FBH Expands Jail-Based Mental Health Services in Oklahoma
(Franklin, Tennessee) — As Oklahoma jails continue to face growing waitlists for court-ordered mental health evaluations and treatment, Freedom Behavioral Health, Inc. (FBH) has announced plans to expand jail-based forensic mental health services to help counties and courts address mounting delays that can leave individuals with serious mental illness stuck in custody for months at a time.
Recent reporting has highlighted that hundreds of people in Oklahoma jails are waiting for mental health care, including competency evaluations and restoration services required for cases to move forward. In many instances, individuals deemed potentially incompetent to stand trial wait longer for services than the maximum sentence for the alleged offense. These delays can raise constitutional concerns, increase jail costs, and place significant strain on correctional staff (The Oklahoman, 2026).
FBH, a national provider of correctional behavioral health and forensic services, stated it is prepared to assist Oklahoma counties and courts immediately by providing state-authorized competency evaluations and restoration services directly in jail and outpatient settings. Oklahoma statutes allow qualified providers to conduct these services outside of state hospitals, yet capacity constraints and system backlogs have continued to slow access.
“When evaluations are delayed, people languish in jails or are prematurely released into the community where they may pose a danger to themselves or others,” said Dr. Melissa Caldwell, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at FBH. “We close that gap by accelerating evaluations and partnering with correctional and hospital systems to identify mental health needs, restore competency, and get vulnerable individuals into treatment. Our mission is to save lives, increase community safety, and improve quality of life for all.”
Beyond the impact on individuals in custody, prolonged delays can affect correctional operations and officer wellness. Jail staff may be left managing serious psychiatric conditions in environments not designed for extended clinical care.
“Officers managing serious clinical needs in a setting that wasn’t intended for this purpose can contribute to burnout and turnover,” said Dr. Melissa Caldwell. “At the same time, mentally ill people could be at real risk of deterioration, injury, or worse.”
In recent weeks, FBH sent formal letters directly to Oklahoma county officials, courts, and relevant agencies outlining immediate options to reduce forensic wait times using existing statutory authority. These letters detail how counties and courts can designate qualified providers to conduct competency evaluations and restoration services without waiting for state hospital placement.
FBH also emphasized its readiness to support courts in facilitating court-mandated treatment by coordinating evaluations, treatment planning, and restoration services in compliance with Oklahoma law. By delivering services in jails or community settings, counties can reduce backlogs, limit unnecessary incarceration, and move cases forward more efficiently.
In addition to service delivery, FBH offers consultation support to assist state and local leaders in identifying statutory or procedural barriers that unintentionally prolong incarceration. Dr. Caldwell brings more than 34 years of experience in corrections, including prior service as a corrections officer and extensive work as a clinical-forensic psychologist advising jurisdictions on competency processes and jail-based mental health systems.
“We take a comprehensive approach,” Dr. Caldwell added. “That includes caring for the people in custody, supporting officers, and helping courts and counties find workable solutions that protect due process and public safety.”
About Freedom Behavioral Health, Inc.
Freedom Behavioral Health, Inc. (FBH) is an industry-leading provider of behavioral healthcare and expert consulting services for correctional, legal, administrative, and high-risk settings. FBH partners with individuals, professional agencies, and facilities nationwide to help reduce risk and support safe, effective operations. Recognized with the Global 100 – 2026 Award in the Behavioral Health category by the Global Publishing Media Group (GPMG), FBH is best known for its commitment to clinical excellence and trusted, comprehensive solutions. Learn more at www.freedom-bh.com.
References
The Oklahoman. (2026, January 27). Hundreds wait in Oklahoma jails for mental health treatment as system strains. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/state/2026/01/27/oklahoma-department-mental-health-substance-abuse-services-jail-wait-list/88377126007/