Utah's First Selective Mutism Camp

Intensive outpatient treatment for children with Selective Mutism
Layton, UT

SELECTIVE
MUTISM

Selective Mutism (SM) is a social anxiety disorder in which a child is usually able to speak normally at home but is unable to vocalize in social situations and with certain people. This disorder usually is diagnosed around ages 3-6 during the child’s first experience in the school setting. A child with SM who is hurt or needs to use the bathroom can remain unable to ask for assistance. This is very problematic and can have negative emotional, social and academic effects.

This disorder is not a result of traumatic experiences or because the child is being obstinate. It is not a phase or something the child will simply grow out of on their own. Children with SM need intervention to help them gain confidence and learn skills to practice using their brave voice. The good news is, SM is completely treatable.

TREATING SELECTIVE MUTISM

Resilience Camp is an intensive outpatient program designed to help children with SM learn resilience and gain confidence in their speaking abilities. The program is designed to simulate a classroom setting with small groups of peers. The children attend the day camp and are gradually exposed to typical situations (ordering food at a restaurant, asking/answering questions in a group, playing games with peers etc.) in a safe and supportive environment that rewards them for their brave words and hard work. Each child is paired up with a trained brave-talking mentor. Parents receive education and support about how they can best help their child move forward. Research has shown that these types of programs are effective in helping children with SM increase their speech overall and then generalize these skills in other settings.

Individual and family therapy sessions can also be scheduled based on available openings. Behavioral modification therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy SM focus (PCIT-SM) will be used to help the child practice brave talking in various situations, understand and gain coping mechanisms for anxiety, and empower the child and family members in moving forward. Insurances usually can be billed for individual, weekly sessions.

Family Team Meetings are offered to help a child's family, friends, teachers and others to learn more about Selective Mutism and what they can do to best help the child move forward. Education about SM, the do's and the dont's about working with a child with SM, and tricks of the trade will be discussed. Intensive sessions in your child's school can also be scheduled. Call 801-784-0818 or email Heidi at heidi@rifcounseling.com to schedule or for more info.

CAMP REGISTRATION

2026 SUMMER CAMP
June 8-12, 2026
Fade in sessions: June 6-7

We are proud to be the first selective mutism camp in Utah, established in 2016. Registration opens March. Camp has a capacity for 12 students. Camp fills up fast so call even if you are interested. Each student will be paired up with a peer and a therapist/mentor. If enough teens sign up, we will do a specific teen group that week after school. If you're interested, contact Heidi to see if this is a good option for your child. If you are a parent or a professional who wants to learn more about treating SM, call and see how you can participate.

CAMP COSTS

Resilience Camp cost is $2700. ($500 deposit, $2200 tuition). Insurance cannot be billed for camp, but some insurances will cover individual therapy sessions.

The cost includes:

24+ hours of intensive individualized treatment
Parent Training (before, during, and after camp)
Games, prizes, lunches, and field trips associated with camp
One hour of consultation with your child's school administration and teacher(s) at your request
A detailed report for the school with recommendations for moving forward
Consultation with outpatient therapist after camp

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Holiday celebrations that are supposed to be fun and exciting such as trick-or treating and meeting Santa can be filled with anxiety for kids with SM. Resilient Holiday Celebrations is meant to help children with SM practice brave talking skills in the community.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

October 2026 TBA

Resilient Individual & Family Counseling is excited to make trick or treating more accessible and fun for children with SM. Please join us in your Halloween Costume at Heidi’s office. We will start with a few fun games (similar to games played in school for Halloween). We will then practice trick or treating in Heidi’s office and in the other participating offices of Aspire Network. Then we will go trick or treating to the businesses around the community who have all been preparing to appropriately interact with kids with SM.

To sign up call us 801-784-0818 or use the Contact Form.