New Day Treatment Program Launches in Response to Rising Youth Mental Health Issues in St. George
Intermountain Health Expands Youth Mental Health Services with New Day Treatment Center
St. George, Utah – In a significant enhancement to youth mental health care in the region, Intermountain Health’s St. George Regional Hospital officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art day treatment center dedicated to addressing mental health challenges faced by adolescents. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on January 22, 2025, and the facility is set to open its doors for service on January 28, 2025, as part of its comprehensive Partial Hospitalization Program.
This newly established center aims to provide intensive outpatient services tailored for adolescents aged 13-17 and their families. The program will focus on offering thorough evaluations and therapeutic intervention for young individuals grappling with various behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties. By creating a structured environment that fosters recovery while enabling adolescents to maintain connections with their families, this initiative intends to enhance the quality of mental health support available in the community.
Chantel Petersen, a representative from Intermountain Health, emphasized the center’s importance in addressing the rising mental health concerns among youth in today’s society. “This center represents a crucial step in our commitment to provide comprehensive mental health care that meets the specific needs of adolescents,” Petersen stated during the opening ceremony. The program’s holistic approach integrates various therapeutic techniques, including group therapy, individual counseling, and family support services, aligning with current best practices in youth mental health care.
The advent of this facility comes at a time when mental health issues among teenagers are on the rise, exacerbated by factors such as social media pressures, academic stress, and national public health challenges. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 5 youth aged 13–18 experience severe mental disorders in a given year, which underscores the necessity for accessible and specialized care.
The design of the day treatment center aims not only to provide clinical care but also to ensure a welcoming and comforting atmosphere conducive to healing and recovery. Modern amenities coupled with therapeutic spaces are crafted to reduce stigma and create an environment where young individuals feel safe seeking help.
As the center prepares to welcome its first patients later this month, the goal remains clear: to facilitate resilience and recovery for adolescents struggling with mental health issues, ultimately aiding in their transition to healthier futures. The positive impact of such specialized facilities cannot be overstated, as they play a vital role in equipping the younger generation with the necessary tools to navigate their mental health journeys.
