YMCA of Greater Tulsa and GRAND Mental Health partner to provide mental health support for Tulsa area kids and families
May 9, 2024 (Tulsa, OK.) – According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 17% of youth experience depression and anxiety each year. The YMCA of Greater Tulsa and GRAND Mental Health are announcing a new partnership to provide increased access to mental health support services for Tulsa area kids and families.
“This marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership between the YMCA of Greater Tulsa and GRAND Mental Health,” said Larry Smith, GRAND CEO. “We are committed to ensuring that mental healthcare is easily accessible to children and families when they need it. This partnership allows us to reach more individuals in need, and ultimately, improve outcomes for families in the Tulsa area.”
Some of the services will include:
- VIRTUAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES: Custom iPads preloaded with the secure MyCare video app, will be available in all 14 YMCA locations, providing instant access to crisis-trained GRAND behavioral health specialists, who will assist YMCA staff in “real-time” support for children and adults experiencing mental health crises while at YMCA locations.
- ON-SITE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUPPORT AT YMCA SUMMER CAMPS: A GRAND therapist and behavioral health coach will be on hand at each of three YMCA Summer Camps (Daily (Bixby), Owasso, Herman & Kate Kaiser YMCAs). The GRAND specialists will be available to kids, family members, and YMCA camp staff needing support and/or experiencing mental health crises.
- Free walk-in mental health screenings: Comprehensive and private mental health evaluations to be available at five Tulsa-area YMCA locations. These five locations will serve as pilot programs. Specific locations TBD.
“At the YMCA of Greater Tulsa, our facilities are not just places for workouts and recreation. They provide a space for connection and community – a trusted space with resources for all. We are excited to partner with GRAND to provide a new level of service and access for our families. We are confident that this programming will support our staff members at each YMCA location, which is vital,” said Ricki Wimmer, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Tulsa.