HEALTHY MIND MATTERS

Officials Break Ground On New Mental Health Crisis Care Center In Utah

May 26, 2021, 6:30 PM | Updated: May 27, 2021, 7:44 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — From sirens and handcuffs, to compassionate, efficient care, Utah has taken a giant leap forward in how we treat mental health disorders.

Officials with the Huntsman Mental Health Institute broke ground on a new treatment center Wednesday that could become a model for the nation.

With the dog days of summer coming, Charlie Ellis, with his emotional support animal, Izzie, is looking forward to a sea of change in mental health treatment. 

“You used to just be really hush-hush,” said Ellis, who lives in Sandy. “You kept it under the table.” 

Charlie Ellis relies on his emotional support dog, Izzie, to help him manage his depression and bipolar disorder. His difficult experience during a mental health crisis became an impetus for change. (KSL TV)

Ellis has depression and bipolar disorder and he isn’t alone.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8% of Utah adults had symptoms of anxiety late in late April to early May 2021, and 30.1% had symptoms of anxiety disorder or depression. 

The land at 3300 South and 1000 West in Salt Lake City is fertile ground for change — a first-of-its-kind mental health center.

The center was made possible by the Huntsmans, Salt Lake County and ‘Charlie’s Law,’ introduced by Utah Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy.

“To have a facility that an individual can walk into without an appointment 24-7, 365 days a year, and receive quality mental health care treatment, particularly for those who are in a crisis,” he said.  

The Crisis Care Center at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute of Hope will treat psychiatric emergencies with dignity.

“When somebody broke their arm, we signed their cast and celebrated it, but when something broke inside of us, we ignored it and tried to hide it,” said Gov. Spencer Cox.

The new center could have made a difference for Ellis two years ago when he faced a mental health crisis.  

“All of a sudden, about 10-12 police cars pulled up and lit up the parking lot,” he said. “Backed me across the parking lot at gun and Taser point. They then proceeded to handcuff me.”  

They made him take an ambulance to the hospital, “then about a month later, arrived a bill in the mail for $4,500,” he said.  

When the center is completed, officials said they won’t turn anyone away.

It will have room for walk-ins and people in a mental health emergency, helping patients avoid unnecessary jail or ER visits.  

“It’s going to cover everybody and you work with professionals,” said Ellis. “And when you come out from your stay there, there’s a plan in place for an ongoing program.”

For Ellis, who’s a baseball coach, it’s a home run.

“It’s okay to come forward and say, ‘I’m having problems. I have depression. I have bipolar. It’s not something that you have to hide and hang your head about,” he said. “You can have a great life. I have ten grandchildren I get to go spend a great time with and do,” Ellis said.

They’re hoping to save lives and improve mental health.  

The Crisis Care Center at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute Campus of Hope will open in late 2023. 

KSL 5 TV Live

Healthy Mind Matters

mother and daughter sit at a table...

Emma Benson

Eating Disorders Awareness Week: How to recognize the signs and get help

Carrie Jackson said when the pandemic hit, her daughter, Emma, started showing signs of an eating disorder.

27 days ago

Lauren Hess has struggled with depression since she was a teen. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects...

Emma Benson

‘You can actually find joy again’: Why Utahns are at higher risk for seasonal affective disorder, how to cope

Seasonal affective disorder affects about 10% of Utahns, according to a Huntsman Mental Health Institute doctor.

2 months ago

(Safe2Feel)...

Tamara Vaifanua

Free SAFE2FEEL conference teaches coping, confidence-building skills

Mental health experts say there’s an epidemic of loneliness. 

2 months ago

(Laura Warburton)...

Emma Benson

‘Because of Hannah’: Utah mom who lost daughter to suicide provides resources for others

Laura Warburton remembers her daughter, Hannah, as a warrior.

4 months ago

SafeUT app...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com 

SafeUT app sees ‘record-breaking’ use in 2023

The SafeUT app saw "record-breaking" utilization during 2023, program leaders and partners announced Tuesday.

5 months ago

Kelsey (left) and Wendy Fayle (right) holding up a NAMI sign. (Courtesy: Wendy Fayle)...

Candice Madsen, KSL TV

NAMI Utah offers free classes for parents and adolescents dealing with mental illness

NAMI is offering free classes for both parents and adolescents that are dealing with mental illness.

5 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Officials Break Ground On New Mental Health Crisis Care Center In Utah