OKLAHOMA CITY – The state Department of Mental Health has appointed a psychiatrist as the department's first chief medical officer.
Jason Beaman was appointed to the newly created position by Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Director Allie Friesen.
Agency spokeswoman Kelsey Davis said the position was created to improve the agency's standards for “evidence-based practice” and to provide experience to the team.
Beaman's first day in the role will be Monday.
A spokesman for the Department of Mental Health said Beaman will be paid 30 percent of his time through the Oklahoma State University partnership, which amounts to $109,260 in department pay.
He will also continue to serve as chair of the forensic science department at the OSU Health Sciences Center, and in that role, he focuses his research on criminal behavior, the intersection of methamphetamine and violence, and the epidemiology of adverse childhood experiences.
Beaman said in a statement that he is excited to work with Friesen at the department.
“My diverse background gives me the ability to see the bigger picture of the behavioral health system,” Beaman said, “and I'm particularly focused on ensuring we provide high-quality evidence-based care to those who need it while stabilizing and enhancing the physician workforce.”
Beaman said he wants to take a “data-informed, research-driven approach” at the mental health department to develop an effective model to prevent or reduce the risk for Oklahomans with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders.
Beaman completed his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University and earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University Health Science Center in Tulsa.
Friesen said Beaman will strengthen the department's team with his extensive expertise in behavioral assessment and threat management, as well as his knowledge of psychiatric and family medicine.
“His specialized training in forensic psychiatry and addiction medicine is a key asset that will be of great benefit to the agency,” she said. “Dr. Beaman's diverse background makes him uniquely suited to address the complexities of behavioral health care through a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.”
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