Anger management courses are frequently ordered by the court system in criminal, as well as family law and juvenile dependency cases. There are a variety of reasons why a judge orders a person to take anger management classes. The individual may have been charged with an assault against a person or property damaged that occurred while angry. Perhaps the individual may have had their child removed from their custody as a result of their poor anger management.

Studies and research have demonstrated that an individual who participates and completes an anger management program is more likely to make positive changes. The anger management programs are generally psycho-educational programs that provide information about how to effectively manage anger while identifying the triggers and how to react rationally.

Anger Management classes are generally in lieu of time in county jail or imprisonment in a state criminal institution. The court usually orders the person to complete a twelve (12) or fifty-two (52) week anger management program that is held two (2) hours per week.

The Anger Management Program

The Anger Management Program consists of evidenced based curriculum that includes a combined cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach that employs relaxation, cognitive, and a communication skills intervention. Each group is a week of highly structured two hour classes. The clients may be provided with a workbook, handouts, and questionnaires to personalize and apply the tools of anger management in their everyday lives. Furthermore, the clients are given an opportunity to try out the skills in class through role play. Open discussion and feedback is a vital part of the Anger Management group. A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the program. Graduates are invited to return to future classes as a “tune-up” if needed.  

The goals of the Anger Management Program are:

To become aware of:

  • that anger is a hard-wired reaction for survival when triggered
  • the connection between stress and anger
  • the relationship between thinking/thoughts, feelings and behavior
  • high cost of an inappropriate demonstration of anger
  • how to respond to triggers in a more appropriate way

To enhance his/her skills in

  • assertive communication as an alternative to inappropriate outbursts or denial of reasonable angry feelings
  • empathy, emotional intelligence, stress management, and forgiveness
  • decision making, rational thinking and impulse control

Intake

Call ASANTE for an intake appointment.

Fees

In some cases the department that ordered you to take the classes has paid for the classes in advance. In other cases, the client is fully responsible for all the fees associated with the classes.

  • Remember: The Court does not consider the program complete until you have successfully attended all sessions and that all fees are paid in full. Failure to enroll in or complete the program may result in revocation of probation or parole and could subject you to time in jail. It may also result in your child remaining in foster care.

Monthly Reporting    

ASANTE maintains communication with the Probation and Parole Department, and Department of Children’s Family Services and the Court. A monthly written report is provided to the entity that ordered you to take the Anger Management Program. The report that highlights your success or failure in the program that includes but is not limited to your:

  • attendance
  • absences
  • fees paid or owed
  • level class participation
  • topics covered in class