Oklahoma Appoints New Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health Services
Dr. Jason Beaman was appointed Chief Medical Officer of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), bringing extensive experience in psychiatry, family medicine, forensic psychiatry, and addiction medicine. A native of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Beaman completed undergraduate education at Oklahoma State University and earned his medical degree from the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa. He completed dual residencies in Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, followed by a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University.
Beaman holds board certification in Addiction Medicine and earned a Master of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Florida and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. At Oklahoma State University, he served as Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and later as Chair of the School of Forensic Sciences, overseeing divisions in Forensic Psychology, Threat Assessment, and Crime Analysis while serving as assistant director of the forensic psychiatry fellowship. His research focuses on criminal behavior, the intersection of methamphetamine and violence, and the epidemiology of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Commissioner Allie Friesen stated that Beaman’s “specialized training in forensic psychiatry and addiction medicine is a significant asset” and noted his “diverse background” equips him to address behavioral health complexities through evidence-based approaches. Beaman emphasized his commitment to addressing Oklahoma’s behavioral health crisis, stating: “As an entire nation, we are in the midst of an epidemic of despair. By adopting a data-informed, research-driven approach at ODMHSAS, we can develop effective prevention models and position Oklahoma as a national leader in behavioral health care.” His priorities include stabilizing and improving the physician workforce while ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care delivery.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas/about/public-information/press-releases-and-other-news/2024/dr—beaman-takes-helm-as-new-chief-medical-officer-for-oklahoma-.html