OK Respect
Project RESPECT is an initiative funded by the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, designed to expand and strengthen school-based mental health services in Oklahoma. Project RESPECT builds on the OSDE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen school-based mental health through initiatives like the Oklahoma School Climate Transformation Grant, School Counselor Corps, and Project AWARE. These programs laid the groundwork by integrating trauma-informed practices, expanding the school-based mental health workforce, and developing sustainable support systems for students and staff. Project RESPECT continues this mission by further increasing access to school-based mental health services and ensuring lasting, systemic impact across Oklahoma schools.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has been awarded two fi ve-year grants to serve districts across the state:
● Project RESPECT East (2023-2027): Asher, Bethel, Dale, Earlsboro, Grove, Macomb, Maud, McLoud, North Rock Creek, Pleasant Grove, Shawnee, South Rock Creek, Tecumseh, and Wanette.
● Project RESPECT West (2025-2029): Anadarko, Ardmore.
Through this grant, and the generous fi nancial support of the Avedis Foundation, participating districts receive critical resources to enhance student mental health services. Each district hires a full-time, school-based mental health provider—a school counselor, licensed mental health professional, or school psychologist—and gains access to professional development, therapeutic resources, and fi nancial support to ensure students receive high-quality, evidence-based care.
In addition to dedicated mental health professionals, districts implement a universal mental health screener to assess schoolwide strengths and needs. All interventions and practices adhere to federal and state regulations, including FERPA, PPRA, and HIPAA, to protect student privacy and ensure ethical implementation.
Project RESPECT also partners with the OSU-Bridge Center to provide ongoing professional development, site-level coaching, and technical assistance in school-based mental health integration and MTSS. A key initiative is the development of an MTSS Foundations Micro-Credential—a training program designed to equip faculty and staff with the skills to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework effectively. While initially available to grant-funded districts, this course will eventually be expanded to all Oklahoma educators.
Additionally, Project RESPECT offers scholarship opportunities for educators pursuing advanced degrees in school-based mental health fields. Currently, this opportunity is exclusive to employees in participating districts, with plans for potential expansion in the future.
By investing in school-based mental health professionals, Project RESPECT is helping to build a stronger, more sustainable mental health workforce in Oklahoma schools—ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive.
Superintendent Testimonies from Year One of Implementation
“Our ability to serve our students with immediate attention is paramount. We are able to utilize our LMHP in several capacities, but immediate crisis counseling is extremely benefi cial.”
“Our school had a resident expert in our LMHP to help our students that were struggling with issues that were beyond the scope of a classroom teacher. While our teachers would love to be able to help with these social/emotional/family challenges, they have a full schedule of responsibilities and do not have the training to properly address them. Therefore, our LMHP served this role.”
“Our LMHPs worked directly matching student needs to interventions through the implementation of a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). The scholarships have provided multiple opportunities to expand our mental health supports.”
Helpful Links
Grant Partners
Project RESPECT East Team
Project Manager: Rebecca Damron
Specialists: Kara Peterson, Abigail Wilson
Project RESPECT West Team
Project Manager: Amy Whitewater
The content of this webpage was developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, this page does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
