Tomas Alvarez, MSW's Page

T. Tomas Alvarez III, M.S.W.

After completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from San Francisco State University, Tomás pursued a Master’s Degree at Smith College School for Social Work located in Northampton, Massachusetts.

While at Smith, Tomás observed a disconnect between traditional psychotherapy techniques and the cultural expressions of people of color. Equipped with over six years of experience working with at-risk youth in urban settings, and a background in Hip Hop culture, Tomás set out to pioneer a new therapeutic model to promote mental health by using Hip Hop as a catalyst for change and development.

In 2004, while an intern at Berkeley High School (CA), Tomás created a Rap Therapy group focused on engaging youth of color who were resistant to traditional forms of therapy. The group was the first of its kind and combining traditional and postmodern therapeutic frameworks with the process of creating rap music in a group setting.

In 2006 Tomás completed his Master’s Thesis on Rap Therapy and produced a mini-documentary on the new approach. Shortly after graduating from Smith, Tomás began implementing Rap Therapy groups in schools throughout San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland.

In 2008, Tomás founded Beats, Rhymes & Life (BRL), a clinically-based community organization dedicated to providing youth-centered, strength-based, culturally responsive programs to underserved youth in Oakland and the San Francisco-Bay Area. In 2009 Tomás’ work caught the attention of independent film Director Kerri Gawryn. Inspired by his innovative approach to therapy, Kerri set out to produce a feature film on how youth in Tomás’ Rap Therapy group were using Hip Hop to cope with adversity and build community. The film is set to premier internationally in 2011.

Over the years Tomás has earned a reputation as an avant-garde social worker for developing creative ways to engage youth and promote health and wellness. In 2009, Tomás also created an online youth magazine called F.R.E.S.H. (For Real Expressions Start Here), a project designed to create an online portal for expression and avenue for connecting youth to resources in their area.

In addition to his work with BRL, Tomás also serves as a transitional age youth expert for Alameda County and consultant for groups throughout the region and state of California. Tomás is a national-recognized figure in emerging field therapeutically-based Hip Hop programs. His research, work and advocacy has inspired others in the mental health profession to utilize Rap Therapy in their own practice.