The Head and the Heart
Talking gratitude and mindfulness
with Dale Werner.
It’s no secret that things are rough out there. Some days it feels like there’s no escape from the lure of doomscrolling, while other days see mental and physical exhaustion gobble up all of our motivation before we even get out of bed. When these barriers threaten to close us in and trap us within their own nightmarish echo chambers, it usually means it’s time to ask for some help.
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) has been a valuable resource for locals looking to connect with mental health professionals since 1986 and its providers continue to set a high bar for the mental health practice. In 2024, the HMHI had over two hundred thousand patient visits from 45 states and reached over six thousand people through its organized outreach events.
They offer a wide range of services for children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with such issues as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse recovery or grief management.
Dale Werner is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with the HMHI, and he’s been helping the institute’s patients since 2018. Werner’s desire for a career change led him to the world of mental health practice after working in the retail world for an extended period of time.
“I think the reason for the journey was really to find out how I can understand myself and people better,” he said.
Working in mental health creates its own set of stressors, and Werner said he likes to keep ahead of the more trying aspects of his chosen career by practicing mindfulness.
“I take my job very seriously and I want to be there for people who need help,” he said. “The process of mindfulness helps keep me present in their lives and helps me be there for anyone I’m working with.”
As a therapist, Werner is well-versed in modalities such as acceptance and commitment therapy, mind-body bridging and mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement, all of which incorporate some element of mindfulness in their practice.
From a physical health perspective, Werner recognizes the symbiotic relationship between the body and mind.
“Exercise and nutrition are important, but one thing I’ve found incredibly helpful in my own life is taking care of my own sleep issues and learning how important that is to our mental health,” he noted. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, sleep disorders affect 50 to 70 million Americans and one in three adults fail to get a healthy amount of uninterrupted sleep.
Managing one’s mental and physical health is a balancing act that requires perhaps more attention than our busy lives can spare. During those moments, Werner recommends taking some time to pause and recalibrate.
“I think it’s really looking at those things that are creating difficulty in your life and moving toward whatever helps you process those difficulties,” he said. Part of Werner’s process involves finding moments to acknowledge the good things in life.
“Showing gratitude and gratefulness and finding those spaces rather than feeling stuck helps people move through the difficult processes in life,” he observed.
Best Addiction Recovery
1. Huntsman Mental Health Institute (University Neuropsychiatric Institute)
2. Odyssey House of Utah
3. University of Utah Hospital
Best Allergist
1. Dr. Mili Shum – University of Utah Health
2. Dr. Jonathan Olsen – Granger Medical
3. Dr. Rafael Firszt – Tanner Clinic
Best Arch Support/Orthotics
1. Perfect Feet
2. Final Kick Ankle and Foot Clinic
3. Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic
Best Assisted Living/Memory Care
1. The Ridge Cottonwood
2. Legacy Village of Sugar House
3. George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home
Best Bariatric Surgery
1. U of U Health Bariatric Surgery Program
2. Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
Best Cardiologist
1. Dr. Jared Miller – Intermountain Health
2. Dr. Toby Paulson – Revere Health
3. Dr. C. Michael Minder – LDS Hospital
Best Colonoscopy
1. Dr. John C. Fang
2. Gut Whisperer
3. Granite Peaks Gastroenterology
Best Dental Implant Clinic
1. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah
2. Stubbs Dental Implant Center
3. The Dental Spa
Best Dental Practice
1. The Dental Spa
2. Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry
3. Warr Dental
Best Dentist/Best General Dentist
1. Dr. Ari Hobfoll – Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry
2. Dr. Kirkland Graham – The Dental Spa
3. Dr. Keith Warr – Warr Dental
Best Dermatologist
1. Dr. Angela Brimhall, DO – Sage Dermatology & Mohs Surgery
2. Allyson Sorensen, PA-C – University of Utah Health
3. Stephanie E. Frisch, MD – Intermountain Health
Best Dermatology Practice
1. Sage Dermatology & Mohs Surgery
2. University of Utah Midvalley Health Center
3. Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology
Best Doctor of Internal Medicine
1. Dr. Matthew Bryan – UAF Legacy Health
2. Dr. Kira Watson – University of Utah Health Sugar House Center
3. Dr. Anne Cioletti – University of Utah Health Madsen Center
Best Dry Needling
1. Pinyon Physical Therapy
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness
Best Ear, Nose & Throat Physician
1. Dr. Bryan Tagge – ENT Center of Utah
2. Dr. Jason Hunt – University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Hospital
3. Dr. Eric Slattery – ENT Center of Utah
Best Endodontist
1. Dr. Ryan Facer – Greater Endodontics
2. Dr. Ray Moser – Moser Endodontics and Implants
Best Experiential Therapist
1. Scott Frazier – Open Book Counseling
2. Aimee Hadfield – Hearten House
3. Caroline Pegram – Topaz Healing
Best Family Medicine Physician
1. Dr. Matthew Burnett – Utah Natural Medicine
2. Dr. Jacqueline Rohrer – Foothill Family Clinic
3. Dr. John Sanders – Voyage Direct Primary Care
Best Family Practice Clinic
1. Foothill Family Clinic
2. U of U Health Sugar House Center
3. U of U Health Madsen Center
Best Gastroenterologist
1. Dr. John C. Fang – University of Utah Health
2. Granite Peaks Gastroenterology
3. Dr. Brad Trowbridge – St. Mark’s Hospital
Best General Surgeon
1. Dr. Ellen H. Morrow
2. Dr. Nickolas Byrge
Best Geriatric Physician
1. Dr. Natalie Sanders – U of U Health Madsen Center
2. Dr Nicholas Brening – U of U Health Sugar House Center
3. Dr. Barbara Christiansen – Intermountain Southridge Senior Care – Geriatrics
Best Hospice Care
1. Solstice Home Health, Hospice & Palliative Care
2. Rocky Mountain Home Care & Hospice – Salt Lake City
3. Symbii Home Health & Hospice
Best Hospital
1. University of Utah Hospital
2. Primary Children’s Hospital
3. Intermountain Medical Center
Best In-Home Nursing Care
1. Solstice Holistic
2. Quality Home Health and Hospice
3. Community Nursing Services
Best Independent Pharmacy
1. Jolley’s Compounding Pharmacy
2. University Pharmacy
3. Cottonwood Compounding
Best Invisalign Provider
1. Graham Orthodontics
2. The Dental Spa
3. Harris Orthodontics
Best Ketamine Clinic
1. Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives
2. Rising Health Specialty Clinic
3. The Lotus Center for Healing and Wellness
Best LASIK Center
1. Hoopes Vision
2. John A. Moran Eye Center
3. LasikPlus
Best Local Optical Shop
1. Image Eyes Optical
2. Wolcott Optical
3. Vis.
Best Men’s Health Clinic
1. Thrive Aesthetics And Wellness
2. U of U Health Sugar House Center
3. Rise Rejuvenation Center
Best Mental Health Treatment Center
1. Odyssey House of Utah
2. Huntsman Mental Health Institute
3. Open Book Counseling
Best Midwifery/ Birthing Center
1. Intermountain Medical Center
2. Wasatch Midwifery and Wellness
3. Olive Branch Midwifery
Best Migraine Help
1. Dr. Dan Henry – Foothill Family Clinic
2. University Of Utah Neuroscience Center
3. Dr. Karly Pippitt – U of U Health
Best Neurologist
1. Dr. Kelsey Barrell – U Of U Health Clinical Neurosciences Center
2. Dr. Lia Chebeleu – Intermountain Health
3. Dr. Kenneth Oliver – The Neuro Clinic
IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Walter Reichert, Best Neurologist 2026 – University Of Utah Neuroscience Center
Best Behavioral Neurologist
1. Dr. Christine Cliatt Brown – U Of U Health
Best Nurse Practitioner
1. Lauren Muir – Thrive Aesthetics and Wellness
2. Jessica Arbogast – Odyssey House Martindale
3. Tyler Okelberry – Primal Mountain Medical
Best Obstetrician-Gynecologist
1. Chelsea Mutscheller – Avenues Women’s Center
2. Steven Thackeray – Cottonwood OBGYN
3. Melani Harker – University Of Utah Health
Best Oncologist
1. Dr. Sarah Colonna – Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers
2. Dr. Robert Dood – Huntsman Cancer Institute
3. Dr. Daniel Ermann – Huntsman Cancer Institute
Best Ophthalmologist/Eye Surgeon
1. Dr. Majid Moshirfar – Hoopes Vision
2. Dr. Theresa Long – University of Utah Health
3. Dr. Darcy H. Wolsey – Apex Vision
Best Optometrist
1. Dr. Ross Chatwin – Sugar House Vision Clinic
2. Dr. Stephen Lundquist – Vis.
3. Dr. Conner Dewey – Sugar House Vision Clinic
Best Oral Surgeon
1. Dr. Adam McCormick – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah
2. Dr. Michael Broadbent – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah
3. Dr. Alvin J. Stosich – Aspire Surgical | Murray
Best Orthodontist
1. Dr. John Graham – Graham Orthodontics
2. Dr. Alan Jensen – Smile Ranch Orthodontics
3. Dr. Richard Broadbent – Broadbent Orthodontics
Best Orthopedic Rehab
1. Pinyon Physical Therapy
2. Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital – University of Utah Health
3. Converge Physical Therapy
Best Orthopedic Surgeon
1. Dr. Drew Van Boerum – The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital
2. Dr. Patrick Greis – Veterans Administration Medical Center
3. Dr. Michael Johnson – Orthopedic Specialty Group – Alta View
Best Pain Clinic
1. University of Utah Pain Clinic
2. Pinyon Physical Therapy
3. Doctor Tony Chiro
Best Pediatric Dentist
1. Dr. Ari Hobfoll – Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry
2. Dr. Debbie Graham – East Bench Pediatric Dentistry
3. Dr. Tyler Hanks – Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry
Best Pediatrician
1. Dr. Cynthia Owens – Wasatch Pediatrics
2. Dr. Lisa Samson-Fang – Salt Lake Clinic Bryner Pediatrics
3. Dr. Bhanu Muniyappa – University Pediatric Clinic
Best Periodontist
1. Dr. Robert Wood – Utah Implants & Periodontics
2. Dr. Jeff Knight – Utah Periodontal Specialists
3. Dr. LaRisse Skene – Mosaic Periodontics
Best Physical Therapist
1. Sarah McNurlin – Pinyon Physical Therapy
2. Susan McLaughlin – Align Integration & Movement
3. Amy Frugé – Converge Physical Therapy
Best Physical Therapy Clinic
1. Pinyon Physical Therapy
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness
Best Physician Assistant
1. Nazaneen Pack – Arlani Integrative Medicine and Medspa
2. Kiersten Swindle – University of Utah Health Madsen Center
3. AnnaRose Zampano – Foothill Family Clinic
Best Plastic Surgeon – Cosmetic/Reconstruction
1. Dr. Thomas Oberg – Still Canyon Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery
2. Utah Facial Plastics & UFP Aesthetics
3. Angela Keen, MD
Best Podiatrist
1. Dr. Darren Groberg
2. Dr. Mark Grunander – McKay-Dee Surgery Center & Orthopedics
Best Prenatal Care
1. University of Utah Hospital
2. Avenues Women’s Center
3. Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness
Best Psychiatrist
1. Dr. Scott Frazier – Open Book Counseling
2. Dr. Jeremy Thueson – Huntsman Mental Health Institute
3. Mandi Christensen – Healing Pathways Medical
Best Psychotherapist/ Counselor
1. Aimee Hadfield – Hearten House
2. Ted Winkworth – Cottonwood Professional Coaching
3. Amber Frazier – Open Book Counseling
Best Registered Dietitian
1. Colleen Shields – Converge Physical Therapy
2. Lauren Parrish – Sports Nutrition & Disordered Eating
3. Mary Clare Christopher – Pinyon Physical Therapy
Best Registered Nurse
1. Brittany Larson – University of Utah Sugar House Center Pharmacy
2. Mary Holje – Omega Aesthetics & Wellness
3. Paige Sallee – University Of Utah Hospital
Best Rheumatologist
1. Dr. Richard Gremillion – Granger Medical
2. Dr. Matthew Call – Utah Valley Rheumatology
3. Dr. Don L. Stromquist – University of Utah Farmington Health Center
Best Rural Utah Medical Center
1. Uintah Basin Medical Center
2. Brigham City Community Hospital
Best Spine Center
1. Doctor Tony Chiro
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Aspen Falls Spinal Care Center & Chiropractic
Best Sports Medicine Clinic
1. TOSH – The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital
2. Pinyon Physical Therapy
3. University of Utah Healthcare Orthopedic Center
Best Transgender Health Care
1. University of Utah Hospital
2. UAF Legacy Health
3. Rebirth OB/GYN
Best Urgent Care
1. U of U Health Farmington Center
2. U of U Health Sugar House Urgent Care
3. Fourth Street Clinic
Best Urologist
1. Dr. Peter Caputo – Granger Medical
2. Dr. Stephen Summers – University of Utah Health
3. Dr. Sarah Christianson – Intermountain Health
Best Wellness Podcast
1. “Odyssey House Journals”
2. “The Health, Healing, And Happiness Podcast”
3. “Uplift for Her”
Best Wisdom Teeth Removal
1. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah
2. Hopkin Oral Surgery
3. Utah Facial & Oral Surgery
Best Women’s Health Clinic
1. Planned Parenthood – Salt Lake
2. Pinyon Physical Therapy
3. University of Utah Hospital
Yassify Your Smile
Dental and facial beautification at The Dental Spa.
Your teeth and face will thank you after a trip to The Dental Spa- Courtesy photo
While visiting the dentist doesn’t typically evoke feelings of relaxation and pampering, there are a few enterprising clinics around town that have made interesting changes in the field of dentistry. Instead of stressing about periodontal probes poking at your gumline or the scream of a handpiece drill as it slowly approaches one of your molars, imagine a dentist experience that uses proven relaxation techniques to take the edge off.
Such is what the team at The Dental Spa (thedentalspa.com) has created with its clinic—it’s a place where you can take care of your pearly whites while taking care of your peace of mind.
The Dental Spa combines the technology and medical professionalism of a dentist office with an aesthetically-minded approach. One can get routine teeth cleaning and dental implants here, but it also serves those looking to make some cosmetic changes to their smile. With The Dental Spa’s design service, the team can work with a client’s existing facial structure to create a smile that is uniquely theirs through such enhancements as veneers, crowns and whitening.
Once you’ve got the perfect smile you’ve been chasing, The Dental Spa offers treatments to help the rest of your face catch up. Aesthetic procedures like microneedling, dermaplaning and chemical peels are also available, making it a one-stop shop for any facial touch-ups you might be after.
Regardless of the treatment, The Dental Spa prides itself on creating a positive, relaxing experience for all of its patients.
An Odyssey of Healing
The Odyssey House continues its crusade against addiction.
Stacie Pett, Behavioral Health Tech Supervisor at the Downtown Adult Residential Program- Courtesy photo
Since 1971, The Odyssey House (odysseyhouse.org) has been a dedicated resource for residential treatment and addiction recovery. It maintains a constant presence on City Weekly’s Best of Utah lists because it’s not only one of the most comprehensive providers of help, but it’s also among the most effective. In 2025 alone, Odyssey House saw 70 percent of those enrolled in its substance use programs complete their treatment.
The Odyssey House primarily treats substance abuse and addiction with both residential and outpatient services. Its residential programs treat the roots of addiction within each patient through a combination of mental health strategies, life skills and relationship coaching. Whether the patient is a single adult, an adult with children or a struggling youth, the organization aims to be a place of healing for all. Its outpatient services provide support groups for families, drug and alcohol assessments, DUI classes and therapy services for individuals, families and couples.
While The Odyssey House focuses on inpatient addiction recovery programs, they are also an excellent resource for those in need of clinical assistance with mental health issues. Its Martindale clinic opened in 2021 with the aim of providing public health supplies and services to those with limited options. Thanks to its outreach services, for example, hundreds of individuals had access to naloxone and wound care kits.
Between taking care of those struggling with addiction and creating resources that prevent addiction from taking root, The Odyssey House has held a crucial line for locals who are in trouble. It was, is and will always be a guiding light for those who need it.