Founded in 1975, Intermountain Health is a leading not-for-profit healthcare system that is dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health, well-being, and condition prevention. May has been recognized globally as the official “Mental Health Awareness Month” dating back to 1949. Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC have joined Intermountain Health in striving to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage others to share stories about their own mental health struggles. The organization actively works to support those in need by offering health clinics, treatment programs, and 24/7 hotline and support services.
Over the past decade, mental health has become the focal point of conversations, especially due to the divided political climate our country currently finds itself in. Many people may be looking to seek out help but despite having access to mental health resources, it may be challenging to figure out where to begin.
Things locally have reached a crisis point, as our home state of Utah ranks second (behind only Alaska) in terms of percentage of at-risk population per 100,000 people with regards to depression, as well as third nationwide (behind only Hawaii / Alaska) for suicidal ideation. To learn more, please use this tool from Mental Health America to map out and/or compare your county and state numbers.
This May, Mental Health America will help you:
- LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.
- ACT by building your coping toolbox so you can manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
- ADVOCATE to improve mental health for yourself, your friends and family, and your community.
For anyone struggling with the pressure of today's world, feeling alone, or wondering if they can feel better, this is \*\*Where to Start\*\*.
While the Intermountain Health website is a great way to get informed and connect with professionals, there are a multitude of ways you can prioritize mental health this month. Utah has a multitude of local businesses focused on mental healing and physical rejuvenation. Although not a substitute for professional help, the following suggestions may provide you with a little more than a temporary escape from daily stress.
SafeUT is a mental health support app that provides confidential help 24/7, 365. The platform offers a crisis chat and tip line for students, parents/guardians, and educators with real-time intervention. The app connects users to licensed professionals who are ready to help tackle the crisis or concern, live.
Live On is a state-wide suicide prevention initiative that offers education and resources in an effort to bring more awareness to suicide and mental health. They utilize multimedia messaging and campaigns to spread relevant information and have reached millions of people in Utah and beyond. The organization is dedicated to fostering connection, extending outreach, creating safe and supportive environments, and advancing its suicide prevention efforts through a comprehensive playbook. Furthermore, they provide a list of resources that anyone can use including but not limited to firearm safety, LGBTQIA+, youth and young adults, and the workplace.
\*\*Continuum Mind + Body Collaborative\*\* (1336 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105)
Continuum Mind + Body Collaborative is a holistic wellness center in Salt Lake City that integrates therapy, yoga, nutrition, and coaching under one roof. Their services include mental health therapy, yoga, movement classes, & wellness events, and dietitian services. The center also offers health and wellness coaching, and community workshops to foster connection and growth. Founded by three experienced clinicians, Continuum emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, and accessibility.
\*\*Red House Wellness\*\* (502 Ontario Ave, Park City, UT 84060)
Red House Wellness is an intimate, week-long retreat in Park City, Utah, designed to foster holistic transformation through its Four Pillars: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Each retreat hosts fewer than ten guests, offering personalized programs that include various yoga styles, meditation, journaling, plant-based meals, and outdoor activities like hiking and paddleboarding. The experience extends beyond the retreat with a six-week follow-up program featuring recorded classes and coaching to support lasting lifestyle changes. Situated just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Red House Wellness provides a serene environment for individuals and couples seeking rejuvenation and personal growth.
\*\*Elements\*\* (1190 North Mohrland Road, Huntington, UT 84528)
Elements Programs is a wilderness therapy organization based in Huntington, offering nature-based treatment for adolescents and young adults. Each program combines evidence-based therapies with outdoor experiences such as backpacking, climbing, and canyoneering to foster emotional resilience and personal growth. Therapists engage with clients in real-time during extended field immersions, creating a dynamic therapeutic environment. Family involvement is integral, featuring weekly calls, parent coaching, and in-person visits to support systemic healing.
\*\*SYNC Float Therapy\*\* (1200 West Lori Lane, Suite B10 Kamas, Utah 84036)
At SYNC Float Therapy you will be enclosed in a sensory-deprivation pod filled with hundreds of pounds of magnesium sulfate which will allow you to effortlessly float on the surface of the water. While floating, there is an absence of light, of sound, and of external pressure from gravity which can help put a troubled mind and weary body at rest. The magnesium sulfate immersion can provide numerous health benefits by relieving tension in strained muscles and help alleviate soft tissue pains, including backaches and stress-induced migraines. Magnesium is highly regarded as an important chemical that the body uses to manage stress, and taking part in a float-therapy session can lower stress response, increase antioxidant production, and facilitate healing.
\*\*Deep Canyon Spa at Flanigan’s\*\* (450 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767)
Five minutes away from the Zion National Park entrance in Springdale, UT, Deep Canyon Spa at Flanigan’s Resort offers an extensive menu of soothing, restorative, and healing treatments. The spa has unique packages where you can work up a sweat by biking, hiking, or going on a half-day canyoneering excursion before you return to meditate and relax. Deep Canyon Spa also offers a variety of massages including their signature Deep Canyon Muscle Relief massage with CBD and Arnica oil that can help treat inflammation, calm the skin, and soothe the soul. You will also be able to find guided meditation and crystal sound therapy on their menu of offerings to quiet your busy mind and spirit while resetting your nervous system.
\*\*Ruby’s Horseback Adventures\*\* (26 S Main St, Bryce Canyon City, UT)
There is nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than spending time in nature and at Ruby’s Inn, just outside Bryce Canyon National Park, where you can explore the beautiful Red Canyon while on horseback. Horseback riding is a low-impact exercise that has been proven to reduce stress, deepen problem-solving, and strengthen core muscles. Through Ruby’s Horseback Adventures you can tailor your experience, whether that be through one of their impressive half-day rides or if you're up for it there is an added four-day ride that takes you on the same trails used by renowned outlaw Butch Cassidy. Whatever you may choose, the stunning scenery of the Red Canyon’s red rock formations and Ponderosa pines may help ease a ruminating mind while you absorb the beauty of Southern Utah.
\*\*Mental Health America of Utah\*\* (150 S 600 E Suite 3B, Salt Lake City, UT 84102)
Mental Health America of Utah is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental wellness and advocating for individuals affected by mental illness. They offer peer support services, educational programs, and community outreach to reduce stigma and improve access to care. Their Peer Support Drop-In Center provides a safe, welcoming space for individuals seeking connection and recovery resources.
Chances are you or someone you know has or is currently dealing with a mental illness, or their mental health. The month of May represents a time to acknowledge and bring awareness to the ongoing struggle. Mental Health Awareness Month was created to reduce the stigma, raise awareness, and provide support for those who need it. Here are some of Visit Utah’s favorite Mental Health based organizations to help you or those in need. While not substitutes for professional help, they may provide you or your loved ones with a brief reprieve.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
******Fit To Recover** (1331 and 1335 Major St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115)
Fit to Recover is a wellness center that connects community members in sobriety to seek balance in their lives through fitness, nutrition, community service, and creative arts. They offer projects and classes and focus on supporting members physically, mentally, and socially.
Kura Door Holistic Japanese Spa (1136 E 3rd Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84103)
Nothing screams “Back to Basics” more than thousand-year-old traditions which can be found at Kura Door Holistic Japanese Spa. Located in downtown Salt Lake City, the Kura Door uses ancient Japanese traditions to calm and connect the mind, body and spirit. Go and relax in a kimono and experience one of their signature massages, manicures, pedicures, or skincare treatments!
Restore (121 E 12300 S Unit P#1, Draper, UT 84020)
Restore is one of the best places for any and all of your recovery needs. Across its four locations stretching from Riverton to Farmington, Restore holds various therapy options to improve sleep, energy and mood, such as cryotherapy, red light therapy, IV drip therapy and mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Restore also has its “Living Hyperwell” blog to give you the extra motivation needed when you’re at home.
Red Mountain Resort (1275 Red Mountain Cir, Ivins, UT 84738)
Red Mountain Resort, located in Saint George, Utah, positioned closely to Zions and Bryce Canyon National Parks and Snow Canyon State Park. The resort leads guided hikes every day, as well as workshops and retreats focused on strengthening your connection with your mind, body and spirit. With a spa and salon included, Red Mountain Resort is the perfect place for mental restoration and outdoor adventure.
Getting outside can do wonders for the mind. And She’s Dope Too leads rendezvous trips to Moab and Bear Lake each year to help women enjoy the outdoors in the company of other wonderful ladies. This camping trip includes activities from nature walks and crafting to rock climbing and bouldering, allowing women of all ages and experience levels to enjoy some time in nature.
