Utah State Hospital


USH provides excellent care in a safe and respectful environment to promote hope and quality of life for individuals with mental illness.
USH does not take direct admissions from the community. Patients are referred for admission to USH by the local mental health authority and district courts. Contact your local mental health authority if you have further questions. This map has contact information for the local mental health authority in your area.

Treatment programs

We provide a safe and healing environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect. It is our purpose to assist patients to reach their potential through individualized treatment. We strive to meet each patient’s needs in a caring and professional way.

adult talking with psychologist

Adults

Adult services consist of 5 units that provide treatment to adult patients with severe mental illness. We provide interventions to help patients manage their illness and develop life skills that they can use in the community. We use an interdisciplinary team and evidence-based treatment methods.  

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Pediatric patient in a group

Pediatric

The Maple unit serves boys and girls ages 6 to 12 years. The Cedar and Birch units serve teenagers ages 12 to 18 years. Our pediatric units are state-of-the-art facilities that offer comprehensive treatment services to our pediatric patients. Patients also receive education K-12 in a collaborative program with the Provo School District. 

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Forensic patient speaking to therapist

Forensic

The forensic services offer evidence-based mental health treatment to patients who have a court order for state hospital treatment. It mainly focuses on court-ordered patient competency restoration. It has 6 state-of-the-art and secure inpatient units at the Provo campus; an outpatient  jail-based competency restoration unit in Salt Lake County; and step-down outpatient services across Utah jails, prison, and the community.

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Visiting the Hospital

campus map

Find your way around

Download a copy of our campus map. From our museum on the west side to our amphitheater and castle to the east, use our map to find the right building or service once you're on campus.
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Family walking in park

Visiting procedures

Family members and friends are encouraged to visit. Regular visiting hours vary between the different buildings and according to the day of the week, weekend or holiday. To arrange for a visit, please contact the social worker or the unit staff in advance of your visit.

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Hospital Overview

Utah State Hospital entrance sign with mountains in the background

State-of-the-art psychiatric hospital

Our goal is to always improve the safety and quality of care for our patients.  The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is a leader in recovery oriented treatment for individuals with mental illness.  The campus is located in the foothills of the Wasatch Front and is in a beautiful and peaceful, healing environment. Programs are designed to help individuals succeed when transitioning into the community. We have services provided by a variety of disciplines, including psychiatry, nursing, social work, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, physical therapy, music therapy, psychology, medical services, neuropsychological services, and substance use counseling.

Utah State Hospital (1896)

Our history

The Utah State Hospital began as the Territorial Insane Asylum in 1885 at Provo, Utah (which at the time was a days' travel from Salt Lake City). The particular site in Provo was some eight blocks from the nearest residence and was separated from the city by swampland and the city dump. The message this reveals about the prevailing attitudes regarding mental illness is unmistakable.
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Get involved with USH

If you're looking to get involved with the hospital, there are so many great opportunities available! Whether you're interested in volunteering your time, gaining valuable experience through an internship, or exploring potential employment opportunities, there's something for everyone. 

Young disable man in wheelchair interacting with Asian female volunteer

Volunteering

Active volunteer involvement accomplishes a dual role at Utah State Hospital. First, it helps our patients to feel accepted by the community and helps them to relate socially. Secondly, community involvement is a teaching experience to help educate the community about mental illness and the programs offered at USH.

Smiling diverse volunteers sorting foodstuff in cardboard boxes, working together on donation

Internships for students

Internships are highly productive learning experiences for preparing students to enter the job market. Intern positions are available at Utah State Hospital working in occupational therapy, psychology, recreational therapy, and social work.

Job center employee with file form standing in front of employment noticeboard.

Employment

Investments and retirement

A variety of investment and retirement options are available. To utilize online fund management and learn more about these options, visit Utah Retirement Systems.

Health, dental, and life insurance

Whether enrolling for the first time or considering new coverage options, the Health Benefits Training site provides basic information, plan overviews, FAQs, and contact information for further assistance with the enrollment process.

Employee discounts

There are several programs available that provide discounted local and nationwide retail, entertainment, lodging, theme parks and more