Three major behavioral health clinics in Tulsa County were notified that their state contracts would be terminated on May 10, 2025, potentially cutting off services for tens of thousands of Oklahomans.
Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, stated on Friday morning that Allie Friesen, the commissioner of OK Department of Mental Health and Services, said in a public meeting that the emails sent by the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) were a mistake.
Provenzano said that the contracts would be renegotiated at the end of the fiscal year, which is June 31. She said this situation is “chaos.”
Below is our previous reporting. This is a developing story.
The confusion over mental health services sparked concern among local leaders and providers about the region’s immediate impact on mental health access.
Who is Affected?
Tulsa City Councilor Lori Decter Wright confirmed that Grand Mental Health, CREOKS, and Family & Children’s Services received nearly identical termination notices.
The letters, sent by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, stated the contract cancellations would take effect May 10 and were deemed to be in “the state’s best interest.”
The only major provider in Tulsa County not affected is Counseling and Recovery Services, according to Decter Wright.
See an example of the notice below.
Why the State Might Pull Funding
The situation follows a broader decision from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to freeze funding for all Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.
State officials cited concerns about transparency and accountability, stating they are working to implement new financial oversight measures for these providers.
No further funding will be distributed until the state completes its review of the clinics’ financial operations.
Providers Respond to the Fallout
Grand Mental Health, one of the impacted providers, shared a statement expressing concern for the estimated 53,000 Oklahomans who currently receive care at its Tulsa facility.
“Our first concern is for the over 53,000 Oklahomans served through our Tulsa office who will immediately lose their current mental health and addiction treatment services,” the statement read.
Critical Services at Risk
Grand Mental Health says the contract termination could force the closure of two essential facilities:
- Tulsa’s Urgent Recovery Center, which offers crisis intervention and stabilization.
- The state’s largest residential addiction treatment center is also located in Tulsa.
Without funding or an alternate plan, both could shut down within weeks.
What’s Next?
While operations are expected to continue through May 10, Grand Mental Health says it is open to working with the state to find a resolution.