Policy Analysis
Progress since House Bill 4106, Oklahoma's law on mental health protocols for schools
Implementation for HB 4106 is still uneven across the state. But mental health crisis response protocols have shown a positive impact on students by improving systems of coordinated care. In this analysis, Healthy Minds makes recommendations for stronger compliance.
Read MoreHow ‘generally accepted standards of care’ create fairer systems for accessing behavioral health treatment
Some states require insurance companies to use “generally accepted standards of care” — evidence-based criteria that are created and endorsed by behavioral health experts and associations.
Read More2026 Oklahoma legislative session: Mental health bills to watch
Find summaries and tracking lists for the mental health bills we're watching in 2026.
Read MoreA practical path forward for criminal justice diversion in Oklahoma
In this report, we present recommendations with broad support from a variety of justice system stakeholders about ways to divert people with mental health and substance use conditions away from jails and into treatment.
Read MoreMaximizing the impact of Oklahoma's allied mental health workforce
Allied mental health professionals are an essential part of Oklahoma’s behavioral health workforce. But low wages and restrictive certification requirements can make it difficult for communities to recruit and retain these workers, and drifting responsibilities often do not reflect their training and expertise.
Read MoreNext steps for CCBHCs in Oklahoma: How the state can ensure high-quality, cost-effective services
To chart a course forward on CCBHCs, the state must protect access to care while building a foundation of adequate governance to ensure high-quality, sustainable services.
Read MoreBehavioral health strategies for Oklahoma’s application for critical Rural Health Transformation Fund dollars
With a successful application, Oklahoma could receive at least $500 million through the new Rural Health Transformation Fund. We outline how Oklahoma should prioritize the funding, including initiatives for rural workforce development and integrated behavioral health care.
Read More2025 Oklahoma interim legislative studies: What topics lawmakers will consider ahead of 2026
These are the interim studies we're tracking at Healthy Minds.
Read MoreFAQ: How federal changes to Medicaid will affect mental health services in Oklahoma
The "One Big, Beautiful Bill" is expected to have several major impacts on Oklahoma and the more than 1 million Oklahomans enrolled in Medicaid.
Read MoreMental health policy highlights of Oklahoma’s 2025 legislative session
Mental health was a central issue for much of the Oklahoma Legislature’s 2025 session, with months of concern over the state mental health department’s finances culminating in the unprecedented removal of the agency's commissioner.
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