TULSA, OKLA. (KTUL) — Family and Children’s Services in Tulsa is set to merge with an Oklahoma City organization to expand health care access across Oklahoma.
FCS and Hope Community Services provide services such as substance abuse treatment, mental health care, and crisis care.
Family and Children’s Services stated that the merger with Hope “will strengthen services and meet the growing healthcare need around Oklahoma.”
The groups have signed a letter of intent and the exploration phase will now move into a due diligence phase, expected to take 90 to 120 days, with a target closing date sometime this summer.
“Strong mental health care isn’t optional for our cities– it’s foundational to public safety, housing stability, and the well-being of our residents,” said Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols. “When organizations choose to partner across the state in ways that expand treatment, strengthen crisis response, and reach more people before they’re in crisis, that’s a win for all of us. This collaboration reflects the kind of leadership our state needs, and it will make a real difference for families in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and beyond.”
“Through MAPS 4 and other efforts, Oklahoma City has made major commitments to mental health, because we all need to do our part on this critical issue,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “We want to be supportive of innovative efforts that sustain and improve services for our residents. So we’re pleased to hear of this merger and its aspirations for expanding access and improving crisis response. If more of our residents are getting the services they need, then that’s a good outcome.”
Leaders from both organizations say the decision to merge was driven by shared values, aligned service philosophies, and a long-standing commitment to community mental health and substance use recovery.
“This is an extraordinary moment for our combined clients, our employees and the communities we serve,” said Adam Andreassen, President and CEO of FCS. “Both of our organizations have deep histories of meeting people where they are and evolving to meet community needs. By joining together, we can fill gaps, scale up, and bring more expertise to many more Oklahomans who need services.”
Hope CEO Heather Helberg said the merger reflects both organizations’ shared mission and the realities of today’s behavioral health landscape.
“It’s time to grow and expand our services at the same rapid pace that Oklahoma City’s needs are growing—and that the best way to rise to that challenge was with a strong partner who shares our philosophy and our approach,” Helberg said. “This collaboration allows us to move our mission forward faster and stronger than we could have done separately.”