Engaging Young Black Males: H.E.A.T (Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy)

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11:15 am - 12:15 pm

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H.E.A.T. is a holistic, Afrocentric, strength-based, and trauma-informed model that emphasizes a positive and engaging approach to treatment. This manualized intervention targets African-American males who are in the 18-29 age group and are involved in the criminal justice system. The holistic approach of H.E.A.T. focuses on treating the complete person by addressing spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, environmental, and experiential factors that influence one’s sense of self, behaviors, and choices. The curriculum seeks to validate life experiences and help the client address and resolve emotional and psychological issues that have shaped his self-image, behavior, and lifestyle choices. H.E.A.T. is spreading across the United States. It is the only culturally responsive intervention of its kind in the country. This session will include a discussion of why this intervention is important, and the presenters will also summarize some research that supports H.E.A.T.’s ability to produce positive results.