The University of Oklahoma’s OU Health is expanding its mental health resources with the launch of a new behavioral health center, addressing the urgent needs of children across the state. With one in five children in Oklahoma affected by mental health disorders, this initiative aims to provide comprehensive care for the pediatric population.
“A pediatric behavioral health system and a project like this is truly unique. States don’t have these,” said OU President Joseph Harroz, emphasizing the center’s significance.
According to OU Health officials, the demand for mental health services has dramatically increased over the past 15 years. While the team previously encountered only one to two children per month with severe mental health issues, they now see at least one child with such challenges during every shift.
“What we’ve seen is that mental health problems are escalating in the community, but our mental health services and the facilities to provide those services have not grown to meet that need,” stated Dr. Richard Lofgren, president of OU Health.
The new facility, which is the first of its kind in Oklahoma, is poised to offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to children, marking a significant advancement in the state’s approach to pediatric mental health care.
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