New crisis center in South Salt Lake to provide 'timely access' to mental health care

SOUTH SALT LAKE — When it comes to mental health crises, every second counts.

Now, a new receiving center is opening its doors to help address Utah's high rate of mental illness.

"We are here, resourced, ready to receive them and provide access to care," director Kevin Curtis said.

Huntsman Mental Health Institute's $60 million facility, officially titled the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center, will be open for adults, 24/7, with a focus on de-escalation.

"We really strive hard for an environment and staff that create a warm, welcoming experience," Curtis said. He noted that every aspect of the 80,000-square-foot building was intentional and well-thought-out — everything from the furniture to the art on the walls to the lights — all to help visitors feel like they're being wrapped in a "warm blanket."

"We've intentionally tried to use warmer colors, softer features. The standard lighting is tuned to a frequency that's associated with de-escalation," said Curtis. "We want people to feel a sense of hope."

The facility includes private rooms for doctor evaluations, and also group settings to help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. "You're engaged with other people. You're engaged in therapeutic activities."

The Center will also provide:

• 23-hour treatment and observation stay for those in a 30-bed receiving center
• Short-term, rapid stabilization inpatient treatment in a 24-bed acute care unit
• Medication-assisted treatment clinic for individuals with opiate use disorders
• Intensive outpatient treatment for adults needing support for substance use disorders
• Mental health day treatment for adults that need more help than traditional outpatient care

Additional services, in partnership with community stakeholders, include:

• Free law clinic to remove legal barriers that disrupt many families with a mental health crisis
• Primary care and dental care clinics
• Intensive case management
• Connections to existing community programs for housing, health care, and employment
• Opportunities for enrollment in benefit programs like Medicaid, housing, and employment

"If the connections can happen here, that makes it much more likely that they are able to transition out of this successfully," Curtis said.

The building is located next to the Salt Lake County jail — and not by accident.

"Whether you're talking about the jail or the emergency room, these are both settings that are designed to do other things. They're not designed to do mental health treatment," Curtis said. "We want our law enforcement officers to have to pass us every day and have that thought of, 'Is this something that should go to the jail or is this something that would be better served by a connection to treatment?'"

The multimillion-dollar facility was funded by private donations and state and county funds, as well as a $5 million donation from the Gardners.

Curtis said this walk-in facility will meet a significant need in the community.

"This is very well-suited to providing better and more timely access to support for people that are really struggling," he said.

The Huntsman Mental Health Crisis Care Center is at 955 W. 3300 South in South Salt Lake. It will officially open to the public on March 31.

There will be two free activities for the community on March 28 and 29. No RSVP is required.

Friday, March 28

Huntsman Mental Health Crisis Care Center, 955 W. 3300 S., South Salt Lake, UT 84119

• 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Ribbon Cutting and Remarks, dignitaries and stakeholders
• 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Community Open House, Tours, Refreshments, and Giveaways

Saturday, March 29

Huntsman Mental Health Crisis Care Center, 955 W. 3300 S., South Salt Lake, UT 84119

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Block Party: Tours, Music, Free Food Trucks and Kids Activities, and Photo Opps with Special Guests!

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