#United States #Salt Lake City #Huntsman Mental Health #Crisis Care Center #Utah Mental Health

Huntsman Mental Health Institute Launches New Crisis Care Center

On March 28, 2025, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute marked a significant advancement in mental health care by inaugurating the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. This facility, a milestone in the state’s response to mental health emergencies, comes with a budget of $64 million and aims to transform how mental health crises are handled throughout Utah.

Innovative Approach to Crisis Management

The new center stands out as the first of its kind to incorporate community services, training, and research into crisis care. W. Brett Graham, MBA, MPA, and interim CEO for Huntsman Mental Health Institute, highlighted that the center brings together comprehensive services under one roof, allowing patients and their families to receive crucial support immediately.

This landmark initiative is the result of collaboration between various entities, including state and county officials, the University of Utah, and generous community donors. It embraces a unique “no-wrong-door” approach, ensuring that barriers to mental health treatment are minimized.

Christena Huntsman Durham, Co-CEO of the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, acknowledged that stigma has long hindered individuals from seeking necessary care. With Utah experiencing the seventh highest suicide rate in the nation—20.9 per 100,000 residents—the opening of this center becomes even more critical, aimed at providing timely and compassionate assistance to individuals facing mental health challenges.

Center Services and Features

The facility is designed to cater to over 9,600 unique patients annually, boasting a variety of services aimed at stabilizing mental health crises:

• - 24/7 Walk-in Crisis Care: This service allows individuals experiencing crises to receive immediate assistance at any time, with the option for stabilization stays of up to 23 hours.
• - Inpatient Acute Care Unit: A 24-bed unit ensures that those needing higher levels of care can receive proper treatment without unnecessary delays.
• - Outpatient Treatment Options: Integrated support for both mental health and substance use disorders expands the center's reach.
• - Medication-Assisted Treatment: This service matches individuals struggling with chemical dependencies to appropriate resources.
• - Case Management: Coordination with community resources ensures comprehensive care beyond immediate treatment.
• - Access to Legal and Dental Care: Partnerships with community organizations provide access to additional essential services.

A Community-Focused Initiative

Lt. Gov. Henderson expressed the administration's commitment to addressing mental health needs, emphasizing the center's role in boosting capacity to serve those in distress and enhancing efforts to reduce Utah's suicide rate.

Located at 955 West 3300 South in South Salt Lake, the facility will offer round-the-clock walk-in care starting March 31. Notably, services provided at the center are accessible to all adults, regardless of their financial situation. If a patient requires more specialized treatment, their insurance will cover the costs. This approach seeks to alleviate the traditional reliance on overburdened emergency departments, providing a tailored response to mental health crises.

Celebrate the Grand Opening

In alignment with the spirit of community engagement, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute invites the public to a family-friendly block party scheduled for March 29 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the center's location. Attendees can enjoy various festivities, including food trucks, live music, children's activities, facility tours, and appearances by notable guests.

For anyone facing a crisis or in need of immediate support, the center advocates reaching out by calling or texting 988 or visiting its location directly. For further information about the services provided, you can explore their website at hmhi.org/ccc.

About Huntsman Mental Health Institute

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute, part of the University of Utah, presents an innovative, integrated model addressing the pressing issues of mental health and substance use disorders. With a sprawling 161-bed hospital and more than 85 outpatient locations, the institute collaborates with a diverse array of specialists and utilizes groundbreaking research methods to tackle these complex challenges head-on. Supported by a generous $150 million contribution from the Huntsman family, it continues to push the boundaries of mental health knowledge and treatment, aiming to instill hope and foster healing throughout the community.