TULSA COUNTY, Okla. –
Tulsa County officials have approved a new agreement aimed at improving access to mental health care for youth in custody at the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Home. The partnership with CREOKS Mental Health Services provides access to a dedicated crisis stabilization bed for young people experiencing behavioral or mental health emergencies.
Dedicated Crisis Bed for Youth in Custody
The Tulsa County Board of County Commissioners approved the one-year agreement between the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Home and CREOKS Mental Health Services.
Under the agreement, CREOKS will reserve one inpatient crisis stabilization bed at an annual cost of $171,000. The arrangement also guarantees 24-hour access to a pediatric psychiatrist and includes a direct telephone line for immediate coordination of care.
Additional crisis beds may be used when capacity is available.
Addressing Limited Treatment Options
County officials said the partnership comes as Tulsa County continues to face limited options for youth requiring intensive inpatient behavioral health treatment.
In recent years, some teens in county custody have been transported to facilities outside Oklahoma, including locations in Utah and Arkansas, when local pediatric psychiatric beds were unavailable.
Officials said the new agreement is intended to provide more timely access to care while reducing the need for out-of-state placements.