When a child or teen faces a mental health crisis, parents, friends, teachers, or family members don’t always know what to do next. The concern could feel urgent, or they may not be sure how serious the situation has become.
You don’t have to make that decision alone. Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers several youth crisis resources that families can access at any time.
Walk-In for Care
The Youth Crisis Care Program provides immediate support for children and teens ages 5 to 17, as well as 18-year-olds who are still enrolled in high school.
Located at 501 Chipeta Way in Salt Lake City, the receiving center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Families don’t need an appointment or referral.
During a visit, a licensed mental health professional assesses the young person’s needs and helps determine the safest next step. Youth can remain for short-term stabilization for up to 23 hours, and parents and guardians are invited to stay involved as the team develops a plan for follow-up care.
Nearly One Year of Supporting Families
The Youth Crisis Care Program at Huntsman Mental Health Institute opened in July 2025 to provide children and teens with immediate, specialized support during a mental health crisis.
Since opening, the program has seen a significant increase in young people and families seeking care, underscoring the growing need for accessible youth mental health services. For many, the program provides the assessment, support, and stabilization needed to safely return home, while others are connected to additional care or inpatient treatment when necessary.
The program has served families from 21 of Utah’s 29 counties, as well as young people visiting or traveling from across the country. By providing a dedicated place for youth in crisis, the program helps families access the right level of care and determine the best next step forward.
An important takeaway: Without the Youth Crisis Care Program, thousands of families said they would have gone to an emergency department. Another 607 said they would have stayed home, contacted relatives, searched for help elsewhere (such as through the police or an emergency shelter), or relied on another non-professional option.
Support Is Available: Text, Phone, and Online
You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time. When texting or chatting with 988, you’re prompted to complete a short survey before being transferred to a trained crisis counselor. When you call, you’ll connect directly with the counselor, who will listen to what’s happening and provide guidance on next steps. If, for any reason, the call isn’t answered within three minutes, you’ll be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is the backup affiliate network.
SafeUT is another option that provides free, confidential support through its app and website. Children, teens, parents, and educators can chat with a licensed counselor or submit a safety concern about someone else.
Families can find additional programs on the Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s youth mental health services page.
Help Expand Youth Crisis Services
The first year of the Youth Crisis Care Program shows what happens when families have somewhere to turn for mental health support.
Donations to support youth crisis programs help improve crisis response and connect more young people to the necessary and timely care they need.
