SALT LAKE CITY, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Huntsman Mental Health Institute celebrated a transformative milestone for mental health care in Utah, with the grand opening of the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center. The $64 million facility is designed to revolutionize how the state responds to mental health emergencies.

"This pioneering facility is the first to integrate community services, training, and research with crisis care," said W. Brett Graham, MBA, MPA, interim CEO for Huntsman Mental Health Institute and Chief Strategy Officer for the University of Utah. "The programs and collaborations at the Center will ensure that patients and their families receive immediate, high-quality help and support in one convenient location."

The new center represents a unique partnership between State and County officials, the University of Utah, Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, Kem and Carolyn Gardner, and other community donors. It features a comprehensive "no wrong door" approach to mental health care, designed to eliminate barriers to accessing treatment.

"For too long, stigma has kept people with mental health and substance use disorders from receiving the care they deserve," said Christena Huntsman Durham, Co-CEO, of Huntsman Mental Health Foundation. "Many people in our community face mental health challenges, and knowing how to access timely, compassionate care has never been more crucial. At Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, we are committed to providing the support people desperately need. We are deeply grateful for the partnerships that made the Crisis Care Center a reality."

A New Model for Crisis Care

The Crisis Care Center arrives at a critical time, as Utah currently has the 7th highest suicide rate in the nation at 20.9 per 100,000 people. The center is projected to serve over 9,600 unique patients annually through its first-floor crisis support services alone.

Services at the center include:

• 24/7 walk-in crisis care with up to 23-hour stays for stabilization
• A 24-bed inpatient acute care unit
• Outpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorders
• Medication-assisted treatment for chemical dependency
• Case management and coordination with community resources
• Access to legal and dental care services through community partnerships

"Addressing the mental health needs of our community is a top priority for our administration. The opening of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Care Center represents the state's commitment to the well-being of Utahns," said Lt. Gov. Henderson. "This new facility aims to significantly increase our capacity to serve those in crisis and help reduce the suicide rate in Utah."

The 82,000-square-foot facility, located at 955 West 3300 South in South Salt Lake, will begin providing 24/7 walk-in care for adults ages 18 and older experiencing mental health or substance use crises starting Monday, March 31 at 8:00 AM. Crisis stabilization is provided to any adult regardless of their ability to pay. If a patient needs a higher level of care, it will be billed to insurance.

The center offers a more tailored approach to mental health care than a traditional emergency department. Upon arrival, patients will be assessed by a care provider, evaluated for immediate stabilization, provided access to inpatient or outpatient services, and connected to onsite community resources.

A Community Celebration

The public is invited to a family-friendly community block party on Saturday, March 29, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at 955 West 3300 South, South Salt Lake, UT. The free event will feature food trucks, music, kids' activities, tours, and special guests.

How to Learn More

If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988, or visit the Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Care Center, 955 West 3300 South, South Salt Lake, UT 84119.

For more information, visit hmhi.org/ccc.

About Huntsman Mental Health Institute

Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah is a first-of-its-kind model created to address one of our nation's greatest challenges: mental health and substance use disorders. The institute combines the strength of one of America's leading research universities with the nation's best integrated mental health crisis care model and a comprehensive continuum of care that includes a 161-bed hospital and more than 85 outpatient locations. We educate hundreds of learners every year and provide both unique and wide-ranging educational opportunities in psychiatry and mental health. Our innovative approach to research uses "teams of teams" to bring together different disciplines to uncover new ways to tackle complex problems. A gift of $150 million from the Huntsman family helps power our mission to advance mental health knowledge, hope, and healing for all. Learn more at: healthcare.utah.edu/HMHI and join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Huntsman Mental Health Institute