Why it matters: One in six children ages 6-17 nationwide has at least one treatable mental health disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Utah, as many as 90,000 youth ages 9-17 are affected by mental or addictive disorders — yet up to 60% of those struggling never receive treatment, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
The big picture: The new Primary Children’s Behavioral Health Center in Taylorsville significantly expands mental health resources for children and teens across Utah. The facility includes:
- Utah’s first 24-hour walk-in crisis center for youth
- Expanded inpatient and outpatient services
- Family-centered spaces where parents can stay overnight
By the numbers: In the past five years, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital has:
- Increased behavioral health programs by 78% (Intermountain Children’s Health)
- Served 40% more kids (Intermountain Children’s Health)
- Provided care to more than 10,000 children last year alone (Intermountain Children’s Health)
What they’re saying:
“The new behavioral health facility is so exciting because it is focusing on families and family care. And that way, the families can be part of the healing process, and parents can stay the night with their kids and be there every step of the way.” — Melinda Simmons, Former Chair of the Primary Children’s Hospital Philanthropy Board
“It is incredibly important for kids to receive mental health support when they are young, so that they can enter adulthood with life skills. I’m so happy this new campus will be able to provide further support for countless children and teens for decades to come.” — Rachel, Former Primary Children’s Patient
The bottom line: The new Taylorsville campus represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing need for youth mental health services in Utah, helping to keep children out of emergency rooms and providing comprehensive care in a family-centered environment.