H4Y reported highly impressive results for young African American males when an experienced African American clinician delivered a curriculum that addressed issues commonly confronting these young men, including negative racial stereotypes, counterproductive values expressed in certain aspects of “hip hop” culture, and intergenerational remnants of historical trauma stemming from slavery and racially discriminatory laws and policies.

H4Y is a therapy program designed for Black males age 13 to 17 who are involved in the criminal justice system. H.E.A.T. and H4Y is modeled after the program, which stands for Habilitation, Empowerment and Accountability Therapy, applies a holistic, culturally relevant and responsive, strength-based model that emphasizes a positive and engaging approach to treatment.