Intermountain Health.opens 1st year with 9,000 pediatric patients

Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital Behavioral Health Taylorsville Campus has marked a significant milestone in its first year of operation, serving more than 9,000 pediatric patients and expanding access to vital mental health care in Utah.

Since opening its doors in September 2025, the 90,000-square-foot facility in Taylorsville, Utah, has become a beacon of hope for families facing behavioral health crises. The specialized hospital has provided care in its 24/7 Crisis Walk-In Center, the only unit of its kind in the state, and has seen 12,600 outpatient visits as demand for pediatric mental health services continues to grow.

The campus, made possible through a $25 million investment from the state of Utah and generous community donations, was designed to address the growing need for pediatric behavioral health services.

In the past year, the hospital has significantly expanded its services. It has added 50% more inpatient beds, adaptable to each child's needs, and 25% more outpatient appointment capacity, including immediate access for new patients. These enhancements reflect broader efforts by Intermountain Children's Health to address Utah's youth mental health needs.

The family-centered approach of the campus is evident in its design and services. L-shaped beds allow parents to stay overnight with their child, and larger treatment spaces filled with natural light provide a more comfortable environment. The campus also offers a range of services previously unavailable in a single pediatric behavioral health setting, including a dedicated 24/7 Crisis Walk-In Center, an Observation Unit, and various Partial Hospitalization Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and outpatient therapy services.

Heather Shotwell, director for behavioral health clinical operations, emphasized the importance of the Crisis Walk-In Center, stating, "Before we opened the hospital here, families in crisis often had one option, a busy emergency department that wasn't designed for a child experiencing a mental health crisis. Today, families have a dedicated 24/7 Crisis Walk-In Center built specifically for children and teens, along with a full continuum of behavioral health services in one location."

Despite recent data indicating encouraging progress in youth mental health across Utah, significant challenges remain. According to the latest available data, 12.6% of Utah students in grades 6 through 12 reported seriously considering suicide in 2025, down from 17.6% in 2023. Suicide attempts declined from 7.3% to 5.6% during the same period, and the percentage of students reporting feelings of sadness or hopelessness decreased from 34.1% to 26.2%. However, suicide attempts remain highest among sixth-grade students, underscoring the continued need for accessible behavioral health resources.

Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital Behavioral Health Taylorsville Campus remains committed to providing comprehensive care and support to children and families in need. "Call 385-478-2400, dial 988, or walk in. We're here 24/7."