For Educational Consultants
Partnering to support young adults with autism, anxiety, depression, and failure to launch [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->
Thank you for taking the time to learn about The Arise Society. We know your role as an educational consultant requires careful evaluation of programs to ensure the best fit for your clients. This page provides the information you need to determine whether our community-based transition program aligns with the young adults you serve.
We Welcome Consultant Involvement
Educational consultants play a critical role in connecting young adults with appropriate support. We value your expertise and welcome your involvement throughout your client's time with us.
Transparent Communication
Regular updates on student progress, challenges, and achievements. We keep you informed as a key partner in your client's success.
Site Visits Welcome
We encourage you to tour our apartments, meet staff, observe group sessions, and experience our proximity to UVU campus firsthand.
Collaborative Approach
We work with you during the placement process and throughout your client's enrollment to ensure alignment and address concerns.
Transition Planning
We partner with you on discharge planning to ensure your client transitions successfully to their next step.
Program Overview: Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Orem, Utah - Adjacent to Utah Valley University campus |
| Age Range | 18-26 years old |
| Gender | Co-ed program |
| Primary Diagnoses | Autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, ADHD, failure to launch |
| Program Type | Community-based transitional living with therapeutic support |
| Housing | Independent apartments (2-bedroom, shared with one roommate) |
| Academic Component | Full enrollment at Utah Valley University (open enrollment, fully accredited) |
| Clinical Support | Individual therapy, group therapy, 24/7 mentor availability |
| Typical Length of Stay | 9-18 months |
| Level of Care | Supportive, not restrictive - students make daily choices with accountability |
What Makes The Arise Society Different
Relationship-Based Clinical Model
Founded by Dr. Vaughn Heath, a Ph.D. therapist specializing in autism and young adult development, our clinical approach focuses on understanding what blocks each student's motivation rather than treating surface-level symptoms.
We don't use compliance-based behavioral models. Instead, we work to understand the relational and emotional barriers keeping young adults stuck, then address those through authentic connection and skill-building.
Truly Community-Based
Our students don't live on a therapeutic campus. They live in regular apartments within walking distance of Utah Valley University. They shop at the same grocery stores, eat at local restaurants, use campus facilities, and navigate the same environment any UVU student would.
This matters because skills learned in isolated settings often don't transfer. Our students practice independence in the actual world they'll inhabit after leaving our program.
Real College Integration
Students enroll at Utah Valley University and attend classes alongside 40,000+ other students. UVU is a fully accredited four-year university with open enrollment, offering associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and vocational certificates.
This isn't on-campus academics taught by program staff. Students experience real college with the support needed to succeed.
Autism-Informed Approach
Many of our students are on the autism spectrum. Our staff understand executive functioning challenges, sensory sensitivities, and social communication differences. We accommodate neurodiversity while teaching practical skills needed for independence.
Who Thrives at The Arise Society
Ideal Student Profile
- College-capable but struggling with executive functioning, time management, or social navigation
- Young adults on the autism spectrum who need help with independence skills and social situations
- Those experiencing failure to launch due to anxiety, depression, or avoidance patterns
- Students who have completed previous treatment and need continued support in a real-world setting
- Young adults motivated to work toward independence (even if anxious about it)
- Those who don't require constant medical or psychiatric monitoring
Students We Cannot Serve
- Active substance abuse or addiction requiring specialized treatment
- Acute suicidal ideation or recent attempts requiring higher level of care
- Severe behavioral issues requiring 24/7 supervision
- Those unable to safely function without constant oversight
- Students completely unwilling to engage in therapeutic work
Clinical and Therapeutic Components
Individual Therapy
Weekly one-on-one sessions with licensed therapists who specialize in young adult development and autism spectrum disorders. Therapy addresses underlying anxiety, depression, relational patterns, and motivation barriers.
Group Therapy
Peer groups where students practice communication, receive feedback, and build connection skills. Groups are designed specifically for young adults, not generic process groups.
24/7 Mentor Support
Mentors live nearby (not with students) but are available around the clock. They check in daily, attend some classes, help with time management, and provide support when challenges arise. This isn't hovering - it's availability when needed.
Executive Functioning Coaching
Practical coaching on time management, organization, task initiation, planning, and follow-through integrated into daily college and apartment life.
Family Involvement
Regular family therapy sessions or calls. We believe healing family communication patterns is essential to long-term success.
Psychiatric Support
Medication management available through partnership with local psychiatric providers when clinically indicated.
Daily Structure and Student Life
Students follow a typical college schedule with added accountability and support:
Typical Daily Schedule
Morning: Wake independently, breakfast, attend UVU classes
Midday: Lunch, afternoon classes, study hall with mentor support
Evening: Dinner (often cooked with roommate), group therapy or social activities
Night: Free time, homework, check-in with mentor
Weekly: Individual therapy, family call, community activities, life skills coaching
Students have structure and expectations (attend class, complete assignments, check in with mentors, manage apartment responsibilities) but also freedom to make choices about social time, weekends, and personal activities.
Location Advantages
Utah Valley University
- Largest student body in Utah (40,000+ students)
- Open enrollment - no ACT/SAT required
- Year-round enrollment with semester and block schedules
- Associate's and bachelor's degrees, plus vocational certificates
- Strong disability services and academic accommodations
- Modern campus facilities (gym, tutoring, clubs, activities)
Orem, Utah
- Safe, family-oriented community
- 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City
- 30-45 minutes from world-class outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, climbing)
- Public transportation available
- Affordable cost of living compared to coastal cities
- Four-season climate with beautiful natural surroundings
Outcomes and Transition Planning
Our goal is always independence, not indefinite enrollment. We begin discharge planning from day one.
Common Next Steps After The Arise Society
Continuing College
Many students transfer to universities near home or continue at UVU with reduced support.
Independent Living
Some move to apartments with weekly or monthly check-ins from a life coach or therapist.
Employment Focus
Others pursue work, using skills learned to maintain jobs and manage daily life.
Returning Home
Some return to families with new skills, boundaries, and continued outpatient support.
Working With The Arise Society
Referral Process
We make the referral process straightforward:
- Initial Contact: Reach out via phone or email to discuss your client's needs and our program fit
- Information Gathering: We'll request clinical assessments, educational records, and family history
- Admissions Call: Conversation with Dr. Heath or clinical team to assess appropriateness
- Decision Timeline: We aim to provide admission decisions within 3-5 business days
- Enrollment Support: We guide families through enrollment paperwork and pre-arrival preparation
Ongoing Consultant Communication
Once your client enrolls, we provide:
- Monthly progress updates (or more frequently if needed)
- Notification of significant clinical events or challenges
- Inclusion in treatment planning discussions when appropriate
- Collaboration on discharge planning and next-step recommendations
Schedule a Site Visit
We welcome educational consultants to tour our program, meet our team, and experience our community-based model firsthand.
Site visits include: apartment tours, UVU campus walkthrough, meeting with Dr. Heath or clinical team, and opportunity to observe group sessions (when appropriate).
Schedule a Visit Learn More About Our ProgramResources for Educational Consultants
Downloadable Materials
We're developing a comprehensive Program Overview PDF for educational consultants. In the meantime, please contact our admissions team for detailed program information, outcome data, and answers to specific questions.
Questions We're Happy to Answer
- Detailed staffing ratios and credentials
- Specific clinical approaches and therapeutic modalities
- How we handle challenging situations or crises
- Academic accommodations and support details
- Success rates and outcome tracking
- Insurance and payment information
- Comparison with other program models
Contact Information
Admissions Office
Phone: (801) 300-9995
Email: admissions@thearisesociety.com
Address: 1223 S 620 W, Orem, UT 84058
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MT
Emergency Contact: Available 24/7 for current families and urgent inquiries
For Educational Consultants: We understand your time is valuable. If you have a client who may be a good fit and would like to schedule a brief consultation call with Dr. Heath or our clinical director, please email admissions@thearisesociety.com with "Educational Consultant Inquiry" in the subject line. We'll prioritize your request and respond within 24 hours.
Thank you for considering The Arise Society as a resource for the young adults and families you serve. We look forward to partnering with you.