Behavioral Health Services
State Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Annual Report
Welcome to the Salt Lake County Division of Substance Abuse. This division is one of nine major divisions within the Salt Lake County Department of Human Services.
The Division administers substance abuse Prevention and Treatment services under the direction of the Local Authority (County Council) in Salt Lake County. These services constitute the largest program in Utah for alcohol and drug prevention and treatment.
While the Division does not treat clients itself, the Division has an Assessment and Referral Unit which is staffed with licensed mental health professionals who assess many of the clients and refer them to the clinically appropriate subcontracted treatment provider. Additionally, the Division subcontracts with the University of Utah's Assessment & Referral Services to perform a similar function as well as to offer free Interim Groups for individuals who may have to await admission into treatment. The subcontracted Treatment Providers exist throughout Salt Lake County and are responsible for the care and treatment of the client.
Similarly, the Division also subcontracts with school districts and other Prevention Providers to deliver Universal, Selected, and Indicated Prevention Programs.
The Salt Lake County Division of Substance Abuse administrative office:
- Provides comprehensive, system-wide planning and program development and evaluation as well as needs assessments
- Conducts an open Request for Proposal (RFP) process for services
- Coordinates advocacy between providers and clients
- Facilitates networking among providers
- Conducts site visits and evaluations of all subcontracted alcohol and drug services
- Pursues, manages, coordinates, and tracks funding
- Acts as the local substance abuse authority
- Establishes service priorities
- Ensures the needs of the public are being met effectively by using proven models and strategies
- Provides training for professionals and the community