Located less than half a mile from The University of Tulsa (TU) campus, the True Blue Neighbors Behavioral Health Clinic serves a dual purpose: providing essential mental health services to the community and offering invaluable practical training for graduate students in clinical psychology.
A Vision for Community and Education
Established in 2015, the clinic has been instrumental in addressing the mental health needs of Tulsa residents while shaping future psychologists. Jennifer Steward, the clinic’s director and an applied assistant professor at Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, played a key role in its inception.
“I was fortunate to help establish the clinic,” said Steward, who earned her M.A. in 2014 and Ph.D. in 2017 from TU. “I took over as director in 2018 and am thrilled to be back at TU, working with the clinic. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see it grow and extend its impact within the community.”
Since its opening nearly a decade ago, the clinic has served more than 1,110 clients, with approximately half of them being children. Although most services are provided in person, the clinic also offers limited telehealth options, broadening access to clients across Oklahoma.
A Unique Commitment to Accessibility
One of the clinic’s standout features is its commitment to offering all services free of charge—a rarity among training clinics nationwide.
“This sets us apart,” Steward explained. “Thanks to generous donors who recognize the importance of our work, we’re able to provide these much-needed services to the community at no cost.”
As the clinic looks to the future, it is working to establish an endowment to ensure its financial sustainability and continue its mission of care and education.
Comprehensive and Evidence-Based Care
The clinic specializes in diagnostic assessments and evidence-based therapies for various concerns, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, parenting challenges, and stress management. Prospective clients are carefully screened to determine their needs and are placed on a waiting list or referred to external providers, as demand often exceeds capacity.
“There are services we don’t provide, such as substance abuse treatment or care for severe mental health issues like psychosis or bipolar disorder,” Steward noted. “However, we’ve built a robust network of providers for referrals.”
Addressing a Critical Gap in Mental Health Services
The clinic plays a crucial role in a state where mental health resources are limited. Oklahoma currently has only 37% of the psychologists needed to meet projected demand. The True Blue Neighbors Behavioral Health Clinic not only helps bridge this gap but also equips the next generation of psychologists with real-world experience.
“Psychologists bring specialized training, particularly in assessment, that meets a unique community need,” Steward said.
Training Tomorrow’s Psychologists
The clinic’s clinicians are graduate students in TU’s clinical psychology master’s and doctoral programs. Under the supervision of licensed psychologists, including faculty members, students conduct assessments and provide therapy. For educational purposes, all sessions are recorded, ensuring students receive detailed feedback.
Graduate students spend a full year at the clinic during their initial practicum, gaining foundational clinical skills that prepare them for future community placements.
“This real-world practice is invaluable,” Steward emphasized. “It not only sharpens our students’ skills but also gives them the opportunity to give back to the community.”
A Model for Mental Health and Education
The True Blue Neighbors Behavioral Health Clinic exemplifies the power of combining education and service. By addressing critical mental health needs while fostering the development of skilled psychologists, it continues to make a lasting impact on both individuals and the broader community.
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