Oklahoma City’s mental health system is overburdened and underutilized, according to a recent community needs assessment.
The assessment finds OKC has significant behavioral health service needs, characterized by surging numbers of people experiencing mental health and substance use problems and a treatment system hobbled by structural and resource deficits.
The report, prepared by the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, highlights Oklahoma City’s resilience and growth, but argues high levels of poverty, housing instability and food insecurity are preventing tens of thousands of residents from accessing necessary care…