Robert Weiss, LCSW, CSAT-S, will present the opening keynote address at the first annual Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians conference from October 1-3 in Philadelphia. Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) September 17, 2015 – Robert Weiss, LCSW, CSAT-S, a leading expert on the relationship between adult intimacy disorders, sexual addiction and the rise of digital/social media, will be the opening keynote speaker at the first annual Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians (ABSC) 2015 conference, to be held October 1-3 in Philadelphia. The ABSC is an interdisciplinary professional group of sociologists, social workers, psychologists, therapists, clergy, and researchers interested in improving sexual health and sexual expression among people of African descent. “This is the first conference of its kind ever put on in the U.S.,” says Weiss. “We hope that it will be the start of a rich and needed long-term conversation about Black families, Black relationships and Black sexual health.” Weiss, senior vice president of clinical development for Promises Behavioral Health, will present “Sex Addiction 101,” which will draw from his just-released book of the same name and weave in special insights into the African-American community. “We’re expecting a lively and interesting exchange of ideas on some of the most pressing sexual health issues of the day,” says Weiss. The talk will include LGBTQI sexuality, gender roles, and the influence of the church on cultural values in the Black community. Themed “Building and Strengthening Our Community,” the conference will feature presentations from thought leaders, authors, researchers, sociologists, clinicians, behavioral health experts and independent filmmakers on a broad array of topics, including Black youth, LGBTQI issues among youth and adults, sexual assault and domestic violence, communication in Black families, and Black images in the media. The conference will highlight best practices in the field and illustrate health disparities as well as the emotional and behavioral challenges that African-Americans experience daily. “Although African-Americans are seeking treatment for substance abuse and chemical dependency, we’re seeing very few in treatment settings or outpatient therapy for behavioral addictions, such as sex, gambling or Internet addiction,” says Weiss. “We know that they’re out there and are in desperate need of help, so we have to ask ourselves, ‘How can we better serve them?’” The other keynote speakers are Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, FAAN, RN, vice president for health and health equity for Drexel University in Philadelphia and a foremost investigator in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention, and Juan Battle, PhD, professor of sociology, public health and urban education at City University of New York and a prolific author and researcher. The conference will be held at the Cira Center (HUB) at 2929 Arch Street (30th and Arch Streets next to the Amtrak Train Station), Philadelphia, PA 19104. For registration and fee information, visit the conference website. To learn more about Weiss’ other speaking engagements, visit the Promises Behavioral Health events page.
About Robert Weiss
Robert Weiss is widely considered one of the nation’s foremost experts on the intersection of human sexuality and digital technology, along with the intimacy disorders that often underlie these problems. A media expert to CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, The Oprah Winfrey Network, ESPN, The New York Times, USA Today, NBC News and the Today Show, among others, Weiss also has provided clinical training and program development for the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. military, and behavioral treatment centers throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.
About Promises Behavioral Health
Promises Behavioral Health is a family of behavioral health programs located throughout the United States. The Promises Behavioral Health® family of programs offers comprehensive, innovative treatment for substance abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, eating disorders, and other mental health disorders. Through its programs, the company is committed to delivering clinically sophisticated treatment that promotes permanent lifestyle change, not only for the patient but for the entire family network. For more information, visit elementsbehavioralhealth.com.