STRiV Forward in Orem, UT, provides therapeutic living and treatment for bipolar disorder in young adults ages 17-25. From past substance abuse to various mental health disorders, we provide compassionate support to help students manage their mental health, heal, and transition into independence.
Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Young Adults
At STRiV Forward, we prioritize effective treatment for bipolar disorder in young adults by providing a nurturing and structured environment. Our personalized support ensures that each student receives tailored treatment, allowing for meaningful connections through a low mentor-to-student ratio. We emphasize a community-oriented approach, helping students feel integrated and valued as they pursue their passions without strict restrictions. By fostering self-discovery and growth, we empower young adults to learn from their experiences and develop essential life skills. Our comprehensive treatment program aims to equip students with the tools they need to manage their mental health long-term and achieve independence.
Why Families and Students Choose STRiV Forward
STRiV Forward sets itself apart by offering a unique, supportive environment that helps young adults build independence and confidence.
Safe Space for Growth: We understand how challenging it can be to transition into adulthood. Our program offers a supportive environment where students can learn from failure and try again without the pressure of perfection, fostering resilience and confidence.
Personalized Support: Each student receives tailored mental health care designed to promote community, growth, and accountability. Our small, boutique setting ensures individualized attention with a 1:4 mentor-to-student ratio, enabling meaningful connections and personalized guidance.
Community, Not Just Treatment: Students are integrated into a supportive community rather than feeling like just a participant in a treatment program. We respect their independence through a freedom-first approach that includes no strict curfews and permission to use technology.
Freedom to Pursue Passions: We encourage students to engage in hobbies and activities they love. Our flexible environment promotes self-discovery and confidence, helping students develop independence through meaningful experiences.
Long-Term Relationships: Our dedicated staff has an exceptionally low turnover rate, allowing mentors to build lasting, trust-based relationships with students. This stability supports ongoing growth and personalized mentoring.
Structured Opportunities for Reflection and Growth: Within our safe and supportive environment, students are encouraged to reflect, learn from their experiences, and grow at their own pace. The combination of peer and professional support creates a nurturing space for meaningful development.
Safe Space for Growth: We understand how challenging it can be to transition into adulthood. Our program offers a supportive environment where students can learn from failure and try again without the pressure of perfection, fostering resilience and confidence.
Personalized Support: Each student receives tailored mental health care designed to promote community, growth, and accountability. Our small, boutique setting ensures individualized attention with a 1:4 mentor-to-student ratio, enabling meaningful connections and personalized guidance.
Community, Not Just Treatment: Students are integrated into a supportive community rather than feeling like just a participant in a treatment program. We respect their independence through a freedom-first approach that includes no strict curfews and permission to use technology.
Freedom to Pursue Passions: We encourage students to engage in hobbies and activities they love. Our flexible environment promotes self-discovery and confidence, helping students develop independence through meaningful experiences.
Long-Term Relationships: Our dedicated staff has an exceptionally low turnover rate, allowing mentors to build lasting, trust-based relationships with students. This stability supports ongoing growth and personalized mentoring.
Structured Opportunities for Reflection and Growth: Within our safe and supportive environment, students are encouraged to reflect, learn from their experiences, and grow at their own pace. The combination of peer and professional support creates a nurturing space for meaningful development.
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.
How Our Treatment Program Supports Young Adults With Bipolar Disorder
STRiV Forward is equipped to address many mental health and neurodivergent needs in our students. We are not an inpatient facility and, as such, can only enroll students who are stable enough to live semi-independently. For students living with mild to moderate bipolar disorder, we offer a comprehensive therapeutic curriculum that helps them achieve independence.
Personalized Treatment Plans for Mental Health Conditions
Each treatment plan at STRiV Forward is personalized for each individual student. Students and their families work closely with our team of expert mental health professionals to craft a treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. This includes co-occurring disorders and other mental health challenges, such as:
- Social struggles/deficits
- Depression/anxiety issues
- Poor self-image
- Attention/impulse-control issues
- Past substance use and abuse
- Mild autism spectrum disorder
- Process addictions
- Executive function deficits
- Gender identity issues
Our highly personalized program focuses on long-term growth and healing. With a small student-to-mentor ratio of 1:4, we can give each student individualized attention, leading to better treatment outcomes overall.
Therapeutic Modalities and Evidence-Based Approaches
STRiV Forward utilizes a blend of evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment, blending psychotherapy, holistic modalities, and coaching. Our treatment approach ensures that students have access to a wide range of therapeutic modalities that can address sensitive issues such as trauma or gender identity. Some examples of therapies that can help students with bipolar disorder include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-informed care
- Contemplative and meditative practice
- Family systems theory
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Positive psychology
- Wellness education
Medication and Medical Support for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a condition that is managed through a combination of mental and medical support. Medications and medical intervention don’t just bring relief to distressing symptoms, but also show students that they can manage their condition.
Mood Stabilizers and Psychiatric Oversight
The main medications used to treat and manage bipolar disorders are known as mood stabilizers. They manage extreme mood swings between mania and depression and consist of lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsant drugs. Many of these drugs are used to treat other conditions, such as epilepsy or schizophrenia, but have also been shown to help manage bipolar disorder.
Antidepressants are not often prescribed as they can worsen some symptoms, but they may be prescribed in some cases along with other mood stabilizers. Some examples of drugs you may see used to treat your loved one include:
Antidepressants are not often prescribed as they can worsen some symptoms, but they may be prescribed in some cases along with other mood stabilizers. Some examples of drugs you may see used to treat your loved one include:
- Antipsychotics such as aripiprazole, quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and lurasidone
- Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, divalproex, and lamotrigine
- Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, in rare cases
- Lithium
Medication management is one part of treatment at STRiV Forward, and as such, we work closely with psychiatrists to ensure a safe and accurate experience for our students.
Coordination With Psychiatry and Healthcare Providers
Taking medication can be life-changing for some students. However, we recognize that medication comes with its own risks. We coordinate with psychiatrists and other healthcare providers to monitor our students for issues such as medication side effects, like weight gain or nausea. Students may also benefit from specialized therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which we help students receive through referrals to other professionals.
Daily Life & Skill-Building for Young People With Bipolar Disorder
Semi-Independent Living and Structured Support
Students at STRiV Forward live in fully furnished apartments with private bathrooms and bedrooms. This gives our students a space where they can safely practice the skills they learn in a real-world setting with professional supervision. Students must learn how to structure their time, keep their living space tidy, and care for themselves by practicing daily life skills.
For students with bipolar disorder, this helps them create a consistent routine, which can stabilize mood and reduce the risk of episodes.
For students with bipolar disorder, this helps them create a consistent routine, which can stabilize mood and reduce the risk of episodes.
Community, Wellness, and Experiential Learning
Bipolar disorder is a condition that can be isolating for emerging adults. They may feel as though they are “other” and may struggle to connect with others due to their condition. As such, STRiV Forward fosters a supportive environment for our students that encourages healthy habits and connections with others. This is done through wellness education, community volunteer events, and experiential events with peers.
Becoming part of a community and learning how to care for yourself aids in the general management of not just bipolar disorder, but other mental health challenges as well.
Becoming part of a community and learning how to care for yourself aids in the general management of not just bipolar disorder, but other mental health challenges as well.
Recognizing When to Seek Help for Bipolar Disorder
Early Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
Episodes of depression are part of the mood cycles in bipolar disorder. They have similar symptoms of depression to major depressive disorder, but bipolar disorder also includes cycles of mania or hypomania. Some symptoms of a depressive episode can include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Mental or physical fatigue or sluggishness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Poor concentration or decisiveness
- Suicidal thoughts
Bipolar depressive episodes tend to last longer than periods of mania or hypomania and can last anywhere from two weeks to several months. A person may also experience manic and depressive symptoms at the same time, known as “mixed features.” Mixed episodes are typically characterized by feelings of low mood paired with lots of energy.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Mania
Episodes of mania and hypomania can occur before or after depressive episodes. Manic states can last for several days and sometimes be severe enough to require hospitalization. Some symptoms of mania can include:
- Higher rates of activity, energy, restlessness, or agitation
- Feeling a distorted sense of self-confidence or well-being
- Needing less sleep than usual
- Being unusually talkative or talking fast
- Racing thoughts or thoughts that jump quickly from one topic to another
- Being easy to distract
- Poor decision-making and/or increased risk-taking
- Increased impulsivity
- Psychosis
Hypomania is similar to mania, but is milder than manic symptoms. People experiencing a hypomanic episode can often function well in social situations or at work.
Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention gives you access to professional help that can teach you the skills needed to manage your mental health. Students at STRiV receive a comprehensive treatment plan that combines psychiatry, therapy, and mentorship. This gives students the tools they need to manage their condition and achieve the success we believe they can.
Our Approach to Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Young Adults
Emphasis on Independence and Confidence
Our semi-independent therapeutic living approach helps our young adult students naturally build confidence. Students are coached in various life skills and have the opportunity to practice them in a safe setting. They can try, fail, and try again in a setting as close to real life as it gets. Students learn how to tackle real-world problems such as creating and managing a budget, doing laundry, cooking meals, and managing their time.
Collaborative Family-Focused Therapy
As a family member, you want to help your loved one succeed, but you may lack the knowledge and direction needed to provide the right support. There may be some lingering hurts and miscommunications that need to be addressed before healing can begin. To help families and their loved ones, we offer family-focused therapy and support.
This collaborative effort assists families in communicating more effectively, offers ways to give support, and helps parents and caregivers accept their emerging adult’s independence. It can be hard for families not to worry about their loved one, especially when dealing with a chronic condition such as bipolar disorder.
This collaborative effort assists families in communicating more effectively, offers ways to give support, and helps parents and caregivers accept their emerging adult’s independence. It can be hard for families not to worry about their loved one, especially when dealing with a chronic condition such as bipolar disorder.
Preparing for the Future
Students at STRiV Forward are preparing for their future as independent adults. To assist them with this goal, we provide services such as career and vocational counseling. These services are specially designed to help students with chronic conditions, such as bipolar disorder, pursue higher education or a career with confidence.
Students are also taught how to recognize and healthily deal with stressors that they will encounter as independent adults. This includes wellness training to teach skills such as self-care and stress-management techniques. The targeted and individualized coaching each student receives further helps them prepare through executive functioning skill building. This sets our students up for success, as they will learn how to navigate adult life with confidence and skill.
Students are also taught how to recognize and healthily deal with stressors that they will encounter as independent adults. This includes wellness training to teach skills such as self-care and stress-management techniques. The targeted and individualized coaching each student receives further helps them prepare through executive functioning skill building. This sets our students up for success, as they will learn how to navigate adult life with confidence and skill.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in emerging adults?
The main symptoms of bipolar disorder in young adults are significant mood swings that range from manic to hypomanic and depressive episodes. Manic episodes are characterized by high energy, irritability, and impulsive behavior. Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes, but have less severe symptoms and often don’t impact daily functioning. Depressive episodes are marked by sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue.
These mood changes can impact daily functioning and can vary in duration and intensity.
How does cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help with bipolar disorder?
CBT helps individuals cope with bipolar disorder by teaching them how to identify and manage mood episodes, develop coping skills, and improve self-awareness. Having a better understanding of their conditions helps ease distress and gives them the psychoeducation they need to manage and prevent future mood episodes.
What types of bipolar disorder do young adults experience?
The three most commonly occurring types of bipolar disorder that a young adult may develop include bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymia. Because symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary, young adults may also receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder with mixed features, seasonal features, unspecified, or rapid cycling. A mental health professional can help you or your loved one determine which type of bipolar disorder they have and the best way to treat it.
What is the role of antidepressants in treating bipolar disorder?
Antidepressants can be used in treating bipolar disorder, but are prescribed with caution as they can risk triggering manic episodes or worsening symptoms. To reduce risk, they are often prescribed alongside mood stabilizers, if prescribed at all. If correctly used, they may help individuals find relief from depressive symptoms.
How do mood stabilizers like lithium or valproic acid work?
Mood stabilizers work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain to help regulate mood swings. While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, lithium appears to work by regulating neurotransmitter activity, reducing excitatory signals, stabilizing neuronal firing, and protecting brain cells from damage. Valproic acid calms brain activity, which can reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes.
What are hypomanic episodes versus manic episodes?
A hypomanic episode has symptoms similar to a manic episode, but they are milder and shorter. Manic episodes can last for a week or more, while hypomanic ones last for at least four days. Hypomanic episodes do not significantly impair daily functioning, while a manic episode can be severe enough sometimes to require hospitalization.
Are support groups or mentorship included in treatment options?
Yes, STRiV Forward utilizes mentors as a regular part of treatment. Students are encouraged to engage in peer support with support groups found in the greater community.
How do young adults learn self-management and coping strategies?
Young adults at STRiV Forward learn self-management and coping strategies from our team of mentors, coaches, and other mental health professionals. Psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and support go a long way in teaching these skills. Some of the most common include mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral practices, social support, and activities such as journaling and exercise.