When emotional distress becomes difficult to manage, knowing where to turn can make the next step feel more manageable. In Utah, there are several free resources for people who need mental health support, whether they are experiencing an urgent crisis, are worried about someone else, or need someone to listen to their concerns.
Please note: you do not have to be suicidal or experiencing a “major” crisis to reach out. Huntsman Mental Health Institute encourages people to seek support before a situation becomes more serious. Our trained professionals listen, help identify concerns, discuss coping strategies, and connect you with appropriate community resources.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988: Immediate, Confidential Crisis Support
Help Is Available 24/7 Through 988
Call or text 988 when you or someone you know is experiencing:
- Emotional distress
- A mental health or substance use crisis
- Suicidal thoughts
In Utah, callers are connected to the Utah Crisis Line. Certified crisis workers from Huntsman Mental Health Institute provide individualized support, de-escalation, stabilization, and connections to additional services. Support is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also contact 988 when you are worried about a family member or friend and need help determining what to do next.
Did you know the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline started in Utah?
SafeUT
24/7 Support for Utah Students and Schools
SafeUT provides real-time emotional support and crisis prevention for Utah students, parents, and educators. Through the SafeUT app or website, users can chat with a licensed mental health counselor, call for support, or confidentially report a concern involving school safety.
Like the Utah Crisis Line, SafeUT is free and available 24/7/365. It can be used for concerns such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Bullying
- Family conflict
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Concerns about the actions, health, or well-being of another person
There are also versions of SafeUT available for first responders and members of the Utah National Guard.
Utah Warm Line: Talk With Someone Who Understands
Sometimes, what a person needs most is a compassionate person to talk to. The Utah Warm Line is staffed by certified peer support specialists who have personal experience navigating mental health or substance use challenges. They provide empathetic listening and support. Utah residents can call 833-SPEAKUT or 801-587-1055 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at no cost.
Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams
Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) provide free, face-to-face or virtual support for Utah residents experiencing mental health challenges. Members of the MCOT team can meet someone at home, work, school, or another designated community location. Services can be requested by calling 988.
From there, MCOT can complete an assessment, help to stabilize the situation, support family members, and connect the individual with ongoing care. If someone is actively harming themselves or another person, has taken an overdose, or faces an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Be sure to save these numbers in your phone and share them with family and friends. Knowing which resource to contact can help someone reach the right support sooner. Remember, you don’t have to know exactly what kind of help you need before reaching out — you only have to take the first step to use or share these resources. They are free and available to you 24/7/365.
You can support the availability of crisis resources like these with a gift to Huntsman Mental Health Foundation today!
