Milestone in Construction Held for Oklahoma’s Comprehensive Pediatric Behavioral Health Center

OU Health celebrated a Topping Out Ceremony for the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health Behavioral Health Center, marking a significant milestone in the construction project for the state’s first and only comprehensive pediatric behavioral and mental health center.

Leaders from OU Health, the University of Oklahoma, University Hospitals Authority & Trust, state lawmakers, project and construction teams, philanthropic donors, patients, physicians, and key stakeholders gathered to mark the final stages of construction on the building’s exterior.

Set to open its doors in December 2026, the new 172,775-square-foot, six-story Behavioral Health Center will play a vital role in treating Oklahoma’s youth experiencing mental health crisis. Bringing much-needed services to Oklahoma families, it will be the only such facility in the state that is part of a comprehensive children’s hospital.

“Currently, many patients and families in Oklahoma struggle to find the necessary care for their children experiencing a behavioral health crisis and as the state’s leading academic health system, OU Health is committed to expanding our services to address this critical need,” said Dr. Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of OU Health. “The new Behavioral Health Center will bridge this gap by offering access to specialized expertise and treatment for a variety of conditions. The Topping Out Ceremony marks an important milestone in the creation of the center.”

As the academic partner of OU Health, the University of Oklahoma will also educate the state’s future mental healthcare workforce at the facility, contributing to the betterment of the state.

“The University of Oklahoma is honored to contribute to the Behavioral Health Center, where our students will gain essential clinical experience, preparing them to address our state’s critical mental and behavioral health needs,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “OU’s longstanding history of educating the vast majority of Oklahoma’s health care professionals has been instrumental in improving the health of our state, with the Behavioral Health Center standing ready to proudly continue this important work.”

A Needed Resource for Oklahoma Families

One in five Oklahoma youth struggles with mental health issues, and children from every background and economic status can be affected. Data from the 2019-20 school year indicates that nearly 10% of middle and high school students have attempted suicide and more than 17% have contemplated it. At Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, the emergency room has seen a troubling rise in cases of suicidal ideation, increasing from 1-2 instances per week to 1-2 per shift.

“Many children with significant mental health concerns require more extensive and specialized care than is currently available in Oklahoma,” said child and adolescent psychiatrist Rachel Zettl, M.D. “The new Behavioral Health Center is designed to significantly improve outcomes for children by providing a dedicated space where children can receive the comprehensive care they need, whether it’s for a brief inpatient stay, long-term treatment, or intensive outpatient services.”

Oklahoma is currently ranked 33rd in the nation for access to mental health services and support and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 10 to 24 in the state. It’s estimated that 40% of youth who need mental health services aren’t receiving them.

“The topping out of the new Behavioral Health Center marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing essential mental health services to Oklahoman children. This facility will ensure that quality care is accessible to all, paving the way for a brighter future for our state,” said state Sen. Pro Tem Greg Treat of Oklahoma City.

“The State of Oklahoma is proud to play a role in the launch of the Behavioral Health Center. This facility will not only provide essential support to children with mental health challenges but also attract mental health professionals from across the nation, improving health outcomes statewide,” said state Rep. Kevin Wallace of Wellston.

Reimagining Care Delivery

The Behavioral Health Center reimagines the delivery of care for children and adolescents, focusing on patient and provider safety, family-centered care, stress reduction, and best practices. This innovative facility is designed to enhance the well-being of patients, families, and staff.

Key features include:

• Inpatient Services: Two floors dedicated to inpatient care, adding 72 beds for both short-term stabilization and long-term care. Unique to this center, all rooms allow a parent to stay with their children during treatment, offering a family-centered care option not available elsewhere in Oklahoma.
• Outpatient Services: Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs.
• Specialized Units: A neurodevelopmental unit.
• Recreational Facilities: A two-story gymnasium and several outdoor and garden spaces to enhance the healing process.
• Support Areas: Conference and family resource areas.

Visionary Leadership & Giving

Philanthropic giving from the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Devon Energy, Junior League of Oklahoma City, Fred Jones Family Foundation, Sarkeys Foundation, Presbyterian Health Foundation and the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation has helped lay the groundwork for the capital campaign. Oklahoma First Lady Sara Stitt serves as honorary chair of the campaign along with former Oklahoma first ladies Kim Henry, Cathy Keating, and Rhonda Walters.

The Behavioral Health Center will cost approximately $140 million. The Oklahoma state Legislature has committed $59.2 million in state and federal funds. In addition, the University Hospitals Authority & Trust has committed $46.4 million. The remaining amount is being raised through philanthropic efforts.

“The foresight and dedication of so many who have made this crucial facility a reality cannot be understated,” said Rainey Williams Jr., University Hospital Authority & Trust Board Chair and OU Health Board of Director Chair. “We are grateful to the Legislature and donors for their financial support, as well as to those individuals who’ve contributed ideas, resources and time.”