Young Adult PTSD Support at STRiV Forward
STRiV Forward is dedicated to helping young people on the path to independence. Sometimes this path can become more difficult when those walking it are also struggling with their mental health. That’s why we offer therapeutic living programs designed to help emerging adults find safety and healing as they work towards their goals.
Our therapeutic living programs feature a personalized treatment plan for each student that blends evidence-based and holistic modalities for comprehensive behavioral and mental healthcare.
With individualized attention, caring mentors, and a welcoming community, we don’t just help students heal and grow. We promote the courage, independence, and skill-building needed to improve overall well-being for every student at STRiV Forward. This includes helping students who are living with the effects of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which we address with sensitivity and respect.
With individualized attention, caring mentors, and a welcoming community, we don’t just help students heal and grow. We promote the courage, independence, and skill-building needed to improve overall well-being for every student at STRiV Forward. This includes helping students who are living with the effects of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which we address with sensitivity and respect.
Why Families and Young Adults Choose STRiV Forward
STRiV Forward sets itself apart by offering a unique, supportive environment tailored to help 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.
Our Approach to PTSD Treatment for Young Adults
A Therapeutic Transitional Living Program
Each student at STRiV Forward lives in shared, fully furnished apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms. We work to ensure students don’t feel like they are in a program by having no curfew or restrictions on technology (unless it’s a part of treatment). Students go to school or work within the community while having access to therapy and coaching sessions with our treatment providers and mentors while living at STRiV.
Part of mental health recovery is overcoming the learned helplessness and hopelessness that PTSD can impose. STRiV seeks to foster autonomy and individuality in our students through community events, therapeutic modalities, and exciting recreational adventures that make the most of what Utah has to offer.
Students seamlessly blend therapeutic modalities with everyday activities and social events for a healing, peaceful experience.
Part of mental health recovery is overcoming the learned helplessness and hopelessness that PTSD can impose. STRiV seeks to foster autonomy and individuality in our students through community events, therapeutic modalities, and exciting recreational adventures that make the most of what Utah has to offer.
Students seamlessly blend therapeutic modalities with everyday activities and social events for a healing, peaceful experience.
Individualized, Trauma-Informed Care
Treating PTSD requires a personalized approach with access to treatment options designed to address trauma. Each of our treatment programs features trauma-informed therapies and coaching that are sensitive to our students’ experiences. We work to help students process their trauma and heal so they may reclaim their lives and face the future with courage.
Evidence-Based Therapies Used to Treat PTSD
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Among psychotherapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely used due to its effectiveness and flexibility. The goal of CBT is to identify harmful thoughts and behavioral patterns and change them with the introduction of coping skills. Trauma-focused CBT is specially designed to address the harmful patterns associated with trauma and encourage deep, personal healing.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
For individuals needing help managing intense emotions as a result of trauma, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help. This psychotherapy combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to improve emotional regulation. It’s especially effective in cases of severe anxiety or self-harm behaviors.
Individual Therapy and Talk Therapy
Psychotherapy, known as talk therapy, is the most common form of therapy used in treating PTSD and involves speaking to a therapist. These therapies are flexible and trauma-informed, which helps students heal without being retraumatized in the process.
Psychotherapies are used to help students work through their trauma as well as develop healthy coping strategies for recovery. Each therapy session is overseen by a mental health professional who is licensed and certified to provide trauma-informed care.
Psychotherapies are used to help students work through their trauma as well as develop healthy coping strategies for recovery. Each therapy session is overseen by a mental health professional who is licensed and certified to provide trauma-informed care.
EMDR and Trauma-Specific Interventions
Two specific trauma-specific interventions are typically used in the treatment of PTSD – prolonged exposure therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
EMDR is a psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories. Therapists guide clients into recalling distressing memories while engaging in specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, which encourages emotional healing.
Prolonged exposure therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals confront and process traumatic memories. It works by using imaginal exposure, in which individuals recount their trauma, and vivo exposure, in which they gradually face reminders of the trauma in real life.
EMDR is a psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories. Therapists guide clients into recalling distressing memories while engaging in specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, which encourages emotional healing.
Prolonged exposure therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals confront and process traumatic memories. It works by using imaginal exposure, in which individuals recount their trauma, and vivo exposure, in which they gradually face reminders of the trauma in real life.
Group Therapy and Community Support
Trauma-Informed Group Therapy
Group therapy is utilized at STRiV Forward as it offers students a space to find mutual understanding and support. Students work with their peers to discuss and process trauma, sharing experiences and advice. Each session is led by a mental health care professional who guides the session.
Process Group and Social Skills Development
Students participate in both our Process and Art of Social Connection groups to help process thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a group setting. Process Group is led by a program therapist, who helps students and their peers discuss issues that are important to them and receive feedback.
The Art of Social Connection group operates similarly, but involves members of the local community who have faced similar challenges to our students. Here, students participate in exercises, activities, and conversations that help build social skills.
These groups help students see that they aren’t alone, facilitating healing and the reforging of social connections. Social withdrawal is a serious symptom of PTSD, and these programs directly address and resolve it.
The Art of Social Connection group operates similarly, but involves members of the local community who have faced similar challenges to our students. Here, students participate in exercises, activities, and conversations that help build social skills.
These groups help students see that they aren’t alone, facilitating healing and the reforging of social connections. Social withdrawal is a serious symptom of PTSD, and these programs directly address and resolve it.
Medication Support and Psychiatry Collaboration
Medication Management for PTSD
Not everyone will need medications to manage PTSD symptoms. However, medications can help manage severe symptoms, especially when it comes to depression and anxiety. Typically, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are used to treat PTSD.
The most common of these medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This improves mood and can alleviate symptoms of depression, which may enhance the experience of positive emotions.
Part of medication management is helping students recognize and mitigate common side effects associated with antidepressants and other medications. Students are monitored carefully while under our care, and medication adjustments will be made as needed.
The most common of these medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This improves mood and can alleviate symptoms of depression, which may enhance the experience of positive emotions.
Part of medication management is helping students recognize and mitigate common side effects associated with antidepressants and other medications. Students are monitored carefully while under our care, and medication adjustments will be made as needed.
Integrated Mental Health Care
PTSD requires an integrated approach to treatment that includes mental and medical health care. This can include medication management, coaching, therapeutic modalities, screenings, and more. We believe in holistic methodologies to improve mental health care, with wellness education being an integral part of each treatment plan. This helps us improve overall wellness in our students, which can reduce the symptoms associated with PTSD.
PTSD and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Mental Health Conditions We Commonly Support
PTSD can co-occur with many mental health disorders and conditions, which can worsen its symptoms. Common co-occurring conditions we address at STRiV include:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Mild past substance use
- Social struggles
- Gender identity issues
- Process addictions (e.g., compulsive screen/electronics use, which is often a coping mechanism for trauma)
For complete healing, it’s essential to address these co-occurring challenges. Otherwise, students will not heal effectively and continue to struggle.
Trauma and Substance Use
Substance use and abuse are common responses to mental health issues as a form of self-medicating and maladaptive coping. As such, students living with trauma are at high risk for substance use disorder and/or addiction. To prevent current and future substance use, we extensively offer each student psychoeducation and facilitate the learning of healthy coping skills.
Our Program Benefits
Trauma-Informed Without Being Institutional
STRiV Forward works to provide a personalized experience for each student. This approach helps our team to craft a treatment plan that’s trauma-informed, but does not feel like a traditional treatment program. Although treatment is a part of life at STRiV, we focus on teaching students how to live well through therapeutic living.
Structure That Supports Independence
Each student receives a personalized schedule that is designed to balance therapy with recreation. There is no curfew, and students are responsible for much of their lives at STRiV. This structure gives students a safe place to practice the skills they need for independent living.
Mentorship and Low Student-to-Staff Ratio
We maintain a 1:4 mentor-to-student ratio, ensuring each student receives the personalized attention they need to heal and thrive. Mentors are chosen based on their values and work to help students learn crucial life skills.
Collaboration With Families and Providers
STRiV collaborates with families and providers for a comprehensive approach to treatment. We facilitate open communication between families, providers, and our students to promote transparency and consistency. This includes our parent support program.
When to Seek PTSD Support for a Young Adult
Signs It May Be Time to Reach Out
It’s normal for a person to have complicated feelings or react with fear or anger after a traumatic event has passed. However, when these symptoms worsen or persist for months to years after the event, it can indicate a serious need for help. Some signs that your loved one may be struggling with PTSD can include:
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Seems to be hyperaware of danger
- Self-destructive behavior, such as engaging in uncharacteristic substance abuse, risk-taking, or self-harming
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.
- Physical reactions, such as sweating, rapid breathing, a fast heartbeat, or shaking when reminded of the traumatic event
- Experiencing flashbacks and/or panic attacks
- Withdrawing from or avoiding normal interactions
- Expressing thoughts of suicide
If you notice any of these signs in a family member or loved one, it’s critical to seek immediate assistance from a mental health care professional.
Early Support Makes a Difference
The earlier a person can get help and support for their PTSD, the better the recovery outcomes. Early intervention addresses symptoms before they can escalate, which can reduce distress and promote emotional stability. It helps young adults feel less alone in their experiences and shows them that normal life is possible.
PTSD is a treatable condition with professional support. STRiV is here to help young adults not just recover from PTSD, but to find their place in the world as healthy and independent adults.
PTSD is a treatable condition with professional support. STRiV is here to help young adults not just recover from PTSD, but to find their place in the world as healthy and independent adults.
Frequently Asked Questions About Young Adult PTSD Treatment
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by an individual witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event. Traumatic events can be extremely stressful, terrifying, and life-threatening. Anyone at any age, including children and adolescents, can develop PTSD after such events.
Many people who go through or witness traumatic events can experience a period of time in which they have symptoms such as nightmares or anxiety. However, with time and good self-care, they can recover and return to normalcy. When these symptoms persist and worsen to the point that they affect daily functioning, and have yet to go away months or years after the traumatic event has occurred, it’s officially classified as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Types of Trauma Young Adults May Experience
What are common symptoms of PTSD in young adults?
What are trauma-related experiences associated with PTSD?
What therapies are used to treat PTSD?
Can loved ones and family members be involved in the treatment process?
How long do students typically stay for effective treatment?
Is medication required as part of PTSD treatment?