Greater Access & Partnership Program

Taking Aim at Youth

Gun Violence: Building

a Safer Future Together

By reducing negative mental health symptoms, behavioral issues, and barriers to treatment, our program aims to contribute to a decrease in youth gun violence.

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Success Stories

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Expert Therapists

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After school Students

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Areas Served

About Us & Our Goals

EmpathyHQ is a compassionate non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact on our community. With a strong focus on vulnerable populations, we strive to provide life-changing mental health services to Texans. Our GAAP program mission is to address the pressing issue of gun violence among youth in Tarrant County and create a safer environment for everyone.

10 Years Of Serving The DFW Community
12,000 Unique Individuals Helped
100,000+ Hours Of Evidence-Based Care

Our GAAP Goals

1
Reduce Youth Gun Violence

We are committed to reducing youth gun violence by addressing the underlying mental health challenges that contribute to such incidents. Through targeted counseling and support, we aim to break the cycle of violence and create a path towards healing and positive change.

2
Improve Mental Health Access

We believe that every individual deserves access to quality mental health services. Our goal is to bridge the gap in mental health resources, particularly for at-risk youth. By providing counseling and reducing barriers to treatment, we strive to ensure that those in need receive the support necessary for their well-being.

3
Foster Community Collaboration

EmpathyHQ understands the power of collaboration. We actively work with local community organizations, government agencies, and private entities to build a strong network of support. By partnering with various stakeholders, we maximize our impact and create sustainable solutions to address the complex issue of youth gun violence.

4
Promote Empathy and Healing

Empathy is at the core of our approach. We believe in fostering empathy among individuals, families, and communities to create a more compassionate society. Through our programs, we aim to heal emotional wounds, empower individuals, and promote healthy relationships, ultimately contributing to a safer and more inclusive community.

Why choose EmpathyHQ GAAP Program?

When you choose EmpathyHQ, you are choosing a trusted partner on your journey to improved mental health and well-being. Our expertise, comprehensive services, client-centered approach, proven track record, holistic perspective, and commitment to accessibility make us the ideal choice for your mental health needs.

Expertise in Mental Health Care
EmpathyHQ is a trusted leader in the field of mental health care. With a team of experienced professionals and evidence-based practices, we provide expert guidance and support to individuals seeking help and healing.
Comprehensive Services
We offer a wide range of comprehensive services tailored to meet your unique needs. From individual counseling and group therapy to workshops and webinars, our programs are designed to address various mental health challenges and promote overall well-being.
Holistic Approach
We believe in addressing mental health within a holistic framework. Our programs not only focus on symptom management but also emphasize prevention, early intervention, and long-term well-being. We aim to empower individuals to achieve optimal mental health and lead fulfilling lives.
Experienced and Compassionate Therapists:
Our program is led by a team of experienced and compassionate therapists who specialize in working with at risk youth. They are trained in evidence-based approaches and are dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where teens can thrive.
Accessible and Inclusive Services
We are committed to making mental health care accessible to all individuals. Our services are designed to be inclusive and considerate of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who seeks our support.

Program Description

Mental Health Services
EmpathyHQ will provide individual and group therapy services to participants with a focus on evidence-based approaches to treating mental health conditions that increase the risk of suicidal behaviors and gun violence perpetration.
Social-Emotional Learning
In individual and group therapy, EmpathyHQ will integrate social-emotional learning elements to teach participants skills related to emotion regulation, coping with stress and adversity, and building positive relationships with peers and adults.
Case Management
EmpathyHQ will provide case management services to participants to ensure they are connected with community resources and services that can support their physical and mental health and well-being.
Family Engagement
EmpathyHQ will provide family-focused services to participants to ensure they are connected with resources and support to help them better support their child's mental health and well-being. This may include family therapy services, parenting education, and support groups for caregivers.

Individuals currently involved in the criminal justice system experience the following mental health and substance use disorder challenges

Individuals currently involved in the criminal justice system experience the following mental health and substance use disorder challenges

Mental health statistics
50% - 70%
Higher rates of mental illness as a whole
Estimates of mental health disorders among youth involved with the juvenile justice system range from 50% to 75%, while general population prevalence is 9% to 20%
2
7.8 : 1
Higher rates of incarceration due to mental illness
A 2011 study reported Texas as ranked 48 of 50 in the states for per capita expenditures by state mental health authority, with 7.8 to 1 odds that individuals were more likely to be in prison or jail
3
Inadequate treatment while incarcerated
Estimates of mental health disorders among youth involved with the juvenile justice system range from 50% to 75%, while general population prevalence is 9% to 20%
4
Higher rates of mental illness as a whole
Estimates of mental health disorders among youth involved with the juvenile justice system range from 50% to 75%, while general population prevalence is 9% to 20%
5
5.4x
Higher likelihood of increased sentences due to mental illness (with worse outcomes for members of underserved and marginalized communities)
The increased likelihood of restrictive sentencing for those with mental illness is further exacerbated for the youth of color who are “the vast majority of the nation’s detention population” and are “5.4 times more likely to be detained” based on a review of Census Data of Juveniles in Residential Placement (Lacey, 2013).