Mental Health Crisis Services Have One More Needed Solution in OK County

Red Rock Behavioral Health Services, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), is proud to announce the upcoming grand opening of a new Urgent Recovery Clinic (URC) in Oklahoma County. As we observe Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, this opening reflects our dedication to ensuring accessible, high-quality mental health and substance abuse services for all individuals across the state who require them.

Red Rock and ODMHSAS cordially invite the community, healthcare professionals, stakeholders and media members to attend the event on June 25th from 3-5 p.m. The event will take place at 4400 N. Lincoln Blvd, OKC, OK, 73105.

The Oklahoma City Urgent Recovery Clinic is a unique program designed to evaluate and treat adults in crisis 24/7. Operating like a hospital emergency department, individuals can stay up to 24 hours to get through the crisis. During that time, they will be evaluated by a behavioral health licensed professional, receive other supports and may receive psychiatric medication.

Verna Foust, CEO of Red Rock, stated, "The opening of the Oklahoma City Urgent Recovery Clinic represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to improving mental health and substance abuse services in Oklahoma. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to those who need it most, and we're excited to work in collaboration with ODMHSAS to make a positive impact on our community's well-being."

In 2023, approximately 5.2% of adults in Oklahoma experienced serious thoughts of suicide. More middle-aged Oklahoma white men die by suicide more than any other age, group or ethnicity in the state and Oklahoma men die by suicide 3.9 times more than women. These alarming trend highlights the need for increased mental health resources and support-resources like URCs can provide.

These clinics play a vital role in providing life-saving treatment and are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health and substance abuse services. They provide emergency assessment and intensive support for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

ODMHSAS Commissioner Allie Friesen stated ODMHSAS is continuing to construct a comprehensive crisis response system to assist individuals in crisis by providing immediate services to those who require them. This continuum of care is made possible through the dedication of our providers.

"I want to extend my applause to Verna Foust and her team for their recognition of the need and their partnership with us in addressing it. By providing access to care across all levels of acuity, ODMHSAS aims to support Oklahomans proactively, thereby reducing the need for higher-level services and improving outcomes for individuals within the mental health and substance abuse system. This new facility is crucial to the metro area, ensuring that all individuals needing access to potentially life-saving crisis stabilization receive it promptly," said Friesen.

Currently, ODMHSAS has partnered with Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, like Red Rock and helped opened over 30 Urgent Recovery Clinics and that number continues to go increase. Red Rock has locations in Elk City, El Reno, Shawnee, Weatherford and Norman then the OKC location opening next week and one in Chickasha in a few months.

To see all URC locations and other mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, visit the Comprehensive Crisis Response page. If you're struggling or in crisis, don't hesitate—call or text 988 - Oklahoma’s Mental Health Lifeline to connect with a mental health professional.