SALT LAKE CITY — This year’s Mental Health Awareness Month is themed “Turning Awareness into Action,” encouraging individuals to utilize mental health resources for themselves or their loved ones.
As July approaches, it signifies the three-year anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24/7.
In Utah, when someone reaches out to 988, they connect with the Utah Crisis Line staff, highly-trained professionals from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute who are equipped to assist individuals in crisis.
Rachel Lucynski, the director of community crisis services at Huntsman Mental Health, emphasized the expertise of the crisis workers.
“They are trained to de-escalate crises, offer empathetic listening and support, and collaborate on the next best steps for the individual,” Lucynski explained.
The importance of this service is underscored by the considerable increase in calls received.
During the last fiscal year (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023), nearly 92,000 calls were answered.
In contrast, this fiscal year has already seen close to 145,000 calls.
Many individuals hesitate to call, fearing they might take resources away from those in greater need.
“We hope these numbers show that our team is well-staffed and well-resourced,” Lucynski reassured.
Additionally, the 988 hotline serves as a gateway to further mental health services, with resources available for mobile crisis outreach teams or local receiving centers.
Lucynski stressed the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
She stated, “You’re certainly not alone in feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, and you don’t have to go through that without help and support.”
For anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or displaying warning signs, immediate assistance is available by calling, texting, or chatting with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
This service operates 24/7/365 and connects individuals to crisis counselors from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
Even calls to legacy crisis hotlines, such as the former National Suicide Prevention hotline (1-800-273-8255), now redirect to the Huntsman Mental Health Institute crisis care workers.
Various additional resources are available to support mental health needs.
The SafeUT app allows parents, students, and educators to connect with a licensed crisis counselor via chat or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388).
For first responders—including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals—24/7 access to crisis counselors is available at no cost through the SafeUT Frontline app.
Members of the National Guard can find similar support through the SafeUTNG app, which offers crisis counseling at no cost around the clock.
For those requiring assistance outside of crisis situations, the Utah Warm Line offers a listening ear from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week, every day of the year by calling 1-833 SPEAKUT.
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute provides a variety of programs encompassing suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy and medication management, substance use and addiction recovery, child and teen programs, as well as maternal mental health services addressing issues like birth trauma and pregnancy loss.
LiveOnUtah.org works towards suicide prevention by promoting education, providing vital resources, and fostering a cultural shift regarding suicide and mental health in the state.
Their efforts include resources tailored for faith-based groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, employers, firearms suicide prevention, and options for crisis treatment.
Utah counties additionally provide services for mental health and substance use disorders through thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities across the state.
These centers offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more.
More detailed information and additional resources can be found at https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.
Community-based resources are also available to individuals affected by mental illness.
NAMI Utah, for instance, focuses on education, support, and advocacy for families and individuals grappling with mental health issues.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides prevention programs, public education, support for those who have lost loved ones, and funding for research.
Encircle Utah acts as a resource center for LGBTQ+ families and youth, while the Utah Pride Center empowers the state’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
For LGBTQ teens, The Trevor Project serves as an essential resource center.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs maintains mental health services, and Latino Behavioral Health Services are also available to meet the unique needs of the community.
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