SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah has introduced a specialized 24/7 crisis stabilization program targeting children and adolescents facing mental health emergencies.
Named the Youth Crisis Care program, this initiative offers immediate walk-in access to care for youth aged 5-17, addressing a vital service gap in Utah, where the suicide rate ranks among the highest in the nation.
Supported by generous donations from several benefactors, this new program significantly enhances crisis care services in Utah, focusing on providing specialized mental health support to youth in need.
Located at 501 Chipeta Way on the first floor of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, the program is built to accommodate up to 12 patients on a rolling admission basis.
Youth entering the program undergo evaluations by a dedicated care team, with treatment periods ranging from a few hours to 23 hours of stabilization care before they are either discharged or referred to more comprehensive treatment programs.
In contrast to conventional emergency rooms, which often lack the necessary space and resources for youth mental health crises, the Youth Crisis Care program is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of children and teens.
Recent data indicates that nearly half of Utah’s youth report experiencing mental health challenges, making accessible behavioral and crisis care crucial for the well-being of this demographic.
“By establishing the Youth Crisis Care program at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, we aim to meet the growing demand with a trauma-informed, child-centered approach that alleviates pressure on emergency departments and helps families access timely, compassionate mental health support in moments of crisis,” stated David Eldredge, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
Emergency departments statewide have expressed feeling overwhelmed by the surge of young patients presenting with mental health issues, highlighting the lack of dedicated spaces or resources for age-appropriate care.
In 2024, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute treated nearly 3,000 individual youth patients in its inpatient program and recorded a total of 4,450 visits, emphasizing the pressing need for improved mental healthcare services in Utah.
The Youth Crisis Care program strategically fills the gap between outpatient therapy and inpatient psychiatric care, offering immediate interventions to young individuals facing urgent mental health crises that do not necessitate hospitalization.
The initiative was developed through thorough data analysis, extensive community engagement, and feedback from frontline clinical staff, ensuring that the program meets the urgent needs of youth in crisis.
While some adolescents may require referral to inpatient programs, the majority will be able to return home with essential outreach support, complemented by personalized safety and follow-up care plans.
Designed exclusively for children and teens experiencing mental health crises, the Youth Crisis Care program emphasizes a serene environment that prioritizes emotional safety, privacy, and compassionate care from the moment young patients arrive.
Staffed around the clock, the program features a diverse multidisciplinary team, including a medical director, child and adolescent psychiatrists, advanced practice clinicians, social workers, crisis workers, certified peer support specialists, nurses, and psychiatric technicians.
Upon arrival, care begins with an assessment conducted by a clinical social worker, followed by a range of tailored support services aimed at addressing individual needs.
This support encompasses community resource access, developing personalized safety plans, brief therapeutic interventions, connections with certified peer specialists, and medication evaluations when necessary.
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah represents a pioneering model in the effort to combat the critical challenges posed by mental health and substance use disorders in the nation.
Combining the resources of a leading research university with the best integrated mental health crisis care model, the institute also provides a comprehensive spectrum of care through its 161-bed hospital and over 85 outpatient locations.
The institute plays an essential role in educating hundreds of learners each year and offers unique opportunities in psychiatry and mental health, employing innovative research methods through interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Huntsman family contributed a generous gift of $150 million to support the institute’s mission to further advance mental health knowledge, hope, and healing for all.
For more information, visit hmhi.utah.edu, and follow them on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.
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