On Monday, April 14, 2025, Governor Kevin Stitt, in consultation with the commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), announced he would appoint a special investigator to examine ODMHSAS. The move comes after multiple disturbing discoveries with the previous leadership’s finances and contracting practices.

“I’ve had frustrations with the mental health department for years and now that we have Commissioner Allie Friesen putting a fresh set of eyes on the department, it’s clear there are problems that need special attention,” said Gov. Stitt. “What we need is an independent third party who can focus all their energy on shining light on this agency and rooting out bad actors.”

The special investigator will be tasked with examining every aspect of ODMHSAS from its finances to its employment records to its contracting practices to ensure that all laws are being followed to the letter.

“The Governor has been a steadfast partner as we’ve worked to implement accountability and transparency at this Department,” said Commissioner Friesen. “My top priority is the well-being of the Oklahomans in our care, and I want to get everything out in the open so we can focus back in on our core mission. The department welcomes this investigation and will fully cooperate.”

The special investigator will regularly update the Governor’s office and will have access to everything except protected health information housed at ODMHSAS