Dr. Beaman Takes Helm as New Chief Medical Officer for Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has appointed Dr. Jason Beaman as its new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Beaman brings extensive experience in psychiatry, family medicine, forensic psychiatry, and addiction medicine.
Dr. Beaman expressed his enthusiasm for the role saying, “I am honored to join ODMHSAS and contribute to its mission. The opportunity to work alongside Commissioner Friesen and the dedicated team at ODMHSAS is truly exciting. My diverse background equips me to see the broader picture of the behavioral health system. I am particularly focused on stabilizing and improving our physician workforce while ensuring we provide evidence-based, high-quality care to those in need.”
A native of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Dr. Beaman completed his undergraduate education at Oklahoma State University and earned his medical degree from the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa. He completed dual residencies in Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, followed by a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University. Additionally, Dr. Beaman holds board certification in
Addiction Medicine, a Master of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Florida, and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Beaman has held significant roles at Oklahoma State University, including Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and later Chair of the School of Forensic Sciences. In this position, he oversees divisions in Forensic Psychology, Threat Assessment, and Crime Analysis and serves as the assistant director of the forensic psychiatry fellowship. His research focuses on criminal behavior, the intersection of methamphetamine and violence, and the epidemiology of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Commissioner Allie Friesen, who made the appointment, said, “Dr. Beaman will further enhance our team with extensive expertise in behavioral assessment and threat management, combined with in-depth knowledge of psychiatric care and family medicine. His specialized training in forensic psychiatry and addiction medicine is a significant asset that will greatly benefit our agency. With his diverse background, Dr. Beaman is exceptionally equipped to tackle the complexities of behavioral health through a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.”
Dr. Beaman is committed to tackling the current behavioral health crisis across the state of Oklahoma. “As an entire nation, we are in the midst of an epidemic of despair,” he said. “By adopting a data-informed, research-driven approach at ODMHSAS, we can develop effective prevention models and position Oklahoma as a national leader in behavioral health care.”
Kelsey Davis
Sr. Director of Communications
405-905-8684
