Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

It’s easy for parents and communities sometimes to think that mental health is more of an adult issue. After all, kids are young and resilient, right?

But sometimes they definitely need help too.

“I believe we are turning the tide the tiniest bit,” said Rebecca Dutson, president and CEO of The Children’s Center Utah. “So many adults don’t understand that infants, toddlers, and preschoolers have mental health needs. Yet we are, as a community, beginning to talk about it more openly, and beginning to recognize that help is available. That is what we’re most excited about is that we can be here when families are ready.”

Families in Utah Valley now have a location to meet those needs as The Children’s Center of Utah celebrated the official grand opening of the new Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center in Lehi on Thursday.

“It’s absolutely inspiring to be here today, together with all of the partners who’ve made this possible,” Dutson said. “Our public-private partnership is such a strong example. We’re thrilled to have a legislative appropriation. We’ve matched that 2-to-1 with private philanthropy to recognize that the leaders in our state — both our community leaders and our elected officials — understand the importance of addressing early childhood mental health and giving kids and families the tools they need when they’re young. That can make a huge difference and changes the trajectory of their lives. It gives their family and, of course, that child a better lived experience.”

Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

Utah First Lady Abby Cox was honored to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and described what a difference mental health treatment can make.

“Today is a really special day, and a day that’s culminated from a lot of hard work, and a lot of people coming together to see the need,” Cox said. “People many not think early childhood mental health is a real issue but the truth is that it is. It absolutely is. There are a lot of our kiddos and families who experience trauma but don’t have access to to mental health care. This is just an opportunity, especially here in Utah County, to make sure that that people have access.”

Cox explained that with Utah County continuing to grow rapidly, resources like the new facility need to be nearby.

“There’s just this huge need, a growing need, for all ages to have access to mental health care,” she said. “Utah County needs this here. When families are trying to find access, trying to get places, to have something more centrally located for them, closer to home, is going to be really critical. I’d love to see a mental health center in every county.”

Dutson called having the center a “incredible gift to this community.”

Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

“When we can provide treatment to children who are struggling with their mental or behavioral health when they’re very young, and we do that together with their families, we can change the trajectory of their lives,” Dutson said. “It is complicated for families, not only to find therapeutic treatment but to stay engaged in it. It requires a lot. Parents have to get off work. They have to pick up their child. They have to bring them here. When we can do that in a space that’s closer to their homes, we take down so many barriers for families.”

The center had a soft opening in July and has started seeing children and families, but is still finalizing all the details. It has numerous rooms for meeting with families as well as a full therapeutic preschool to aid children with their needs.

“People who come will find a very welcoming, beautiful space,” Dutson said. “It’s designed to help families feel comfortable, and especially their children. They will meet with a team of experts. They begin with a mental health assessment for the child, and then that family is matched with a clinician who has the evidence-based treatment model to best address that child’s needs”

Dutson said that it is amazing to see the difference that their evidence-based treatments can have on children and families.

“We have seen so much gratitude from families who are able to come to our center, who are able to access the expert care from our amazing clinical team,” she said. “The joy that they’re feeling, the relief that they’re feeling, really can’t be underscored enough.

Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

“When we witness a family and the change that happens for their child, and the relationship within the family and between the child and their parents and caregivers, it brings such personal joy. It’s why we all do the work. We’re committed to the kids and families.”

Both Cox and Dutson want families to know that resources are out there to help young children, and encourage anyone who has questions or wants to see whether their child could benefit from treatment to reach out.

“I had a pediatrician years ago when my babies were babies,” Cox said. “I was concerned about going in and talking to him about a situation. I remember him saying, ‘listen to your gut, listen to your instincts.’ So I would tell parents to listen. Listen to your mama heart. Listen to your children. If there’s something that feels off, get it checked out. Make sure that if there’s something that that you don’t think is quite right, make sure you’re getting in there either physically or mentally. Make sure that you’re looking out for those kiddos. And especially if there’s somebody that you know who’s been through trauma, then obviously I would refer them here.”

Dutson said: “We want families to think about two things: If you’re struggling with your child and you aren’t sure where to turn for help, you can call The Children’s Center Utah. Our team will walk you through it, help you sort out what you may or may not need. You can also turn to your pediatrician. Our largest source of referrals come from pediatricians, and so those two things to me are the best and first steps a family can take. It’s OK to get help. Pick up the phone and call. Your child, and you as a family, deserve to take care of yourselves in this way.”

For more information, go to https://childrenscenterutah.org.

Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

Kaitlin White shares her family's story at the grand opening of the Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center in Lehi on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

The Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center in Lehi, as photographed on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.