‘This facility brings hope’: Huntsman Mental Health Institute opens new crisis center
Mar 28, 2025, 9:00 PM
Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center on March 28, 2025. (Mark Wetzel, KSL TV)
(Mark Wetzel, KSL TV)
SOUTH SALT LAKE — Huntsman Mental Health Institute held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for its new $64 million Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center.
KSL TV recently got an exclusive tour of the facility in South Salt Lake, and Monday, it will start accepting walk-in patients. The 24/7 facility is designed to provide timely access to mental health care for the community, as Utah has one of the highest rates of mental illness in the nation.
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“For too long, people in our community haven’t known where to go if you’re having a struggle,” said Director Kevin Curtis. “To have a place that is built on the idea of hope and dignity is exciting for us.”
The 82,000-square-foot building is projected to serve nearly 10,000 patients annually. In addition to crisis stabilization, the center has a 24-bed inpatient care unit, and will provide medication-assisted treatment and access to legal and dental services.
“It will really help us work smarter. We’re clogging up emergency departments when we don’t need to,” said Dr. Jim Ashworth, Medical Director of Psychiatric Services for Huntsman Mental Health Institute. “This will really help in getting people to get in and get them that access to that right level of care.”
“I know what it’s like to be a family member to people who have both completed and attempted suicide. And I know I’m not alone,” said Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson. “This facility brings hope and light and peace.”
Russell Belt, who struggled for years with addiction, described the feeling of the building as a “warm hug.”
“It feels like home,” he said. “If this was around when I first started my mental health journey, it would’ve had a much better outcome, for sure.”
Adults ages 18 and up dealing with a mental health or substance use crisis can go to the facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis stabilization is provided to everyone at no cost. Insurance will be billed when a patient needs a higher level of care.
On Saturday, March 29, there will be a family-friendly block party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including tours of the facility, special guests, music and food trucks.
The center will officially open for walk-ins on Monday, March 31, at 8 am.
The Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center is located at 955 W 3300 S, South Salt Lake.
