Focusing on the big picture to make systemic change.
From policy analysis to community projects, our work is built on a foundation of data and a commitment to collaboration.
Our team includes experts in public policy, prevention strategies, clinical practice, public health, criminal justice, and more.
We cultivate a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Oklahoma to create solutions that move our state forward.
Illuminating the path forward
Research & data
In 2022, Oklahoma directed more public resources to mental health than ever before. Healthy Minds is at the forefront of this historic transformation of Oklahoma’s behavioral healthcare system. By empowering policymakers and community leaders with data, research, and evidence of what works, we help ensure sound policy that leads to a healthier Oklahoma.
Understanding the competency evaluation and restoration process for Oklahoma criminal defendants
Competency evaluation and restoration services are critical to ensuring a person’s due process rights are protected. As Oklahoma and other states face lawsuits over lengthy waitlists for competency restoration services, it’s important to understand how these processes work in Oklahoma.
Read MoreImproving access to behavioral health care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
In this analysis, we propose solutions to ensure Oklahomans with IDD have the same access to mental health treatment as any other patient, including better training of clinicians and improved coordination of services.
Read MoreBarriers to care for people with co-occurring mental health disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health challenges face obstacles that make it difficult to access the behavioral health care they need. In this paper, we examine barriers to care such as stigma, a lack of training among providers, and disconnected community supports.
Read MoreTransforming mental health policy in Oklahoma
Policy guidance & analysis
During the past five years, Healthy Minds was responsible for more than a dozen vital pieces of mental health legislation becoming law in Oklahoma. These bills provide the policy infrastructure for a more effective and efficient mental health system — addressing insurance issues related to mental health care, implementing evidence-based practices, and strengthening the mental health workforce. We help steer policy directions to be data- and evidence-informed, backed by substantive research on the most pressing issues facing our state.
Analysis of existing policy and implementation
Drafting legislation and regulations
Analysis of proposed legislation
Oklahoma mental health policy highlights of the 2024 legislative session
During the 2024 session, the Oklahoma Legislature passed key mental health bills and appropriated over $5 million to provide much-needed support to the state’s behavioral health workforce.
Read MoreNew law modifies Oklahoma’s definition of “person requiring treatment”
Oklahoma will soon have an updated definition to determine when someone may be held in protective custody for a mental health evaluation to determine whether they need to be involuntarily hospitalized.
Read MoreHow Oklahoma can reduce housing insecurity through Medicaid
In this analysis, we explore how Oklahoma and other states can utilize strategies through Medicaid to address housing insecurity for Medicaid members with serious mental illness or substance use disorders.
Read MorePutting research into practice
Community initiatives
Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, communities across the state are prioritizing mental health and investing significantly in their treatment infrastructure. Healthy Minds supports these efforts with expert counsel, stakeholder coordination, and a long-term vision for improving behavioral health outcomes and increasing access to care.
We provide applied expertise in a wide range of services, from tactical assistance to strategic planning to leadership of community projects.
Our services include:
Needs identification and assessments
Stakeholder coordination
Implementation strategies
Program evaluations
Resource development for community mental health initiatives
Read more about our work:
Healthy Minds awarded WayFinder grant from United Way of Central Oklahoma
Awarded at the United Way of Central Oklahoma's centennial campaign kickoff, the grant provides startup funding for a multi-year initiative to strategically align Oklahoma City’s behavioral health systems with the growing mental health needs of its residents.
Read MoreTulsa is poised to be nation's first 'Zero Overdose' community
Launched by Healthy Minds in March 2023, the Zero Overdose learning community is a collaborative of citywide partners dedicated to eliminating overdose deaths in Tulsa.
Read MoreHealthy Minds works with organizations, communities, and treatment systems, such as non-profits, state agencies, employers, health care institutions, and community coalitions.
Developing collaborative solutions to Oklahoma's challenges
Partnerships & Coalitions
While Oklahoma has tremendous mental health need, collaborative solutions are underway. Healthy Minds coordinates coalitions and partnerships of public- and private-sector stakeholders in communities across the state. We are confident that Oklahoma’s challenges are not insurmountable, and we remain optimistic about the future of our state.
State Policy Council
Oklahoma Mental Health Caucus
Tulsa Methamphetamine Treatment Continuum Steering Committee
