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Youth Crisis Care Program

24/7 walk-in mental health support for children and teens

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Youth Crisis Care Program

24/7 walk-in mental health support for children and teens

Walk-in mental health support for youth

The Youth Crisis Care Program at Huntsman Mental Health Institute is a 24/7 walk-in location for children and teens who need immediate mental health support—whether it feels like a crisis, or you’re simply not sure where to start— no question is too small. Our program offers immediate, short-term mental health support for children and teens ages 5-17 (18 if still in high school). You define the crisis. We’re here to listen, support, and help you find the next step toward stability and healing.

If your child or a child you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, without a medical emergency, walk into Huntsman Mental Health Institute (no appointment needed). 

Quick facts

Open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
365 days a year

No appointment necessary

Who is this for?

Youth ages 5-17 (18 if still in high school)

Location

Huntsman Mental Health Institute 
501 Chipeta Way 
Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Hope begins here: How Our Youth Crisis Care Program Helps

We provide a calm, supportive environment where youth can stay for up to 23 hours to take a pause, reset, and receive care. Our compassionate care team works closely with the youth and families to understand what's happening, offer stabilization and relief, and plan next steps for ongoing care. Our services are tailored to support youth experiencing challenges such as school stress, family conflict, self-harm behaviors, difficulty with self-care, or any situation where things feel overwhelming or uncertain.

Get Immediate Support for Youth and Families

If your child or teenager is experiencing mental health challenges, help is just a step away—no referral, no wait, just walk in. Our Youth Crisis Care program offers immediate support for concerns such as:

  • Suicidal behaviors or thoughts
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma-related issues
  • Self-harming behavior
  • Other behavioral concerns

Walk in today

What to Expect: Your Visit to Youth Crisis Care

Our Youth Crisis Care Program offers immediate, walk-in support for youth experiencing an acute mental health crisis or needing same-day mental health care. We provide a safe, calm, and youth-friendly environment where youth and their families can receive compassionate, respectful care. No appointment is needed to access:

Immediate Mental Health Support

  • Upon arrival, youth are evaluated by a licensed mental health professional to assess their needs and identify any urgent concerns.
  • Our team listens closely to understand what the youth is experiencing and begins planning appropriate care right away.

Short-Term Stabilization (Up to 23 Hours)

  • Youth may stay for up to 23 hours in a safe, comfortable, and monitored setting.
  • During their stay, they receive supportive counseling, de-escalation techniques and medication for symptom relief, if needed
  • The goal is to help the youth feel safe, stable, and supported in a short period of time.

Family Involvement in Care

  • Parents or guardians are actively included in the assessment, treatment planning, and discharge process.
  • Our team works with families to understand the youth’s needs, develop a personalized care plan, and connect with appropriate follow-up services.

Multidisciplinary Team Support

  • Care is provided by a team of professionals with specialized training for children and teens, including psychiatrists, advanced practice clinicians, social workers, nurses, and psychiatric technicians.

Next Steps and Ongoing Care

  • Before discharge, the care team will provide clear treatment recommendations and help coordinate referrals for outpatient therapy, inpatient care, or community-based services.
  • We aim to ensure a smooth transition to the next level of care, supporting the youth’s path to mental wellness.

Why Choose Our Youth Crisis Care Program?

The Youth Crisis Care program offers a compassionate, immediate, and specialized mental health support tailored specifically for children and teens where families can take a pause, reset, and get connected to the right level of care.

Backed by the expertise of Huntsman Mental Health Institute, as part of the University of Utah Health system, the program is grounded in research-based practices and our strong reputation for excellence in mental health care. Here is what you need to know about our program:

A Trauma-Informed Space Designed for Youth

Unlike general emergency rooms or adult crisis units, this program is designed specifically for kids and teens ages 5–17. The space and approach are developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and focused on emotional safety and trust.

Immediate Access to Skilled, Compassionate Care

Youth are seen quickly by a dedicated team of professionals with specialized training for children and teens, including psychiatrists, advanced practice clinicians, social workers, nurses, and psychiatric technicians. No referral needed.

Short-Term Stay Long-Term Connections

The 23-hour observation model allows for rapid assessment and stabilization in a peaceful setting—not a crowded Emergency Room. From there, families receive personalized referrals to longer-term care suited to the child’s needs.

Medication Support When Needed

For youth experiencing intense symptoms, access to safe, carefully prescribed medication can offer fast relief and help restore balance. We can discuss medication adjustments during the initial assessment.

Strong Family Collaboration

Parents and guardians are included every step of the way—from assessment through follow-up planning. The program empowers families with resources, knowledge, and connection to future care.

You are not alone.

Additional crisis resources available to children, teens, and young adults experiencing a mental health crisis

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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

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