Our theoretical framework is based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Through funding primarily from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HBRT's intervention research focuses on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; alcohol, cocaine, smoking, and other substance disorders; STI testing; HIV and safer sexual practices; and screening and brief motivational interventions in medical settings.
[3] In 2017, the School of Social Work received a large donation from telecommunications pioneer and vice chairman of the Board of Regents at the University of Texas System, R. Steven "Steve" Hicks.
The announcement of this donation was made September 6, 2017, and in commemoration of the event, the university tower was lit burnt orange.
Hicks, who is a business man himself with no personal background in social work, stated he made the donation in an effort "to reduce student debt burden so that social work graduates can stay in their careers doing what they love and positively affecting the lives of thousands of people.