The Oklahoma Counseling Institute

09/09/2025

See what is affecting counselors

Brian Banks, the Executive Director of the Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Counseling Center (PARC), created the 2-Minute Drill video series to inform you on government affairs and policy issues impacting counselors. Watch the latest episode at https://parc.nbcc.org/educationandoutreach/drills #2-minute-drills.

09/09/2025

ODMHSAS cut their funding!

🚨 URGENT: WE NEED YOUR HELP!🚨

Parents Helping Parents has just learned that all of our state and federal funding has been cut. Unless we receive immediate support from our community, our doors will close as early as next month.

Oklahoma is facing a mental health funding crisis, and without PHP, parents and caregivers of loved ones struggling with substance use will lose access to the education, resources, and support they desperately need.💙

If you believe in our mission or have a loved one who has been impacted by our services, please consider making a donation today to help us continue walking alongside families in crisis. If you’re unable to donate, please share this with everyone you know. We’ve touched tens of thousands of lives over the past 20+ years – we can’t stop now.

👉 DONATE: https://givebutter.com/t2tfHi

09/09/2025

Is not just Oklahoma! Children in a mental health crisis can spend days languishing in the ER

Source: KGOU - Oklahoma's NPR Source,https://share.google/urdyLcA21B1vwiKkNt

A new study finds that nearly 1 in 10 kids on Medicaid visiting an emergency department for mental health care remain stuck there for days waiting for follow up psychiatric care.

09/08/2025

BABYMOBILE!

The BabyMobiles will be out and about this week. The drive-thru services are first come, first served. No appointment needed and the child does not need to be present to receive free diapers, food or formula for children under 4 years. Please share!

09/08/2025

Join Micah and Hayley has they discuss what is going on with Oklahoma mental health and OCI! Also have a chance to win FREE CEs!

09/08/2025

Decision to end 300 mental health contracts will 'directly affect thousands' in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services could cut 312 contracts by Oct. 1, 2025, catching lawmakers off guard.

09/08/2025

ODMHSAS canceling or reducing contracts

F Oklahoma Watch

Oklahoma’s mental-health agency is canceling or reducing contracts after budget shortfalls. Interim Commissioner Gregory Slavonic says cuts were unavoidable. Parents Helping Parents faces layoffs, while Red Rock Behavioral Health Services expects losses up to $4 million. CEO Larry Smith warns the ...

09/07/2025

Here is a list of who is running for office thus far! More than two dozen people!

Even though midterm elections are more than a year away, races for statewide office in Oklahoma are starting to get crowded. Here are the 30 candidates who have filed paperwork so far.

09/06/2025

Join the Oklahoma Counseling Institute on Friday October 3rd for two great trainings!

Learn more at www.counselinginstitute.org

See you then!

09/06/2025

Good news!!! Teen su***de is on the decline, new federal data shows : Shots - Health News

The 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report found that in recent years, depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teens have declined.

09/06/2025

“Students struggling with mental health in college isn’t a new phenomena, but ‘the severity and pervasiveness have clearly worsened’”

Source: Higher Ed Dive,

These issues may impact their trajectory, with large shares of learners reporting that they’re considering reducing their classload, transferring or dropping out.