University of Westminster closes Utah mental health care gap with free counseling services

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) A dangerous collision between the need for mental health care and the shortage of behavioral health workers is looming in Utah, according to a recent University of Wisconsin study.

In the Beehive State, adults reported feeling their mental health was “not good” on average 4.7 days in the past month. But the University of Westminster in Salt Lake City is stepping up its efforts by offering free mental health counseling services to anyone over 5 years old.

“And it’s really life-threatening when it comes to mental health issues if you have to wait that long to get treatment when you’re in crisis,” said Anna Lieber, clinical director of the Department of Counseling and Counselor Education at the University of Westminster.

Counseling is delivered by graduate students, closely supervised by licensed therapists, offering a range of services from family and play therapy to couples and group sessions.

“Some cases are easier than others, some are difficult, so it takes a minute to deal with them,” said Bridget Thackeray, a graduate student and clinic advisor.

MORE STORIES on Utah State of Mind

For graduate students like Thackeray and Julia Ashton, working as advisors is not only educational, but also rewarding.

“When I talk to people in my cohort, it always comes down to the same thing: We all just want to help people,” Ashton said.

Lieber said the mental health issues Utahns face most include anxiety, depression, trauma and grief, emphasizing the urgency of this initiative.

“Especially in our teens and young adults, depression, anxiety, and then suicidal thoughts are increasing,” she said.

The clinic aims to provide more than just a training ground for future therapists.

“There are so many people who don’t have access to it, whether it’s because of financial burden or because they just don’t know where to look,” Thackeray said.

It aims to eliminate financial and accessibility barriers to mental health care, even for those who are uninsured, by referring them to specialists when necessary.

Initial intake sessions last 90 minutes and ongoing sessions typically last 60 minutes.

“I experienced life-saving therapy, and the simple act of talking, connecting, and showing empathy saved my life and the lives of my family. and certainly that of my clients,” Lieber said.

The clinic is currently open and operates by appointment only. To schedule your first session, call (801)-832-2910.