The Children’s Center Utah has opened the Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center in Lehi, marking the organization’s first location in Utah County. Located on the Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital’s Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus, the facility aims to provide outpatient mental health services for children from birth through age six, reducing travel times for families previously relying on the West Valley location.
Addressing Pediatric Mental Health Needs in Utah County
Utah County presents a unique challenge for mental health providers due to its rapid growth and young demographic. According to Rebecca Dutson, president and CEO of The Children’s Center Utah, the area holds the youngest median population in the United States, with approximately 60,000 children aged six and under. By establishing a presence in Lehi, the organization seeks to alleviate the logistical burden on families who previously had to commute to West Valley for specialized care.
The new center is currently accepting patients, with services accessible through pediatrician referrals or direct appointments. Kimberli Berrett, clinical director of outpatient services, noted that the facility is designed to support families through early intervention. The organization estimates the Lehi location will eventually serve roughly 750 families annually at full capacity, supplementing the 1,000 families served each year at the West Valley site.
Did you know?
The Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center is strategically situated on a pediatric medical campus. Kimberli Berrett stated that this placement is intentional, as physical health and mental health are closely aligned.
Future Expansion of Therapeutic Preschool Programs
A primary feature of the Lehi expansion is the upcoming therapeutic preschool program, scheduled to open in early 2027. This program will serve children ages 2 to 5, focusing on social and emotional development within a small group setting. Unlike traditional preschools, this model emphasizes skill acquisition—such as emotional regulation and self-advocacy—before children enter larger classroom environments.
Dutson highlighted that for many parents, the program offers the first opportunity to observe their child succeeding in a group setting. To support this, the facility includes observation windows that allow caregivers to monitor progress and learn new skills. This early intervention approach is intended to address the root causes of the state’s broader mental health challenges.
Strategic Growth and Statewide Objectives
The Lehi facility serves as the initial phase of a broader growth strategy for The Children’s Center Utah. The organization has identified Davis County, Weber County, and St. George as future target areas for clinical care expansion. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lehi location is set for October 1.
Pro Tip:
If you are seeking mental health services for a young child, start by consulting your pediatrician. Most specialized mental health programs for children under six require a professional referral or a clinical assessment to determine the appropriate level of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for services at the Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center?
The center provides outpatient mental health services specifically for children from birth through age six.
How can families access care at the new Lehi location?
Families can access services by scheduling an appointment or obtaining a referral from a pediatrician.
What makes the upcoming therapeutic preschool different from a standard preschool?
The program, opening in 2027, is designed to help children build foundational skills like managing emotions and advocating for themselves in a small group setting before they transition to larger classroom environments.
Are there plans for more locations in Utah?
Yes, The Children’s Center Utah has announced intentions to expand clinical services into Davis and Weber counties, as well as St. George.
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