CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Many young people are struggling with depression and anxiety, sometimes compounded by the effects of trauma or substance abuse. At Vive Adolescent Care, kids have the opportunity to heal in a fully immersive therapeutic environment and gain tools for lasting recovery.  

With no other hospital-level inpatient treatment facilities in St. George available to youth struggling with mental health disorders, suicidal ideation or substance abuse, clinical director Stuart Squires said Vive fills a tremendous need in the community. The goal is to bridge the gap between hospital and home by providing inpatient medical and residential care along with a clinical program to build the skills kids need to transition successfully back into family life. 

“We’re trying to build a continuum of care,” Squires said.  

The insurance-based facility provides urgent help for youth that need it most. Clients will be assessed or referred by a physician prior to admission. Vive primarily works with boys and girls ages 12-17 struggling with mental health issues including depression, severe anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation and drug addiction. 

Vive offers an intensive approach to individual, group, recreational, experiential and family therapy. At the core of their treatment method is the outpatient treatment program, where clients spend “school hours” at the facility but return home for evenings and weekends. Squires said it allows them to experience both worlds and work through challenges they encounter outside of the program in a safe and supportive place. 

Before Vive opened in April 2020, chief medical officer Justin Day said there was an obvious gap in care for local youth. The hospital in St. George doesn’t provide pediatric behavioral health services. If a minor is brought to the emergency room in a mental health crisis or following a suicide attempt, the staff treats their immediate medical needs before releasing them back into their family’s care. 

Danielle Squires, executive administrator at Vive, said today’s youth are living in a fast-paced, high-tech world and growing increasingly anxious as a result. If they don’t have appropriate coping skills in place, they can begin to spiral out of control. 

“We see more and more youth struggling and younger and younger kids experiencing suicidal ideation.”  

Young people have also experienced isolation mixed with upheaval in their social and home lives as a result of the pandemic. Stuart Squires emphasized that the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the adolescent psyche are yet to be determined as kids and parents continue to navigate a world in turmoil. 

“It’s harder to be a parent and harder to be an adolescent right now more than any time in the history of humans,” he added.  

Beyond working with the clients, the clinical team at Vive seeks to provide Southern Utah parents with the tools and skills to help their teens continue learning and growing after completing treatment. On Vive’s website, real families have shared stories of hope, healing and lasting success. 

“I want to say thank you for providing our grandson with a safe, loving and therapeutic home,” said Gloria. “I think he not only thrived but became stronger. God bless you and the wonderful opportunities you provide for children.”

Amanda Z. also expressed her gratitude to Vive for caring for her son, whom she said “looks great” after completing treatment. 

“He’s been through a lot, and I’m very thankful that he was able to be around such wonderful people,” she said. “Thank you for taking care of my boy. It means the world.” 

At Vive, clients participate in many activities and socialization opportunities during inpatient, residential and outpatient treatment. Stuart Squires said it’s often in these moments that the most profound healing takes place, as kids realize that others their age are struggling with similar problems and feeling the same emotions.  

If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, the most important thing you can do is talk to them. Squires encourages parents not to wait or ignore the warning signs and to call Vive for a comprehensive assessment. There’s no shame in seeking professional guidance, he said. 

“We want to do all we can to reduce the stigma, because everyone at some point could use some help.”

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

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Resources

• Vive Adolescent Care | Address: 120 W. 1470 South, St. George | Telephone: 435-703-6470 or 435-669-4106 | Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Website.

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