New Donahue Behavioral Health Facility in Oklahoma City Expands Mental Health Care Capacity

Oklahoma’s new mental health hospital, Donahue Behavioral Health, is set to become the state’s largest facility following a groundbreaking ceremony that took place on Thursday. The hospital, with an expected opening date of 2026, will be located on the OSU-OKC campus and will provide over 300 beds for adults and adolescents. This new facility aims to increase psychiatric bed capacity in the state and provide better accessibility to mental health services through the addition of an Urgent Recovery Center.

Named after Dr. Hayden Donahue, the first director of mental health in Oklahoma, Donahue Behavioral Health will replace the aging Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman. Allie Friesen, the newly appointed Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, emphasized the urgent need for mental health treatment and the growing number of young individuals in need of care. Friesen expressed her dedication to improving mental health services in the state, especially with the increase in mental health disorders and suicide attempts among younger populations.

Friesen highlighted the significance of the construction of Donahue Behavioral Health in expanding access to essential mental health services for all Oklahomans. The new facility is a testament to the state’s commitment to ensuring that every individual has access to the mental health care they require. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, and Sen. Roger Thompson, who welcomed the development of this much-needed mental health facility.

The construction of Donahue Behavioral Health is a significant step forward for Oklahoma’s mental health care system. With over 300 beds available for adults and adolescents, this new facility will greatly increase psychiatric bed capacity in the state and provide better accessibility to mental health services for all Oklahomans.

Allie Friesen, recently appointed as Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in Oklahoma, emphasized