Oklahoma City experts see huge demand for mental health services

It’s an important time for mental health across the country, and in Oklahoma City, experts said they’re seeing tremendous demand for the services. Industry leaders held a town hall meeting where they spoke about mental health care. “We are living in a post-COVID mental health epidemic, or an epidemic, if you will,” said Randy Tate, CEO of Northcare, a behavioral health facility. Get the latest news of interest by clicking here. The Mental Health Town Hall was held at Fifth Street Baptist Church. People have learned about resources to help themselves or someone else in a mental health emergency. “Where people can go when they’re in crisis, and what organizations they can call for treatment and what they can do,” Tate said. the discussion featured speakers from law enforcement, community members, and mental health professionals, as well as public school representatives and licensed therapists. Tate provided insight into what needs to happen for mental health resources to be more successful. >> Get the KOCO 5 App “We are seriously under-worked and were ill-prepared for the mental health crisis unfolding right now,” Tate said. OKC has a number of mental health resources, such as number 988, which was established last year. Panel members also said that most colleges and universities offer free counseling, but some think more needs to be done for families. Staff at OKC public schools said they have multidisciplinary teams who can talk to students and make assessments to see how best to help them. “My organization is one of many that actually has people working 24/7 365 988 numbers to assist people in crisis,” Tate said. Most importantly, if you need help, reach out. Top newsPolice respond after OKC resident finds suspected artillery shell in gardenTwo dead after vehicle plunges into Arbuckles Lake off boat rampResidents describe moments after train derailment in Marlow