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Youth Crisis Care Program

24/7 walk-in care for children and teens experiencing a mental health crisis

Call  801-583-2500 or

Walk-in mental health crisis care for youth

The Youth Crisis Care Program at Huntsman Mental Health Institute is a 24/7 walk-in location for children and teens experiencing a non-medical mental health emergency, like emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Our program offers immediate, short-term mental health support for children and teens ages 5-17 (18 if still in high school).

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 Crisis Care Program Helps

We provide a calm, supportive environment where youth experiencing a mental health crisis can stay for up to 23 hours. During their stay, our compassionate care team works closely with the youth and their parent or guardian to assess immediate needs, begin to understand the underlying cause, and determine the most appropriate next steps. Our services are tailored to support youth experiencing challenges such as mood disturbances, self-harm behaviors, difficulty with self-care, or a significant decline in daily emotional functioning.

Get Immediate Help for Youth in Crisis

If you child or teenager is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is just a step away. 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. 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 in crisis.

Backed by the expertise of Huntsman Mental Health Institute, as part of the Â鶹ѧÉú¾«Æ·°æ 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 Youth-Focused, Trauma-Informed Environment

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 in crisis 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.

Short-Term Stay with Long-Term Support in Mind

The 23-hour observation model allows for rapid assessment and stabilization in a peaceful setting—not a crowded ER. 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.

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

SafeUT: Help with any sized problem, any time

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

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