The Children’s Center Utah celebrated the grand opening of the Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center on Thursday, Oct. 1, marking the organization's first location outside of Salt Lake County. Situated on the Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi, the center aims to expand access to specialized mental health care for infants and early childhood patients through age six.
Addressing Regional Needs
The new facility addresses a growing need for specialized care in one of Utah's fastest-growing regions. According to reporting by the Lehi Free Press, approximately 60,000 children between the ages of birth and six years old reside in Utah County. Prior to this expansion, families seeking these specific services often had to travel to the organization's existing West Valley City location in Salt Lake County.
Expanding Clinical Services
The Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center is currently offering outpatient mental health services. Plans are underway to expand these offerings with the launch of The Children’s Center Utah’s Therapeutic Preschool Program, which is scheduled to begin in January 2027. These combined programs are intended to provide Utah County families with comprehensive mental health care during the critical earliest years of a child's development.
Funding and Partnerships
The establishment of the Lehi center was achieved through a public-private partnership involving state and private funding. The State of Utah provided initial appropriations for the project, which were matched two-to-one by private investments. Key contributors to the project included land donated by Intermountain Health and philanthropic support from several organizations and individuals, including The Kahlert Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, Central Bank, and Christian and Marie Gardner.
Early Intervention Strategy
Leaders for the organization emphasized the importance of early intervention in combating the state's mental health challenges. Rebecca Dutson, president and CEO of The Children’s Center Utah, stated that the center represents the potential of community collaboration to improve children's mental health. She noted that to address Utah's mental health crisis, support must be provided to young children and families from the very beginning.
Leadership Reactions
Governor Spencer J. Cox expressed support for the new facility, noting that families need accessible resources when a child is struggling. Cox stated that the Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center will provide specialized care during vital developmental years and thanked the various contributors who helped build the center. Similarly, Heather Kahlert, Executive Vice President of The Kahlert Foundation, said the foundation aims to support families at moments when such assistance makes the greatest difference.
Research and Data
The opening of the center coincides with new data regarding childhood mental health in the state. Research commissioned by The Children’s Center Utah and conducted by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute indicates that 20% of screenings for social or emotional issues among children ages 0-5 fall within the concerning range. This data highlights the necessity of expanding access to early childhood mental health services as Utah's population continues to grow.
Community Integration
The center is located directly across from Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, a placement intended to complement existing pediatric medical services on the campus. This proximity reflects a recognition of the connection between a child's physical and mental well-being. Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran praised the new resource in a Facebook post, describing the center as an exciting addition to the community and a significant investment in local families.
