Utah health leaders share findings, work to combat mental health crisis
May 15, 2025, 4:00 PM
State health leaders are addressing the rapidly growing mental health crisis in Utah with the release of the Behavioral Health Master Plan. (canva)
(canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — State health leaders are addressing the rapidly growing mental health crisis in Utah with the release of the Behavioral Health Master Plan.
Data shows that Utah has the third highest share of adults with serious mental illness of any state in the nation. Additionally, research by the Utah Behavioral Health Coalition shows the state’s young adults with poor mental health has more than doubled over the last 10 years.
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Utah Behavioral Health Commission Chair Ally Isom said one of the biggest challenges they’re addressing is helping people find professional help when they need it.
“[We] talk about patient first,” said Isom. “We want to put individuals having this experience first. And one of the biggest challenges they have is navigation. Where is my portal into care? How do I access it?”
She said getting a patient to the right care can help deescalate the situation.
“And so often, families are grappling with, ‘Am I in the right place? It’s so complicated.'”
Addressing the mental health crisis in Utah
To compose the Behavioral Health Master Plan, the team worked to organize and sequence recommendations along with input from four subcommittees that provide prioritized requests. Ison said the challenge is determining what is most urgent and effective while ensuring all necessary actions are addressed.
“It’s just a matter what should come first,” said Isom.
According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute aside from Utah ranking third highest for adults with serious mental illness, the state stands eleventh for the percentage of adults with mental health conditions and fourth for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Isom said oftentimes, being aware of people around you and asking if they need help is one of the best ways to combat the problem.
“Put your arm around somebody and often it’s human connection that deescalates a mental health crisis.”
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