
About STAT® Inc.
Southern Tier Alternative Therapies, Inc. (STAT®) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007, dedicated to enhancing emotional wellness, resilience, and quality of life through trauma-informed equine-assisted services. Serving more than 11,000 individuals to date, STAT® provides innovative programming for children, adults, veterans, and seniors across Southwestern Pennsylvania. With a commitment to accessibility, approximately 98% of participants receive services at no cost.
Media Contact:
Catherine “Cat” Markosky
Founder & Executive Director
Southern Tier Alternative Therapies, Inc. (STAT®)
📞 833-328-7828 or Mobile: 607-223-4176
WHY ARE WE RAISING MONEY? Because healing should not depend on someone’s ability to pay. Since 2007, STAT® has served more than 11,000 individuals through trauma-informed equine programs. Nearly all of our participants receive services at no cost — including Veterans, justice-involved youth, ch...
