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.

Meet our experts

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 integrated behavioral health care and the Collaborative Care Model

Integrating behavioral health services into primary care settings not only expands treatment capacity in the mental health workforce but also provides an entry point for people who might otherwise struggle to access care.

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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.

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Improving 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.

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Transforming 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

How restricting student cellphone use in Oklahoma schools could benefit youth mental health

As youth mental health continues to suffer, new statewide survey data found that about half of Oklahoma middle- and high-school students “always” or “often” felt the urge to use social media, and about a third used it as an escape from their problems.

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Analyzing the impact of SB 511, Oklahoma’s harm reduction law

Without further action from lawmakers, SB 511 will expire in 2026, threatening Oklahoma’s progress in addressing an epidemic of drug overdoses and cutting short opportunities to see the law’s public health benefits come to fruition.

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Supporting Oklahomans after incarceration through Medicaid

Some states have begun using a new Medicaid strategy to offer limited health coverage to incarcerated people nearing their release date, creating a safer and more supportive community reentry period. We explore this strategy and its potential in Oklahoma.

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Putting 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

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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.

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Tulsa 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.

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Healthy Minds works with organizations, communities, and treatment systems, such as non-profits, state agencies, employers, health care institutions, and community coalitions.

Community Assessments

Comprehensive needs and system assessments at the geographic or organizational level, and may also include strategic planning and implementation assistance.

Grant Program Evaluations

Technical assistance, program consultation, data analysis, and assistance with reporting requirements and communication with grant officials.

First-Time Grantee Consultation

Initial consultation and training around compliance with federal grant requirements.

Community Engagement & Problem Solving

Problem definition and analysis, facilitation of community meetings or listening sessions, and action planning, and may include implementation assistance.

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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.