Therapists in West Valley City, UT and Nearby Locations

Mental Health Resources in West Valley City, Utah

Regardless of your location, even in the greater Salt Lake City metropolitan area, can be challenging. West Valley City, Utah is no different. The Jordan Valley area of SLC is home to some of the best health care available in the western United States, including an abundance of therapists and mental health counselors to help you find relief.

West Valley City, a suburb of Salt Lake City, is the second largest municipality in Utah with nearly 130,000 permanent residents. Although it is the second largest city in the state it is relatively young having been incorporated in 1980, mostly due to the agricultural nature of the Jordan River Valley with many residents moving to nearby Taylorsville during the mid-1800s and into most of the 20th century.

Mental Health Statistics for West Valley City, UT

Peace of mind, optimism, and a general sense of well-being are key indicators of good mental health. Sadly, 8.2% of the population 18 and older have experienced a major depressive episode in the past year in Salt Lake County where West Valley City is located.  Even more present is illicit drug use. 15.2% of the population aged 12 and older have used illicit drugs in the past year. Both statistics are above the “norms” for the state as well as the nation.

West Valley City, and Utah in general are experiencing a shortage of available mental health professionals. Access to religion-based therapies and help might account for the lack of counselors and therapists as the population is predominantly affiliated with the Church of Latter-Day Saints.

A leading contributor to not seeking professional mental health services is the stigma surrounding a person’s mental health. As such, West Valley City and the surrounding area suffer from a high rate of suicide at 14.8%, with the statewide rate at a staggering 21.1%, well above the national rate of 12.9%.

Why is West Valley City Different Regarding Mental Health?

There are a plethora of factors defining and limiting mental health in West Valley City, UT. A poverty rate of just over 16  might be one reason but also the lack of job opportunities might also play into the equation. However, the lack of access to mental health professionals and licensed therapists and counselors seems to be a dominant factor.

West Valley City is largely agricultural with more than half the population traveling to neighboring communities for work. Depression and suicide seem to be the two biggest mental health concerns in the area, followed closely by substance use disorders.

• 32% of West Valley City (East) residents die by suicide.
• 21%of West Valley City (West) complete suicide.
• Studies have shown a direct link between mental health and religious stress and the surrounding stigma.
• The median income in West Valley City, UT is $55,933
• Suicide is the leading cause of death in West Valley City.

Divorce Rate in West Valley City Utah

West Valley City has an average divorce rate when compared to the rest of the U.S. but mostly stays slightly higher. In 2015, the Utah divorce rate was 3.6%while the rest of the country was 3.1%. On the other side of the coin, Utah has been experiencing a general decline in marriages since 2002. In 2015, the marriage rate was 8.1%, compared to the national average of 29.9%.

The low divorce rate may be a result of the population demographics, which are decidedly Mormon in the majority. Even with such a low divorce rate, less than 20 marriage counselors are serving the community of over 130,000.

Mental Health Resources in West Valley City, UT

There are currently less than two dozen professional therapists or counselors in West Valley City Utah. That’s roughly one licensed professional per 6,700 people. West Valley City is severely understaffed when it comes to mental health professionals at more than 10 times the population per professional than the national average.

Challenges of Finding a Therapist in West Valley City, Utah

There are only 20 mental health providers serving West Valley City, UT and nearly all are easy to find on the Internet. However, if you are looking for a therapist or counselor in West Valley City, you may need to look outside the municipality to find what you need. You may also need to visit several professionals to find one that you align with. Trust and knowledge of your issues are the two biggest deciding factors when choosing a mental health professional.