Our goal is to train excellent child psychiatrists who are able to practice in any setting.  We have served the Intermountain West region for several decades and because of this stable foundation, our program has been able to continuously refine a curriculum that adapts to meet our patients’ ever-changing needs.  Our learning opportunities span the continuum of mental healthcare, from an acute academic inpatient hospital to outpatient behavioral health clinics and integrated mental health evaluations at local schools and private pediatric clinics.  Our fellows have the unique opportunity to train in two large mental healthcare systems, the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare/Primary Children’s, which provide a variety of interdisciplinary experiences and resources. Child and adolescent psychiatry fellows train side-by-side with triple board residents and attend conferences with psychology trainees and pediatrics residents.  Psychotherapy is an important component of mental health care and our curriculum, and training and supervision in psychotherapy is integrated into rotations.

It is an exciting time to pursue psychiatry training in Utah! In 2019, the University of Utah established the Huntsman Mental Health Institute in recognition of the generosity of the Huntsman Family.  Huntsman Mental Health Institute is dedicated to becoming a national leader in the care of people with mental illness, eliminating stigma associated with mental illness, enhancing neuroscience and psychiatric research, and expanding the excellent clinical care, community outreach, and education we provide to our local population.  The doors have recently opened to a new community-based mental health crisis care clinic, and construction is underway on a new clinical research building.  Many faculty members are involved in advocacy efforts at state and national levels.

Despite our growth, we value community and strive to maintain the flexibility of a small program so that we can help trainees develop into the best versions of the physicians they want to become.  We have built our culture around our program motto, “Never Worry Alone.” Our faculty are engaged in teaching, mentorship, and close supervision to support trainees.  All fellows are provided dedicated research and didactic time throughout fellowship to support scholarly pursuits, development of an area of expertise, and learning.  We set aside time for retreats, monthly lunches, and team-building activities to support each other and keep morale strong.  Our program administration doors are always open.

Utah is a hidden gem and offers a great lifestyle that many people enjoy.  The Salt Lake City area is safe and family-friendly, with lots of activities for children.  Some of the best skiing, hiking, and outdoor activities in the country are within a half hour drive from Salt Lake City.  For those who are less inclined toward the outdoors, there are numerous restaurants, a vibrant arts and music scene, and sports fans can enjoy NBA, NHL, and MLS events. 

We welcome trainees from near and far.  Many trainees find themselves coming to Utah to train and end up wanting to put down permanent roots.  Others want to come for an excellent education and continue on to other personal and professional pursuits.  Whatever your goal, we look forward to supporting you on this part of your academic journey.

Mary Steinmann, MD
Program Director, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry