STRiV Forward’s Independent Living Program in Orem, Utah, empowers young adults aged 18-25+ to develop essential life skills necessary for independence and success. Students engage in a supportive community that emphasizes mentorship, skill development, and personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. The program combines practical life skills training with mental health support, helping students navigate challenges related to transitioning into adulthood. With a strong focus on building confidence and resilience, STRiV Forward creates a safe environment where young adults can thrive as they prepare for a fulfilling, independent life.
Start Your Journey Toward Independence
Getting started at STRiV Forward is easy with our step-by-step process.
Initial Call
Speak with our friendly Admissions Director to explore whether we are the right fit for your student
Assessment
We work with you to review clinical and readiness criteria, including speaking to past professionals, assessing a general level of safety and stability, and evaluating the student’s desire to work with the STRiV team. It is also important for the student and family to get to know STRiV, including participating in a virtual or in-person tour of our offices and apartments, and to meet the team.
Admission
Once a mutual fit is determined, students are accepted into the program, and an admission date is established. Preliminary discussions may also help determine the level of structure/support that would be beneficial to have in place from day one.
Launch
Upon arrival, students settle into their new apartment, begin to make connections, review expectations, and work with the team to create a Road Map for their success while at STRiV, and beyond. The journey begins!
What Is an Independent Living Program (ILP)?
An independent living program is a program designed to help young adults learn the essential skills needed to prepare for the responsibilities of adulthood. STRiV Forward offers a staging ground for our students, providing a safe and supportive environment to learn and practice these skills in real-world situations.
The Importance of Life Skills and Self-Sufficiency for Young People
To be a successful adult, a person must master the skills needed not only to stay safe and healthy but also to interact well with others. Self-confidence in your skills is important for mental health, as those without such skills can fall into serious pitfalls, such as learned helplessness. Being self-sufficient and mastering life skills opens up opportunities that may be barred to those without them. In a way, life skills are a key that unlocks a healthy, successful, and fulfilling life.
How Transitional Living and Independent Living Programs Work Together
Our transitional living program (TLP) and independent living program for young adults are designed to work together to provide comprehensive and specialized care for our students. Students are typically involved in both programs, as transitional living provides the housing and mental health treatment (if needed), and independent living provides the life-skills training and coaching needed to best make use of the lived experience at STRiV. Together, these programs create a safe place where students can safely practice life skills in real-world situations without fear and uncertainty.
Who We Help
Referrals From Providers, Caregivers, and Community Organizations
STRiV Forward is proud to help young adults grow into healthy, independent, and successful individuals. Most of our referrals (80% on average) come from various mental health and education professionals specialized in helping young adults. Although most of our referrals come from these sources, we are also happy to assist caregivers and community organizations in finding assistance for the emerging adults in their care.
Helping Young Adults Thrive
Looking for mental health services or transitional living for young adults? STRiV Forward can help. Contact our admissions team today to learn how you and your loved one can begin the journey towards independence and growth.
Common Challenges Young Adults Face
Transitioning Out of Foster Care or Group Homes
The juvenile justice and foster care system is continuously aging out young adults who are too old for their assistance programs or sponsored group homes. Foster parents and child welfare advocates alike care for the young adults in their care. However, many may not have the resources to best assist them. Young adults with trauma and other conditions may have more difficulty transitioning into independence, especially if their group home is not equipped to address these conditions.
Navigating Mental Health, Education, and Employment
Adolescents, especially those in high school or early college, are under enormous pressure. They must figure out their career, determine whether they need a degree, and pursue higher education or training, all while maintaining their mental and physical health. Many of these young adults had to ask permission to use the bathroom in school only a year ago, but must now make decisions that can have long-lasting consequences. Such pressure can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use or the development of a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
Building Confidence, Wellness, and Life Balance
Many children grow up with a strict schedule to adhere to. Once they become adults, they must now manage their own time, make their own schedules, and care for their own health. Along with maintaining social, work, and academic obligations, it’s no wonder that many young adults are exhausted or anxious. That’s why STRiV Forward created our independent living program for young adults, designed to address the challenges they face. Our goal is to nurture independence by providing a structured, therapeutic, and community-driven experience that builds the confidence and life skills needed to meet and overcome these challenges.
What We Offer in Our Independent Living Program for Young Adults
Life Skills Training and Support Services
Students at STRiV learn essential life skills from our team of mentors and mental health care providers. Some of the skills and support services provided at STRiV include:
Case Management and Individualized Support
STRiV Forward is a personalized experience, and so is our approach to treatment and support. Each student is carefully assessed to determine their individual needs. From this information and a collaboration with mental health and health care providers, a personalized care plan is created. Students who need medication management and further clinical services are accommodated and supported to help them thrive at STRiV Forward.
Assistance at STRiV doesn’t end after graduation; discharge planning, aftercare, and connections to community-based resources are provided to each student. This level of care ensures that each student has the support they need to continue growing and learning without fear for their future.
Housing and Stability
We provide safe, supportive housing in Orem, Utah, for all our students. Students live in fully furnished apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms. Basic needs are provided for each student as part of our housing program, such as transportation and financial assistance. However, students are responsible for maintaining their living spaces, budgeting, and other daily maintenance. This, combined with on-site mentorship, provides students with a supportive environment for developing growth and independence.
The Path to Healing Begins Today
We’re dedicated to helping young adults build independence through structured programs and meaningful connections. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
Skills Training and Educational Support
Continuing Education
Our location in Orem, UT, allows our students to continue their education with the assistance of our academic counselors and mentors. Students are free to pursue higher education at Utah Valley University (UVU), obtain their GED, or learn something new. Regardless of the academic path our students choose, STRiV Forward is here for them.
Career Development, Job Readiness, and Vocational Training
Obtaining and holding a job is an important part of independent living. As such, students are encouraged to think about their potential careers and seek opportunities to pursue them. Students receive vocational training and counseling that helps them prepare and excel in this essential part of adult life.
Building Confidence Through Real-World Experiences
Students at STRiV Forward are given a safe place to try, fail, and try again. This gives them valuable experience as they practice real-world skills in real-world situations. Students must balance a budget, cook, clean, do laundry, manage their time, and more, all with the help of caring mental health professionals.
Emotional Wellness and Mental Health Support
Evidence-Based Approaches to Mental Health and Wellness
STRiV Forward takes a comprehensive approach to mental health and wellness with clinical and holistic modalities. All of our therapeutic modalities are evidence-based and yield tangible results in helping our students feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Students utilize various approaches to independent living, from various psychotherapies, meditation, mindfulness, wellness education, and therapeutic recreation.
Coping Skills and Stress Management
Part of being a successful adult is managing stress in a healthy way. Students learn healthy coping skills and put them into practice while living at STRiV Forward. What students choose to utilize can vary, but examples include self-care, finding a hobby, or practicing mindfulness.
Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health Challenges
Many of our students live with mental health disorders such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. These mental health disorders can co-occur, which can make independent living challenging. Our mental health care professionals are here to help with quality therapy and medication management to help our students reclaim their lives from the disorders that hold them back from independence.
Integrating Wellness Into Daily Routines
Wellness education is essential to success, and our students learn valuable skills to improve their overall well-being, such as:
All of which are integrated into daily life at STRiV through our mentors and treatment providers.
Helping Young Adults Thrive
Looking for mental health services or transitional living for young adults? STRiV Forward can help. Contact our admissions team today to learn how you and your loved one can begin the journey towards independence and growth.
Mentorship and Community Connection
The Role of Mentors in Promoting Independence
Our mentors are chosen not just for the skills they can teach, but also for their caring natures and values. This fosters a collaborative, mutually respectful relationship between students and their mentors. Such a relationship allows for guidance and assistance, while also letting students feel safe enough to try and make healthy choices. Mentors don’t just teach skills and help students reach their goals – they help students gain the confidence needed to step into independence.
Building a Positive Support System and Healthy Relationships
The relationships we have with others can greatly impact our mental health, especially for people with social anxiety. As such, building support systems with fellow peers and loved ones is essential at STRiV Forward. This is accomplished through group therapy, recreational activities, and various family services. It’s not uncommon for students to make life-long friends while staying at STRiV.
Community Services, Volunteering, and Local Engagement
The local community surrounding STRiV Forward is bustling with mutual opportunities for engagement and activities that benefit the community and our students. Students learn the value of giving back to their communities and participating in life as adult citizens. As such, students engage in volunteer opportunities to give back and help their community thrive.
Eligibility and Admissions
Who Qualifies for the Independent Living Program
We accept students between the ages of 18 and 25+ who are stable enough for semi-independent living. Students must demonstrate a willingness to engage and motivation for personal growth. We can help students with a multitude of mental health disorders and challenges, including self-sabotage, social struggles, process addictions, gender identity issues, mild substance abuse history (but no current use), and suicidal ideation on a case-by-case basis.
Referral and Intake Process
Most students are referred to us by mental health and education professionals. However, you do not need a referral to be helped by STRiV Forward. You can start the process by calling or contacting our admissions office, which is open 24/7. The next step is assessment, which determines what you or your loved one needs and if they are a good fit for STRiV Forward. Once this is determined, the next step is collaboration and goal planning with our team of mental health professionals. We’re here to help you through each step of the intake and enrollment process and are always happy to answer questions.
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!
Why Choose STRiV Forward’s Independent Living Program for Young Adults in Utah?
A Supportive, Community-Based Setting for Young Adults
Our community at STRiV is conveniently located in an area where major amenities, education, jobs, and recreational activities are within walking distance. Students participate in their community, giving back through volunteer opportunities or enjoying an exciting adventure. With a positive focus on mental health, our students have a safe place to figure out who they are.
Individualized, Evidence-Based Care Plans
Each student at STRiV Forward receives an individualized care plan that includes evidence-based and holistic modalities designed to help them thrive. This includes current needs as they enroll in STRiV, as well as future needs through discharge and aftercare planning.
Experienced Staff, Mentors, and Case Managers
Our staff comprises passionate young adult care professionals with decades of combined experience. With a 1:4 mentor and staff to student ratio, our students can expect to receive personalized and focused attention.
Helping Young People Build the Confidence and Skills for Independent Living
Our independent living program for young adults prioritizes autonomy and individuality with no strict curfews or limits on technology. As a result, students are forced to take accountability for their choices and effectively manage their responsibilities. Students can try out what they learned in a safe environment, with failure being met not with scorn, but with encouragement.
This builds confidence as students become more sure of themselves, and they can leave our program with the tool set they need for independence. We take the fear and uncertainty out of independent living, allowing our students to not just desire continuous growth, but to thrive outside our walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Independent Living Program for Young Adults
What’s the difference between a transitional living program and an independent living program?
The main difference between a TLP and an ILP is the nature of the support they provide. A transitional living program provides more comprehensive support, which includes housing and oversight by mental health care professionals. In contrast, an independent living program is designed to develop self-sufficiency skills while living independently with minimal or no oversight.
At STRiV Forward, many students start in supportive transitional living and gradually transition into independent living as their skills develop. However, students who need little or no therapeutic services can focus on life-skill development through our ILP.
Do you help foster youth transitioning out of care?
What life skills are taught in the ILP?
How do referrals work for the independent living program?
Is financial assistance or housing support available?
What kind of mental health and wellness services do you provide?
How long can young adults stay in the program?