Oklahoma Opens $140M Children's Mental Health Center
Families of children needing mental health care can begin outpatient referrals on December 7.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Mental Health
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Oklahoma Children's celebrated the grand opening of its $140 million behavioral health center, which combines inpatient and outpatient mental health services in one location. The center will begin accepting outpatient referrals on December 7, giving families across the state a new option for children's mental health care.
Why it matters
The center was built to address a growing mental health crisis among children, a problem that now touches many families. Bringing inpatient and outpatient services under one roof aims to make it easier for children and their families to move through care without changing facilities.
The figures come from the center's opening announcement rather than an independent study, so the 14,000-child outpatient projection is a forecast, not a measured result. The broader context is that one in five children struggles with a mental health condition, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among children.
The players
Oklahoma Children's
Oklahoma Children's is a pediatric health system in Oklahoma that provides specialty care for children and adolescents.
The details
The center offers inpatient and outpatient mental health services in one location, with 72 inpatient beds for children who need round-the-clock care. Treatment plans are tailored to each child, with families involved throughout the process. Beyond talk-based care, the center provides pet therapy, art therapy, and movement-based therapy, and includes a two-story gymnasium and outdoor therapy areas.
Timeline
The project broke ground in 2023.
The grand opening celebration was held on November 4, 2026.
The center begins accepting outpatient referrals on December 7.
Health Landscape
Childhood mental health has become a national concern, with suicide now ranking as the second leading cause of death among children. Facilities that combine inpatient and outpatient care, like this Oklahoma center, reflect a shift toward keeping young patients inside a single system of support.
If you are a parent who has noticed changes in your child's mood, behavior, or sleep, this center is one more place to ask about evaluation. Families are encouraged to raise concerns with a pediatrician, who can discuss whether a referral is the right next step.
The takeaway
Mental health concerns in children are common, and early connection to care matters. Parents who notice persistent changes in a child's behavior or mood are encouraged to talk with their child's doctor about evaluation options.
What happens next
The center begins accepting outpatient referrals on December 7, when families can start the intake process.
Further reading
For more on how states are expanding youth care, see our Mental Health coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOCO.
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