Intermountain Children’s Health is launching a new Behavioral Health Center in Taylorsville, Utah. This center aims to expand mental health support for families, especially amid the rising concerns about youth suicide and mental health crises. In fact, in 2023, 23% of high school students in Utah seriously considered suicide.
The center will officially open on Saturday, September 6, in a spacious 90,000-square-foot facility. This initiative is backed by a $25 million investment from the State of Utah alongside donations to the Primary Promise campaign, which strives to create a leading health system for children.
Wren, a 12-year-old patient, shared, “When I started coming to Primary Children’s it really helped me. I want other kids to know they’re not alone and there are ways to get through the hard times.”
Over the past five years, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital has ramped up its behavioral health programs by 78%, serving 40% more children. In 2024 alone, they supported over 10,000 kids, with expectations for even more this year.
Utah’s Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson emphasized, “Children’s behavioral health is one of the most important and challenging issues of our time. The State of Utah is proud to support this critical endeavor.”
The new center prioritizes family-centered care, featuring:
- Patient rooms for overnight stays by parents.
- Spacious waiting areas and a café for family comfort.
- 50% more inpatient beds tailored to individual needs.
- Bright outpatient spaces with sensory and quiet rooms.
- A round-the-clock crisis walk-in center.
Additionally, families can access free services such as the Assessment, Referral, Consultation Service (ARCS) at 385-478-2400, and the Mobile Response program, which provides home support by calling 988 or using the SafeUT app.
Amanda Choudhary, president of the Taylorsville Campus, stated, “Family-centered care is essential for kids’ healing. This building is designed to support families.”
The rapid construction of the center was made possible by the state’s investment and community backing. Mandy Richards, president of Intermountain Children’s Health, noted that this collaboration addresses the growing needs of the pediatric population in Utah.
Rachel, a former patient who now works in cosmetology, shared her experience with mental health struggles, emphasizing the importance of support for children. “It’s crucial for kids to get mental health support early, so they can build life skills for adulthood,” she said.
The support from the Primary Promise campaign is significant in this initiative. The Cook family contributed the first major donation of $10 million specifically for behavioral health services. Gregory Cook remarked, “Every day we delay is a missed opportunity to help a child thrive.”
As Utah continues to face mental health challenges, facilities like the new Behavioral Health Center play a vital role in providing support and services for families in need. For more information on behavioral health services, visit Primary Children’s Behavioral Health.
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