The Oklahoma Counseling Institute

02/23/2026

Should the governor, and not the people, pick the state superintendent? New effort would give OK state school superintendent pick to the governor

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR) — In line with what Governor Stitt has pushed for, a new resolution was filed that would take the power to choose the State School Superintendent from the people and giv…

02/23/2026

Oklahoma Senate Advances Local Food for Schools Program

The Oklahoma Senate has unanimously approved Senate Bill 985, a measure authored by Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, to formally establish the Oklahoma Local Food for Schools Program. The bill passed 47-0 and directs the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to oversee the program statewide.

The initiative is designed to help school districts purchase locally sourced food from Oklahoma farmers, ranchers, and meat processors. The legislation also creates the Oklahoma Local Food for Schools Revolving Fund, which will help ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

According to Senator Thompson, the measure strengthens connections between schools and agricultural producers while expanding students’ access to fresh, locally produced food in K-12 cafeterias. She described the bill as “a win for our students, our schools and our agricultural producers,” noting that it could help districts manage rising food costs while supporting the state’s agriculture economy. Thompson also emphasized that encouraging healthy eating habits early can contribute to long-term academic success and better overall health.

Senate Bill 985 now moves to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for further consideration.

02/22/2026

Oklahoma awarded $223 million federal grant for rural health care amid looming Medicaid cuts and state fiscal caution, with potential for over $1 billion by 2031.

02/21/2026

We are moving learning platforms! If you have an incomplete course, please complete it by Feb 27, 2026. Learn more here >

We are excited to announce that we are moving to a new online learning platform! If you have any incomplete courses please complete them by February 27, 2026.

02/20/2026

Oklahoma mental health agency finalizes purchase of new behavioral health campus

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health finalized the purchase of a vacant hospital in Oklahoma City to serve as the state’s largest psychiatric facility for people with severe mental illness last week.

02/19/2026

“The Legislature will have approximately 4.5 percent less revenue available for appropriation next year, which means it’s time for us to look at how we can tighten our belts,” Haste (R-Broken Arrow) said in a statement. “While these budget figures present some spending limitations, they also present an opportunity to streamline state government and ensure agencies operate as efficiently as possible.”

The Oklahoma Board of Equalization authorized $571 million less available FY 2027 revenue to appropriate compared to Fiscal Year 2026.

02/19/2026

Oklahoma City expands mental health crisis response with new grant

The Oklahoma City Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program recently received a grant for $572,697 through the Opioid Abatement Grant, a program of the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board …

02/18/2026

APA Announces Advocacy Priorities for 2026

The American Psychological Association recently announced it's Advocacy Priorities for 2026.

The APA reports focusing on strengthening access to mental health care, supporting psychologists, improving reimbursement for psychological services under Medicare, and promoting telehealth options that increase access to therapy and counseling services.

They outlined their key priorities as being addressing workforce shortages, supporting integrated behavioral health in primary care, and ensuring equitable access to care for underserved populations.

The APA will focus on Human rights by "Promote human rights and combat discrimination in all forms and settings, including education, healthcare, and the workplace. Oppose efforts to curtail the rights of women, sexual and gender minorities, individuals with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, and other marginalized populations."

The APA will continue to support psychologists by advocating for fair payment policies, reducing administrative burdens on providers, and expanding the role of psychologists in delivering comprehensive mental health treatment. Efforts include protecting and strengthening mental health parity laws and supporting federal funding for psychological research and training programs.

Read the full article: [https://www.apaservices.org/advocacy/actions/advocacy-priorities](https://www.apaservices.org/advocacy/actions/advocacy-priorities)

The American Psychological Association Services’s strategic priorities and advocacy priorities are rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and grounded in psychological science.

02/18/2026

What is the difference between Co-Pay and Co-Insurance. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma explains

While premiums go toward the total cost of the care you receive, health care costs add up to more than your premiums cover. To keep premiums lower, plans typically have a deductible....