Engage Young Adult Transitions

We're excited to put the kitchen in our third house to good use with our weekly cooking classes at Engage! Cooking healthy, fulfilling meals is one of the ultimate forms of self-care, allowing our young adults to build essential independent living skills. Through cooking, they learn to nourish themselves and others, which fosters connection, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. It's more than just preparing meals—it's an empowering way to build community and practice independence.

We are committed to empowering young adults on their journey to independence and growth. Hearing from the families we work with reminds us of the impact our community can have.

What do you think the significance of this picture is? At Engage, we think getting your driver's license is pretty freaking cool and a awesome step towards autonomy and self-mastery. We understand that the journey to independence is different for everyone, especially for those navigating mental health challenges. For many young adults, obtaining a driver’s license is more than just a rite of passage—it’s a significant step towards autonomy and self-reliance. Mental health struggles can often delay or complicate this milestone. Anxiety, depression, or attention difficulties may make the prospect of driving seem daunting. Yet, we believe that with the right support, every young adult can achieve their goals, no matter how big or small. That’s why Engage is committed to providing comprehensive support tailored to each individual’s needs. Our dedicated team, including life coaches, case managers, and therapists, work closely with our young adults to build the confidence and skills necessary to take the wheel—both literally and figuratively.

Everyone meet Jonathan West LCSW. Our newest member to our clinical team. It is exciting to see our team grown with Jonathon as our third therapist. An Aggie at heart, Jonathan earned his Bachelor’s in Social Work from Utah State University and his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. With experience working across diverse populations, Jonathan is a licensed LCSW passionate about creating a sense of belonging and connection for young adults. His person-centered, strength-based approach helps guide young people in achieving their goals and navigating their journey to independence. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys quality time with his family and immersing himself in great stories across various mediums. Welcome, Jonathan!

We're stoked to highlight the continued contributions of Billie, our licensed dietitian, who has been with Engage since the very beginning! Billie recently conducted one of her quarterly trainings on nutrition, focusing on how to support clients with disordered eating. Her approach to intuitive and mindful eating is deeply aligned with Engage's core values of balance and autonomy in treatment. Our life coaches had the opportunity to enhance their skills during this training, gaining valuable insights on how to better support our clients on their journey to healthier and more balanced lives. Having Billie as part of our team from the start has been a true asset. Her dedication to promoting a healthy relationship with food is a key component of the holistic care we provide at Engage.

There is no better place than Cedar City, UT for young adults to have quick access to the outdoors while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a college town. At Engage, we believe that meaningful connections are a cornerstone of mental health. Our young adults are not only building bonds with their life coaches and case managers but are also finding joy and growth through outdoor experiences. Research shows that spending time outdoors can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. At Engage, we harness the therapeutic benefits of nature to help our young adults thrive. Through shared outdoor activities, they develop stronger relationships with their support team, which is crucial for their journey toward independence and well-being. Together, with the guidance of our dedicated life coaches and case managers, our young adults are not just surviving—they're thriving.

We Love Enrollment Days at Engage! There’s nothing quite like the excitement and energy of meeting the newest young adults and their parents as they join our community. But at Engage, we believe that the enrollment and treatment process begins long before the young adult arrives on campus. A week before the day of enrollment, we conduct a pre-enrollment call to revisit everyone's expectations and create an initial treatment plan. This proactive approach ensures that both the young adult and their family are prepared for the journey ahead. Expectations play a crucial role in treatment, just as they do in relationships. According to the Gottman Institute, unrealistic or unmet expectations can lead to frustration and conflict, whereas shared and realistic expectations can lead to satisfaction and success. Expectations for our clients are set while honoring their individual capacities, developmental histories, and mental health needs. We aim to set realistic and achievable expectations to help our young adults feel successful, motivated, and ready to tackle their challenges. By doing so, we help young adults experience positive emotions like happiness, pride, and self-esteem, while minimizing the risk of frustration and burnout. At Engage, our goal is to fuel ambition and drive, empowering each young adult to reach their full potential in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Lets see your four legged work buddies!! Our furry colleagues do not get recognized enough for their impact they have on our work environment. Lets see your four legged work buddies!! At Engage, our therapists, case managers, and life coaches are bringing more than just their expertise—they're bringing their furry friends to work! Having dogs in the workplace has had a profound impact on our work culture and therapeutic community. Dogs have a way of lightening the mood and bringing a sense of joy and playfulness to the workplace, helping to create a more positive and supportive atmosphere. In a therapeutic setting, dogs can offer comfort, support, and a sense of calm to both staff and clients. They help foster a more relaxed and friendly environment where open communication and genuine connections can thrive. For our young adults, interacting with dogs can provide numerous therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, promoting emotional regulation, and encouraging socialization. Dogs have a unique ability to offer non-judgmental companionship, making them valuable partners in our mission to support the mental health and well-being of our community members.

Spotlighting Boston and Liv - Engage Young Adult Transitions Awesome Case Managers At Engage, our awesome case managers are integral to our young adults' growth and independence. Each primary therapist is supported by a full-time case manager, ensuring personalized and continuous care. Role and Impact: Our case managers maintain the momentum of growth for our clients by implementing and adjusting individualized treatment plans in collaboration with therapists. They coordinate support from life coaches, ensuring comprehensive guidance. Therapist-Case Manager Partnership This partnership is key to helping clients achieve their personal goals. Together, they provide a seamless support system that keeps clients on a positive path towards independence. Big Picture Support Case managers focus on the big picture, coordinating efforts to keep clients motivated and committed. By aligning practical guidance from life coaches with therapeutic goals, they help young adults thrive.

?? How are you having fun while you beating the heat? ?? Our young adults had an absolute blast coming together to enjoy some fun in the sun! There's nothing quite like beating the heat with laughter, and play. The Power of Connection Engaging in fun activities together isn't just about having a good time—it's about building strong connections. These moments of joy and togetherness foster a sense of community and belonging, which are crucial for our mental well-being. Having fun is a vital component of mental health. It reduces stress, boosts our mood, and enhances our overall sense of happiness. Fun activities release endorphins, our body's natural feel-good chemicals, which help combat anxiety and depression. Let's remember to incorporate fun and connection into our daily lives. Whether it's through a water fight, a game night, or simply sharing a laugh, these moments make a world of difference.