State Budget Supports Access to Behavioral Health Care, Addresses Critical Need

This year’s state budget includes $340 million to fund mental health and substance use services statewide, a 5.8 percent increase over the previous year’s funding mark.

“We are very thankful to the Governor and legislature for their continued support of behavioral health services,” said Carrie Slatton-Hodges, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services commissioner. “Support for services that help individuals overcome the devastating consequences of these diseases is vitally important, as is the hope provided to thousands of Oklahomans and their families when they are able to access life-changing care that opens a path to wellness.”

Funding allows the department to continue and enhance treatment services to the approximately 200,000 Oklahomans already receiving care, and will fund expanded opportunities to serve vital populations and address critical needs. This includes services for children with acute illness and complex treatment needs, expanded services for veterans, substance use treatment options for persons in jail, equitable service reimbursement rates for treatment providers and a needed 80-bed expansion of the Oklahoma Forensic Center.

These funds will be available to the department on July 1, 2022.

“Over the past several years, the state has stepped-up its attention to behavioral health issues and the negative impact that occurs when there are gaps in care,” said Slatton-Hodges.

“I am encouraged that this attention will continue to be a priority, and that through investment in innovative approaches and the services that we know will provide results, we will be able to continue efforts to better the lives of all Oklahomans and help our state prosper.”

State appropriations for mental health and substance use services have hit historic levels the past two legislative cycles. In addition, successful efforts to obtain an IMD waiver allowing for Medicaid funds to reimburse substance use care and additional crisis services have also allowed the state to focus appropriated funds to address priority concerns.

Strategically leveraging these funds has led to an increased number of Oklahomans served and the near completion of the most comprehensive crisis response system in the nation.

To find services near you, visit www.odmhsas.org. Later this summer, Oklahomans will also be able to call 988 to address all behavioral health needs including appointment assistance and crisis response.