Child & Teen Therapy in East Tulsa | SafeHarbor Behavioral Health
Serving families in East Tulsa, Catoosa, and surrounding areas with comprehensive mental health services, from Gathering Place to 21st and Garnett and from Sequoyah Elementary to Memorial High School.
Why East Tulsa Families Choose SafeHarbor
East Tulsa represents the dynamic growth and cultural diversity that makes Tulsa unique. From the stunning Arkansas River waterfront and the world-class Gathering Place to the diverse neighborhoods along 21st Street and beyond, East Tulsa combines urban amenities with suburban comfort and cultural richness. SafeHarbor Behavioral Health understands what makes East Tulsa special - the vibrant multicultural community, the blend of established neighborhoods and new developments, and the balance between city conveniences and community connection that characterizes this growing area.
We proudly serve families throughout the area, including neighborhoods near the Arkansas River, families along major corridors like 21st Street and Garnett Road, residents of newer developments near 31st and Mingo, and those in surrounding communities like Catoosa and eastern Tulsa County. We're strategically positioned with easy access from major east-west routes and Highway 169, making it convenient for families to coordinate therapy with work, school activities, and the recreational opportunities that East Tulsa offers.
Parents appreciate that we understand the East Tulsa experience - the appreciation for cultural diversity and inclusive community values, the importance of both individual achievement and community connection, and the unique opportunities that come from living in one of Tulsa's most dynamic and fastest-growing areas. We know that East Tulsa families often choose the area for its accessibility, diversity, and family-friendly amenities, and we understand the blend of opportunities and challenges that come with raising children in such a vibrant, evolving community.
Common Mental Health Challenges in East Tulsa
While East Tulsa offers many advantages including diversity, growth, and opportunities, families in the area may face specific challenges that can impact children's mental health. The rapid changes, cultural navigation, and varying socioeconomic conditions within the area can create unique stressors for young people and families.
Cultural Identity and Navigation
East Tulsa's multicultural environment, while enriching, can create challenges for children navigating multiple cultural identities, languages, and expectations. Young people may struggle with balancing family traditions and American culture, feeling caught between different worlds, or facing discrimination based on cultural background or immigration status.
Rapid Community Change and Displacement
As East Tulsa continues to develop and gentrify, some families may experience displacement, changing neighborhood dynamics, or concern about losing community character. Children may struggle with frequent moves, changing schools, or feeling disconnected from evolving neighborhoods and friend groups.
Economic Disparity and Stress
East Tulsa includes areas with varying economic conditions, from affluent river developments to working-class neighborhoods. Children may experience stress related to economic inequality, feel pressure about social class differences, or worry about family financial stability in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Language and Educational Barriers
Some East Tulsa students may face challenges with English as a second language, feel academically behind peers, or experience stress about meeting educational expectations while managing cultural and language transitions. We provide culturally sensitive support that honors linguistic diversity while building academic confidence.
Schools We Partner With in East Tulsa
We maintain strong collaborative relationships with East Tulsa schools, working closely with counselors, teachers, and administrators to support student success:
Tulsa Public Schools
- • Memorial High School
- • East Central High School
- • Sequoyah Elementary
- • Cherokee Elementary
- • Eisenhower Elementary
- • Johnson Elementary
- • Key Elementary
- • Wayman Tisdale Fine Arts Academy
Area Schools & Programs
- • Catoosa Public Schools
- • Victory Christian School
- • Metro Christian Academy
- • Private daycare and preschool programs
- • English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
- • Adult education and GED centers
- • Community college preparatory programs
Getting to SafeHarbor in East Tulsa
Convenient Access & Parking
Our services are designed to be accessible for diverse families with varying needs:
- • Large parking lot with 55+ spaces available
- • Easy access from major East Tulsa corridors
- • Handicap accessible parking and building entrance
- • Covered drop-off area for weather protection
- • Well-lit, secure parking for all appointment times
- • Public transportation accessible location
From Major East Tulsa Areas
- • From Gathering Place: 8-minute drive via Riverside Drive
- • From 21st & Garnett area: 5-minute drive via 21st Street
- • From 31st & Mingo area: 6-minute drive via Mingo Road
- • From Memorial High School: 4-minute drive via Memorial Drive
- • From Catoosa: 12-minute drive via Highway 66
- • From Tulsa Hills: 10-minute drive via 21st Street
Major Highway and Transit Access
- • Easy access from Highway 169 (north-south corridor)
- • Quick routes from 21st Street and 31st Street
- • Convenient from Highway 66 (east-west route)
- • Multiple Tulsa Transit bus routes serve the area
Located in Growing East Tulsa
Our team is positioned near the landmarks and destinations that make East Tulsa distinctive:
Major Attractions & Destinations:
- • Gathering Place (A'DAM FORUM)
- • Arkansas River and RiverParks trails
- • Tulsa Hills Shopping Center
- • Multiple TPS school campuses
- • East Tulsa community centers
- • Cultural centers and places of worship
Convenient Amenities:
- • Walmart, Target, and diverse shopping options
- • Wide variety of ethnic restaurants and markets
- • Multiple grocery stores and pharmacies
- • Coffee shops and community gathering places
- • Healthcare facilities and clinics
- • Banking and professional services along major streets
Success Story from East Tulsa
"Our 16-year-old son was struggling with his identity as a first-generation American. His father and I immigrated from Guatemala, and our son felt caught between two worlds - wanting to honor our cultural traditions while also fitting in with his peers at Memorial High School. He was experiencing anxiety, dropping grades, and becoming increasingly withdrawn from both his family and his friends."
"SafeHarbor provided exactly what our family needed. The therapists understood the unique challenges of navigating multiple cultures, and they had staff who could communicate in Spanish when needed. They helped our son see his bilingual, bicultural identity as a strength rather than a burden. They also helped our whole family learn to communicate better about our different experiences and expectations."
"The change was remarkable. Our son started embracing both parts of his identity - he began volunteering as a translator for other immigrant families while also participating more in school activities. He's now proud of his heritage and confident about his future. He's planning to study international business in college so he can use his cultural knowledge and language skills. SafeHarbor helped our whole family navigate the challenges of the American dream while staying connected to who we are."
- Maria R., Mother of three, East Tulsa resident since 2015
Our East Tulsa Multicultural Team
Our therapists understand East Tulsa's diversity because they reflect it:
Dr. Carmen Velazquez, PhD
Multicultural Psychology Specialist
Bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist specializing in immigration adjustment, cultural identity, and intergenerational family dynamics. Expert in helping first and second-generation immigrants navigate cultural challenges while maintaining family connections and cultural pride.
Ahmad Hassan, LCSW
Cultural Identity Specialist
East Tulsa resident who understands the experiences of diverse cultural communities. Expert in helping teens navigate multiple cultural identities, address discrimination, and build resilience. Specializes in working with refugee and immigrant families.
Dr. Jennifer Park, MD
Child Psychiatrist
Specializes in anxiety, depression, and ADHD in culturally diverse populations. Experienced in providing culturally sensitive medication management and working with interpreters when needed. Collaborates closely with community health centers and cultural organizations.
Lisa Cherokee, LPC
Native American Family Therapist
Cherokee Nation member specializing in Native American mental health, historical trauma, and cultural identity. Expert in providing culturally responsive therapy that honors indigenous values and healing traditions while addressing contemporary mental health needs.
East Tulsa Community Resources
We connect families with local East Tulsa resources and support systems:
Cultural & Educational
- • TPS ESL and multicultural support services
- • Gathering Place educational programming
- • Cultural centers and community organizations
- • Adult education and English language programs
- • Community college satellite programs
- • Ethnic community centers and cultural associations
- • Translation and interpretation services
Support Services
- • East Tulsa community health centers
- • Family & Children's Services
- • Immigration legal aid organizations
- • Faith community support networks (diverse denominations)
- • Food banks and emergency assistance programs
- • Job training and employment services
- • Crisis support and emergency services
Frequently Asked Questions - East Tulsa Families
Do you provide therapy in languages other than English?
Yes! We have bilingual therapists who can provide therapy in Spanish, and we can arrange for professional interpreters for other languages when needed. We believe language should never be a barrier to accessing quality mental health care.
Can you help with cultural identity and immigration-related stress?
Absolutely. Our team specializes in helping individuals and families navigate cultural identity issues, immigration stress, intergenerational conflicts, and the challenges of maintaining cultural traditions while adapting to American life. We provide culturally responsive therapy that honors diverse backgrounds.
Do you work with East Tulsa schools and understand diverse student needs?
Yes! We work closely with TPS schools in East Tulsa and understand the diverse academic and cultural needs of students in the area. We can coordinate with ESL programs, multicultural support services, and school counselors to provide comprehensive support for students from all backgrounds.
Do you accept various insurance plans and offer affordable options?
Yes, we accept most insurance plans including Medicaid and SoonerCare. We also offer sliding scale fees based on income and can work with families to develop payment plans. We understand the economic challenges many immigrant and working families face and strive to make care accessible.
Can you help connect families with community resources and support services?
Absolutely. Our team is very familiar with East Tulsa's diverse community resources, including cultural organizations, immigration services, job training programs, and emergency assistance. We often help families navigate available resources and connect with culturally appropriate support services.
Celebrate Your Heritage While Building Your Future
Join East Tulsa families who trust SafeHarbor for culturally responsive mental health care that honors diversity and builds on community strengths.
Proudly serving East Tulsa's diverse communities from the Arkansas River to Catoosa and beyond