LDS Hospital Opens New Inpatient Psychiatric Unit to Address Growing Demand for Mental Health Services in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY ­­– With substance abuse in Utah reaching epic proportions, and the state holding the dubious distinction of ranking 8th in the nation in deaths due to suicide, the need for mental health services in Utah has never been greater.

To address this growing demand, LDS Hospital has completed a multi-stage renovation and expansion on its 7th floor north wing for a spacious, new 46-room inpatient psychiatric unit designed to diagnose, treat, and heal patients through full recovery.

Twelve of the unit’s 46 rooms will be dedicated specifically to seniors 55 and older who often have complex medical needs in addition to the emotional and psychological challenges of aging such as dementia, memory loss, depression and anxiety.

“We’re very excited about our new space, which now gives us over 50 beds devoted to our patients needing psychiatric services,” says Ted Wander, MD, medical director of inpatient behavioral health at LDS Hospital. “We’ve designed the new unit so that patients feel welcome and safe. Those in our care are often fragile, and this new space provides them with a comfortable place to heal.”

The new unit is bright and open and equipped to handle any kind of mental health need. It's also designed with state-of-the-art safety features for patients.

“Keeping our patients and staff safe is a top priority, and we took every measure to make sure they’re safe while in our care,” says Dr. Wander.

In addition to the new unit, LDS Hospital mental health services includes the Dayspring Chemical Dependency Program which includes a 12-bed inpatient detox unit, day treatment program and evening outpatient treatment program; inpatient psychiatry services; senior behavioral health for older adults who have special physical, emotional, and social needs; crisis management, electroconvulsive therapy, consult services for community physicians; and pet therapy.