STRiV Forward’s transitional living program in Utah supports young adults, all genders, ages 18-25+, in managing anxiety through personalized treatment. We foster a strong sense of community and provide mentorship to empower young adults as they develop the skills necessary for independence and lasting success.
Anxiety Treatment for Young Adults
At STRiV, our transitional living and mental health programs emphasize individual care, fostering a strong community, and mentorship to empower young adults 18-25+ as they develop essential skills to manage anxiety. With a focus on evidence-based therapy, we ensure that each young adult receives tailored support to address their unique needs. Our compassionate staff works collaboratively with students and their families to create a holistic approach to mental well-being, helping them achieve growth and success in their personal, academic, and professional lives.
Start Your Journey to Healing Today
We’re dedicated to helping young adults grow and develop independence through structured programs and meaningful connections. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
Three Simple Steps to Starting Your Recovery
Getting Started is Easy!
Step One
Call Today!
Reach out to our compassionate admissions team any time for a 100% confidential consultation and immediate support.
Step Two
Verify Insurance
Our specialists will quickly coordinate with your provider to maximize your coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
Step Three
Schedule Admissions
We will help you coordinate travel logistics and set a start date so you can begin your journey to recovery in a safe, welcoming environment.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders in Young Adults
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by an uncomfortable or unpleasant state of inner turmoil that includes feelings of dread, fear, or worry over anticipated events or perceived danger. When these feelings begin to interfere with your ability to function, it can indicate an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and its related disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions experienced by adolescents today.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are characterized by significant and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety and fear to such a degree that they severely impair a person’s social, academic, occupational, and personal functions. Some examples of commonly occurring anxiety disorders include:
Recognizing the Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest through various emotional and behavioral signs, including intense feelings of fear, a sense of impending doom, and difficulty concentrating. Individuals may also experience restlessness, irritability, and avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety.
Physical symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal issues. If left unaddressed, anxiety may lead to significant health problems, including chest pain, muscle tension, and insomnia.
Physical symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal issues. If left unaddressed, anxiety may lead to significant health problems, including chest pain, muscle tension, and insomnia.
Causes and Risk Factors for Anxiety in Young Adults
Anxiety in young adults can stem from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental stressors. Biological factors may include genetics, brain structure, and chemical imbalances.
Psychological stressors often involve traumatic events, major life transitions, and maladaptive thinking patterns. Additionally, environmental influences – such as family dynamics, social isolation, and socioeconomic challenges – can significantly increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective treatment and support.
Psychological stressors often involve traumatic events, major life transitions, and maladaptive thinking patterns. Additionally, environmental influences – such as family dynamics, social isolation, and socioeconomic challenges – can significantly increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective treatment and support.
When to Seek Professional Help for Severe Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal emotion that we feel from time to time, but it is not normal to feel constantly worried, fearful, and full of dread. When anxiety becomes so consuming that you cannot function or participate in normal daily activities, or when you begin to have physical symptoms, it’s time to seek professional help.
Evidence-Based Anxiety Treatment for Young Adults Near Orem, Utah
Personalized Anxiety Treatment Plans
Each treatment plan at STRiV Forward is the result of a collaboration between students, families, and treatment providers. As such, each treatment plan is specially tailored to each student so they can receive the focused care they need.
Talk Therapy and Psychotherapy Approaches
Other forms of psychotherapy may be used to help students manage their anxiety. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, family systems therapy, and positive psychology will be used as needed.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques for Anxiety Relief
Part of anxiety treatment is learning how to calm the nervous system and stop anxious circular thinking. Relaxation and breathing techniques are utilized to help students mitigate panic attacks and lessen the physical symptoms of anxiety. Mindfulness keeps students in the here and now, which can help prevent spiraling thoughts and jumping to worst-case scenarios.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy
The bulk of treating anxiety and its disorders is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. CBT helps students identify sources of their anxiety, change harmful thinking and behavior patterns, and develop new, healthy coping methods. Exposure therapy, in contrast, gives students a safe place to practice their coping skills in a real situation, thus lowering anxiety over time.
Medication Management and Psychiatry Services
Students who require medication will receive assistance in managing their medication to provide support and accountability. Our medical coordinator and/or mentors assist with other medical needs as well (such as setting up and attending doctors’ appointments and coordinating general medical care). If your young adult has specific medical conditions or unique medical needs, please speak with the Admissions Director to ensure STRiV is aware of and able to manage them.
Medications for Anxiety Disorders
SSRIs and SNRIs
(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Typical anti-anxiety medications include SSRIs and SNRIs, which are used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Although these medications sound the same, they play different roles in treating anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs
(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
primarily increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake (or absorption) in the brain. This helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression.
SNRIs
(Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
also increase serotonin in the brain as well as norepinephrine. Norepinephrine increases energy levels and alertness.
Benzodiazepines and Beta Blockers for Short-Term Relief
In some cases, someone may need short-term relief from anxiety, especially if they expect to be placed in situations where anxiety is triggered. These medications are usually taken before an event, such as speaking publicly, to calm the mind and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Benzodiazepines can help relax muscles and calm the mind, but should only be used for short-term relief as they can be habit-forming. Beta-blockers are used to manage physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and shaking.
Antidepressants and Potential Side Effects
Alongside anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants may be used to help treat the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. All psychiatric medications go through rigorous testing and clinical trials to determine safety and effectiveness before they can be FDA-approved. However, they may still cause side effects when used, and it’s important to be aware of them. Side effects vary by medication, but common ones can include:
In rare cases, people under 25 years of age who take antidepressants may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Working With a Mental Health Professional for Safe Medication Use
It can take time to find the right medications, but they can make a positive impact on those needing help with their anxiety. As such, our students at STRiV Forward are assessed by mental and medical professionals to determine if your emerging adult can benefit from its use. Students are monitored to make sure they are safe and comfortable while utilizing medication.
Helping Young Adults Thrive
Looking for mental health services or transitional living for young adults? Contact our admissions team to learn how STRiV Forward can help!
Comprehensive Mental Health Care at STRiV Forward
Integrating Mental Health Services and Case Management
Students at STRiV Forward work towards independence and self-sufficiency through our therapeutic living program. Integrated into our program are various services to help manage and recover from mental illness, such as coaching, peer support, and case management. All of which contribute to a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan while living at STRiV.
In-Person and Community-Based Support Options
Our local community at STRiV Forward is mental health-positive and always available to support our students. Students can find peer support and activities that encourage communication, understanding, and companionship. Volunteer, vocational, recreational, and academic opportunities are plentiful, which keeps students active in their mental health journey.
Collaboration Between Clinicians, Families, and Providers
Students collaborate with mental health professionals and providers, including primary care physicians, to create their treatment plan. This ensures no student slips through the cracks and gets the personalized attention they need for complete healing. Our collaborative approach allows us to address ongoing medical or mental health concerns while enrolled at STRiV Forward.
Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders and Substance Use Disorders
Anxiety commonly co-occurs with other mental health disorders, such as depression, ADHD, and substance use. Although we cannot treat active substance use disorders, we can help those with a previous history. As such, we offer dual diagnosis treatment alongside anxiety treatment for young adults.
Helping Young Adults Overcome Anxiety and Build Independence
At STRiV Forward, students gain a safe and supportive environment where they can try, fail, learn, and try again. With fully furnished and private apartments, students practice the skills they learn in a real-world setting to build resilience for independent living. Contact our team today to learn more!
Coping Strategies and Life Skills for Young Adults With Anxiety
Stress Management and Problem-Solving Skills
Our coaches are certified and licensed to help students learn valuable self-help skills, such as stress management, executive functioning, and healthy problem-solving. Students practice these skills in real time as they are responsible for caring for themselves and their living spaces while at STRiV.
Building Confidence in Social Situations
A lack of confidence is one major trigger for social anxiety disorders. Students, as part of treatment, participate in community and peer activities that range from fun adventures to volunteer work. This helps build confidence, encourages self-expression, and makes social situations less scary.
Goal Setting and Healthy Coping Strategies
Students at STRiV Forward set goals with their coaches as an integral part of treatment. This is key to helping students better cope with their anxiety and take positive steps to manage their mental health.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Physical Health and Emotional Balance
STRiV Forward encourages students to take an active role in their health, which includes exercise, a healthy diet, self-care, sleep hygiene, and mindfulness.
Supporting a Loved One With Anxiety
How Family Members and Caregivers Can Help
There are many ways in which family members and caregivers can help their loved ones with anxiety. Perhaps the most important thing is to encourage professional help and offer unconditional support while their loved one seeks treatment. Facilitating a safe place for open communication helps your loved one feel validated and seen.
Start Your Journey to Healing Today
We’re dedicated to helping young adults grow and develop independence through structured programs and meaningful connections. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
Why Choose STRiV Forward for Anxiety Treatment in Utah?
Experienced Clinicians and Evidence-Based Interventions
Our staff at STRiV Forward has decades of combined experience helping young adults achieve their true potential. We are dedicated to providing effective, compassionate, and evidence-based interventions to help our students heal and grow.
Small, Supportive Environment Focused on Well-Being
With small enrollment sizes, students get the focus and care they need to improve all aspects of wellness. Mental, physical, emotional, and social health are addressed and nurtured, allowing our students to improve their overall health and wellness.
Individualized Treatment Options for Young People
We take a personalized approach to treatment. With a 1:4 mentor and staff to student ratio and no more than 12 students at a time, you can trust that your emerging adult will get the individual and focused attention they need to thrive. From clinical to holistic modalities, each student has access to options that will best help them succeed and meet their goals.
Getting Started With Anxiety Treatment Near Orem, Utah
Admissions and Referral Process
Eligibility and Assessment
STRiV Forward specializes in helping young adults of all genders and ages 18-25+ who are stable enough to live semi-independently. This means we are not able to treat active substance use and abuse, but we can treat students with a history of minor substance use. We work with parents and guardians to review clinical and readiness criteria to ensure their emerging adult can thrive while in our treatment program.
What to Expect From Our Anxiety Treatment Program
At STRiV Forward, our goal is to help our students achieve independence through accountability and responsibility. Our structured schedule ensures an even balance of anxiety treatment, coaching, peer interactions, schooling, and recreation. This way, our students have a safe environment in which to practice what they learned in a real-world setting. Students can expect to be treated with compassion, understanding, and respect while in our care.
Helping Young Adults Thrive
Looking for mental health services or transitional living for young adults? Contact our admissions team to learn how STRiV Forward can help!
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Treatment
What’s the difference between stress and an anxiety disorder?
Although stress and anxiety can feel the same, there is a big difference between the two.
Stress is a temporary reaction to an external trigger, such as fighting with a loved one or having a major work deadline. These external triggers can be short- or long-term, but stress typically vanishes once the trigger is resolved.
Anxiety, in contrast, involves persistent feelings of worry or fear that don’t go away or occur without a clear trigger or stressor. Even if a perceived stressor is resolved, feelings of anxiety can persist despite it.
How does anxiety affect daily life and well-being?
Persistent anxious feelings can make it difficult for you to participate in daily life. Those with social anxiety may avoid people and public areas, making it difficult to go to school or interact with peers. Having a severe phobia can make it hard to hold down a job, especially if it’s a phobia of a commonly occurring type of person, object, or animal. OCD can trap someone in a cycle of anxious rituals, which may leave household chores undone or cause missed events.
Anxiety doesn’t just take over your life; it can also wreck your health. People living with untreated anxiety must deal with unexplained aches and pains. Over time, anxiety can affect your heart and cardiovascular system, causing discomfort at best and damage at worst.
The likelihood of anxiety affecting your life correlates with risk factors you may experience. Young adults, especially, are at risk for anxiety and anxiety disorders.
What role do social media, school, and relationships play in anxiety?
Humans are social beings, and emerging adults seek to build social connections. Difficult or negative experiences, such as bullying (online and offline), navigating dating, making friends, and keeping up with schoolwork, can all be major stressors. Social anxiety, in particular, is common among young adults, as this age group is under immense pressure to succeed.
This, along with underlying factors, can contribute to the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
How does CBT help with anxiety?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people by:
- Recognizing their major source of anxiety
- Identify harmful thought and behavior patterns associated with their anxiety
- Create healthy coping skills to navigate and manage anxiety
- Recognize, manage, and recover from panic attacks
Because of its utility and effectiveness, CBT is included in most anxiety treatment plans.
Do you offer medication management for panic disorder or social anxiety?
STRiV Forward offers medication management for our students as needed. If a student needs medication to help manage their panic disorder or social anxiety, we are here to help them safely take and manage their medications.
What are the most effective treatment options for severe anxiety?
Severe anxiety is best treated with a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy), medications (as needed), and lifestyle changes (such as regular exercise and a change in diet). Holistic modalities, such as mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, and meditation, can help manage and navigate symptoms.
Can family members participate in therapy or support groups?
Yes, family members can participate in family therapy and inclusive support groups. Family therapy is specially designed to help families and their loved ones to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and provide emotional support. Some support groups offer support for whole families and their loved ones. If you’d like to learn how you can participate in your loved one’s healing process, contact us today.