STRiV Forward in Orem, Utah, is a therapeutic transitional living program for young adults ages 18–25+. We are dedicated to helping our students gain the independence, confidence, and life skills needed to thrive, overcome mental health challenges, and improve overall quality of life.
Comprehensive Care for Young Adult Social Anxiety
STRiV Forward offers comprehensive therapeutic treatment as part of our transitional living program. This program is designed to assist emerging adults ages 18–25+ who are stable enough to live semi-independently but need assistance to achieve full independence.
Emerging adults may face challenges such as a lack of social skills or social anxiety that can stem from conditions such as autism, anxiety, or shyness. Students struggling with social skills or social anxiety receive assistance from our team of mental health professionals, mentors, and coaches.
With a 1:4 mentor-to-student ratio, students receive the personalized attention needed to help them thrive. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach to treatment, which blends evidence-based therapies with wellness. Our therapeutic transitional living program typically lasts for 12 months (10–14 months average) and is located in Orem, Utah.
Each student at STRiV Forward can expect a truly unique experience that helps prepare them for life as adults without fear or anxiety.
With a 1:4 mentor-to-student ratio, students receive the personalized attention needed to help them thrive. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach to treatment, which blends evidence-based therapies with wellness. Our therapeutic transitional living program typically lasts for 12 months (10–14 months average) and is located in Orem, Utah.
Each student at STRiV Forward can expect a truly unique experience that helps prepare them for life as adults without fear or anxiety.
Our Peaceful Utah Campus: Semi-Independent Living for Young Adults
STRiV Forward works diligently to provide a safe space for our students that feels like home. With fully furnished apartments, communal spaces, and outdoor areas, our environment is tailored to promote independence and improved mental health at our Utah campus. Mental health professionals are on standby to provide guidance and assistance, with students free to practice the skills they learn in a real-world setting.
Students can expect a place of comfort and safety while on campus, with the freedom to explore the surrounding community. STRiV Forward is located close to Utah Valley University (UVU) and other amenities, allowing our students to pursue higher education or a career while in treatment. This helps our students with social anxiety and other social challenges gain the confidence they need to improve social functioning.
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.
Why Families and Students 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 as just participants 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, 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.
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 as just participants 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, 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.
Signs a Young Adult May Benefit From Life Skills Training
Key Features of Our Social Anxiety Treatment
Effective social anxiety treatment for young adults requires a program that blends therapy, holistic practices, life skills, and specialized tracks for a fully personalized experience. We recognize that each student has different needs and tailor our treatment plans accordingly. Psychiatry and medication may be used as needed.
Individual & Group Therapy Using CBT and DBT
Psychotherapy is a core part of anxiety treatment, as it addresses its underlying causes and helps develop healthy coping skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are some of the most common psychotherapies used to treat mild to moderate anxiety. In some cases, therapies such as exposure therapy may be used to help students adapt to social situations.
A mental health professional oversees each therapy session, and students will receive both individual and group therapy.
A mental health professional oversees each therapy session, and students will receive both individual and group therapy.
Experiential, Mindfulness-Based Activities
STRiV Forward utilizes a mindfulness and hands-on approach to anxiety treatment. Our location in Utah allows us to take full advantage of wilderness-inspired activities to promote healing. Trips are often used to help promote communication and teamwork among students. Sometimes, experimental activities are completed at home through volunteer activities in our local community.
Mindfulness-based activities, such as yoga, mindful breathing, and other practices, help reduce stress and improve mental well-being among our students.
Mindfulness-based activities, such as yoga, mindful breathing, and other practices, help reduce stress and improve mental well-being among our students.
Life Skills Development and Executive Function Coaching
Our students learn how to be independent adults through our life skills and executive functioning coaching. Learning these skills reduces the stress and fear associated with adult tasks, preparing students for healthy living after treatment. Students learn essential skills such as time management, budgeting, and household upkeep.
Social Skills, Confidence Building, and Exposure to Social Situations
The goal of STRiV Forward is to help students naturally build confidence and social skills. Students have access to social time with peers as well as community dinners and activities, such as The Art of Social Connection, one of our support groups designed to help students overcome social challenges through discussion, activities, and role-playing.
STRiV Forward is designed to provide a living experience as close to real life as possible, so students can learn and experience social situations they will encounter as independent adults.
STRiV Forward is designed to provide a living experience as close to real life as possible, so students can learn and experience social situations they will encounter as independent adults.
Daily Life in Our Social Anxiety Treatment Program
Life at STRiV is structured to balance school, work, treatment, mentoring, community/social events, and free time. Although individual schedules may vary depending on each student’s needs, some aspects are universal among all students.
Each student collaborates with the team to create their schedules and responsibilities. The day may begin with a skills group, such as The Art of Social Connection, and/or attending class, a part-time job, or other responsibilities. Afternoons may include study, a therapy session, coaching, mentoring, or academic/vocational programs, with some free time for lunch or other interests. Evenings may begin with dinner, followed by group activities and nightly medication/wind-down time. There is time throughout the day for students to build in time for breaks, practice life skills, or simply relax.
Weekends come with time for recreation, group activities, and community events. Again, students create their own schedules and can build in time for self-reflection, planning, and fun so they can prepare for the week ahead. Although life at STRiV is structured, students are ultimately responsible for waking themselves up and attending activities and therapy on time. This builds accountability and responsibility, which helps them prepare for life post-treatment.
Each student collaborates with the team to create their schedules and responsibilities. The day may begin with a skills group, such as The Art of Social Connection, and/or attending class, a part-time job, or other responsibilities. Afternoons may include study, a therapy session, coaching, mentoring, or academic/vocational programs, with some free time for lunch or other interests. Evenings may begin with dinner, followed by group activities and nightly medication/wind-down time. There is time throughout the day for students to build in time for breaks, practice life skills, or simply relax.
Weekends come with time for recreation, group activities, and community events. Again, students create their own schedules and can build in time for self-reflection, planning, and fun so they can prepare for the week ahead. Although life at STRiV is structured, students are ultimately responsible for waking themselves up and attending activities and therapy on time. This builds accountability and responsibility, which helps them prepare for life post-treatment.
Conditions Treated in Our Social Anxiety Program
Anxiety issues are the most common mental health issue affecting people in the United States. It’s normal for adolescents to feel anxious as they transition to adulthood. However, when anxiety interferes with daily life so greatly that it impedes the journey to adulthood, professional assistance is required.
STRiV Forward is prepared to treat several types of anxiety, as well as its co-occurring mental health conditions.
STRiV Forward is prepared to treat several types of anxiety, as well as its co-occurring mental health conditions.
Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia
This anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one may be judged or scrutinized by others. It can lead to significant distress, physical symptoms, and avoidance of everyday activities. Social anxiety disorder and social phobia make it difficult to form and keep relationships and prevent normal daily functioning.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Social anxiety disorder commonly co-occurs with other disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Anxiety can come in many forms, and each type of anxiety can impact how severe social anxiety disorder can be. Some examples include agoraphobia, panic disorder, and GAD.
Common Symptoms: Panic Attacks, Rapid Heartbeat, Muscle Tension, Negative Thoughts
Addressing common symptoms of severe anxiety is an important part of social anxiety treatment for young adults. STRiV Forward utilizes therapies and coping strategies to manage cognitive symptoms, such as panic attacks, negative thoughts, avoidance, and excessive worry. Physical symptoms of anxiety are common and can include a racing heartbeat or muscle tension. These are also addressed in therapy with our clinical team, and in some cases, with medications.
Signs Your Student May Benefit From Social Anxiety Support
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be easy to miss, especially in adolescents. It’s normal for someone to feel awkward or worry about being embarrassed in public at that age. However, if left untreated, social anxiety disorder can take a toll on physical and mental health.
Recognizing these signs in yourself or a family member allows for early access to helpful interventions and professional help. Anxiety disorders are treatable conditions, and help can begin once you notice a problem.
Recognizing these signs in yourself or a family member allows for early access to helpful interventions and professional help. Anxiety disorders are treatable conditions, and help can begin once you notice a problem.
Difficulty in Social Interactions or Public Speaking
Young adults struggling with social anxiety disorder may have problems understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, or interpreting nonverbal communication. They may experience a panic attack or other symptoms when expected to speak in public or engage in social interactions. Difficulty with eye contact, starting conversations, or even eating in front of others can all be signs of social anxiety disorder.
Avoidance of New People or Social Events
Fear of social situations can lead to the avoidance of meeting new people or participating in normal social events. Young adults with social anxiety disorder can have an intense fear of being embarrassed, judged, or the center of attention. This can lead them to avoid these situations entirely through avoidance and self-isolation.
Persistent Physical Symptoms of Anxiety in Social Settings
The physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be persistent in social settings, and can include:
- Increased heart rate
- Trouble catching your breath
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Muscle tension
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Experiencing these symptoms regularly when in social situations can indicate the presence of social anxiety disorder.
Impact on Daily Life, Academics, or Independence
Having a mental health disorder can greatly impact your quality of life. Social anxiety disorder, in particular, can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, which impact personal and professional relationships. It can make it difficult to hold down a job, attend school, and date.
Some may become too anxious to leave their homes, leading to isolation, which can lead to other serious mental health conditions. Losing/quitting a job or dropping out of school due to the fear of interacting with others can be signs of social anxiety disorder.
Some may become too anxious to leave their homes, leading to isolation, which can lead to other serious mental health conditions. Losing/quitting a job or dropping out of school due to the fear of interacting with others can be signs of social anxiety disorder.
Extra Support Services in Our Social Anxiety Program
Effective social anxiety treatment for young adults requires more than just therapy. As such, STRiV Forward offers extra support services designed to help our students who struggle with anxiety.
Aftercare Planning and Ongoing Mentorship
Mental health care doesn’t end just because students graduate from our program. Ongoing support is needed to maintain continuous growth. To meet this need, we work with each student to create an appropriate aftercare plan and ongoing support post-graduation.
Academic and Vocational Guidance
Students at STRiV can enroll as full-time students at Utah Valley University or in one of our vocational programs. Those struggling with academic or vocational success receive specialized coaching to help them succeed.
Family Collaboration and Healthy Separation Support
STRiV Forward involves family in treatment. Family therapy is offered when needed, and family members can collaborate in goal-setting and planning with regular updates. We also encourage healthy separation, helping families learn how to give support while allowing their loved one to become independent.
Medication Management With Psychiatric Oversight
In some cases, medication can be part of an effective treatment plan. Students with anxiety typically use medications such as beta-blockers or antidepressants.
Antidepressants used to treat anxiety are either serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft). Benzodiazepines can be used for short-term relief and are a class of central nervous system depressant drugs.
Students who need medication work with our clinical team and community-based psychiatric professionals to help students find the correct dosage and medication right for them. They will also be educated on side effects and risk factors associated with medication use.
Antidepressants used to treat anxiety are either serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft). Benzodiazepines can be used for short-term relief and are a class of central nervous system depressant drugs.
Students who need medication work with our clinical team and community-based psychiatric professionals to help students find the correct dosage and medication right for them. They will also be educated on side effects and risk factors associated with medication use.
Campus Environment & Living Experience for Young Adults
STRiV Forward works to cultivate an experience as close to real-world living as possible, while still providing a safe place for students to fail. Students live semi-independently while having access to professional supervision.
Fully Furnished Semi-Independent Apartments
Students live with a roommate in fully-furnished apartments with private rooms and bathrooms. They are responsible for apartment upkeep, grocery shopping, budgeting, and completing normal household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry.
Privacy, Safety, and Comfort in a Supportive Community
Our apartments and campus are staffed by professionals who ensure safety and comfort for each student. Students are encouraged to interact with the local community, which encourages positive growth and healthy social interaction. With private bedrooms and bathrooms, students also have the privacy they need to grow as independent adults.
Outdoor Spaces, Community Activities, and Real-Life Skill Development
Students are rarely bored at STRiV Forward. There are multiple community activities and outdoor adventures that take place weekly. Students are free to explore the local community and outdoor spaces that are unique to Utah, with opportunities for hiking, outdoor yoga, and other exciting trips. This allows our students to learn and practice real-life skills, such as planning, time management, and more, that they will need as independent adults.
FAQs
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and how can it help students with social anxiety?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps people recognize their harmful thoughts and behaviors and make lasting positive changes. For students with social anxiety, CBT can help them recognize negative thought patterns about social interactions and develop healthy coping skills to navigate them.
Are SSRIs, SNRIs, or other anti-anxiety medications part of the treatment plan?
Yes, but only if the student needs them. Students who do need medication will have medication management as part of their treatment plan. They will have access to professionals, such as a psychiatrist, clinician, or medical doctor, to provide oversight and make adjustments as needed.
How do talk therapy and in-person sessions support social skills development?
In-person talk therapy sessions support social skills development by providing a structured environment for students to learn and practice interpersonal social skills. Talk therapy techniques such as role-playing, modeling, and feedback can all be used to help build confidence, improve communication, and navigate social situations effectively.
How do environmental factors affect social anxiety and coping skills?
Factors such as family dynamics, cultural influences, and social interactions can either exacerbate or alleviate symptoms associated with social anxiety disorder. Positive environments and supportive social interactions can improve coping skills and reduce anxiety.
Can students continue school or work while participating in the program?
Yes! STRiV Forward offers academic and vocational programs, which help students attend school or work while receiving treatment.