Sensory Integration Treatment uses AI to help adolescents in probation program

Heal, a Sensory Integration Treatment based in San Jose, California, is helping youth with addiction at the San Luis Obispo Juvenile Hall. Made possible by the Probation Department with support from grant funding through the California Advancing and Innovating Medi‐Cal (CalAIM) Initiative, the treatment is designed to boost motivation, strengthen emotional regulation, encourage treatment engagement and develop coping skills as key elements that lower risk of recidivism and relapse. The program uses generative AI to enhance long‐term outcomes. The technology, SoundHeal, has contracted to establish a pilot program for Heal in both the juvenile hall in San Luis Obispo and at the secure track program in Phoenix. The pilot program will be primarily funded using CalAIM Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) one‐time grant funds. Heal is a five‐minute intervention “in a distraction‐free, safe space that combines sound, vibro‐acoustic and light therapies coupled with mindfulness and journaling,” according to the company. “Given the needs of our adolescent population, we saw a clear potential in how Heal can provide a safe, effective and mindful way for our youth to become more engaged in the treatment we provide them,” said Tom Milder, assistant chief probation officer for San Luis Obispo County. “Heal's added supportive layer to treatment aims to encourage healthier relationships, coping skills for better overall health and a smoother path toward community reentry and long‐term recovery.” For more information, go to https://heal.mx .