Oklahoma City Breaks Ground on Robert Ravitz Crisis Center

The facility will expand Oklahoma City's capacity to safely treat people in crisis instead of costly emergency room visits and unnecessary jail bookings

On August 10, Oklahoma City leaders, mental health advocates, and community members broke ground on a $12.3 million MAPS 4 project which will expand access to critical mental health and substance use services to residents in crisis.

The center, also supported by a $2.6 million grant from the Arnall Family Foundation, was named in honor of Robert Ravitz, who was Oklahoma County’s former longtime Public Defender and a fierce advocate for the rights of people battling mental health issues and addiction in the criminal legal system.

“Robert Ravitz had a passion for righting injustice and felt strongly that individuals in mental health crisis or struggling with addiction needed treatment options instead of incarceration. It is only fitting that this center is named in his honor,” said Sue Ann Arnall, president of the Arnall Family Foundation. “I am hopeful that dedicating this building to him will continue his legacy of fighting for people in crisis while inspiring other bold champions of this work to have a similar impact on future generations of Oklahomans."

The center will provide treatment and support. The plan includes space for 32 beds, 25 observation stations, a group therapy room, calming room, social living area and outdoor courtyard in addition to administrative offices, a kitchen and a cafeteria. It will be operated by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and is expected to open in 2028.