Urgent Mental Health Facility Launches to Support Utah’s Youth Amid Rising Crisis

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is facing a rising wave of mental health crises among children and teens. To address this urgent issue, a new facility is set to open.

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute will launch a walk-in crisis care program on July 28 at their main location, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City. This service is aimed at kids aged 5 to 17, along with their families.

Parents like Karen Brittian understand the stress of a child in crisis. “When a child is in trouble, the whole family is too,” she explains. Brittian is part of the Family and Patient Advisory Council at the Institute. She believes that having a facility like this is crucial. “You can trust your gut and just go when you need help.”

In an era when emergency rooms are stretched thin, programs like this one are essential. Brett Graham, the interim CEO of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, emphasizes its importance. “It’s a safe space for parents, youth, or first responders to bring a child in crisis for stabilization.”

The facility will have twelve recliners for young patients, and the demand is expected to be high. Graham estimates that within the first three months, they could be at full capacity, serving over 4,000 adolescents in the first year alone. If necessary, they have plans to expand services to other locations.

Both Graham and Brittian urge parents to trust their instincts when they sense something is wrong with their child. “I hope parents know they’re not alone,” Brittian adds.

This new walk-in care will be available 24/7 for children ages five to seventeen.

Expert voices support this initiative. Mental health advocates highlight that early intervention can drastically improve outcomes for youth facing emotional distress. According to a recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 20% of adolescents experience a serious mental health condition before they turn 18. Programs like this are vital for addressing the growing needs in our communities.

As mental health continues to be a significant topic in social media and public discussions, initiatives like this shine a light on the importance of immediate support for our youth. The opening of the Huntsman facility marks a hopeful step toward ensuring that children in Utah have access to the care they need when they need it most.

For more information, visit the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.

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