TULSA, Okla. — A day after the most recent mass shootings in the United States, a Tulsa therapist says helping people with their mental health is vital.

It comes as a series of free therapy groups are being run at Central Library in downtown Tulsa to help people get better access to mental health care.

FOX23 spoke with Tulsa social worker and therapist Andrew Duffy on Thursday.

“If we want to deter acts of violence in our communities then we need to learn how to be healthy,” Duffy said.

He said mental health and wellness is vital in communities.

“Part of that is learning what do I do with these feelings that I have what do I do with the hurt that I have inside me so that it doesn’t build up take over,” he said.

He’s running the series of free groups at the Central Library.

Mental health is in the spotlight after police said a man suspected of killing 18 people in 2 mass shootings in Maine suffered from mental health issues.

Oklahoma has anti red flag laws, which means courts can’t take guns away from people who might hurt themselves or others if someone is experiencing mental health problems.

Duffy said after the pandemic he’s seen a surge in people struggling with anxiety and depression.

“There so many people in the community that need help you know gun violence is huge but so is suicide,” Duffy said.

Duffy said his therapy class is free.

He said some people don’t get help because of fears of stigma and the cost.

“Research shows that actually less that half the people with mental illness get the help that the resources that they need in any given year and the number one reason is money, people are concerned that they can’t afford counselling they can’t afford some of these things that would help them,” Duffy said.

Duffy said the groups teach people coping skills and how to deal with anxiety.

He said he’d like to see better education for young people around mental health.

“Some of this basic stuff should be taught in high schools I mean people should know basic ideas about coping skills or how to breathe or you know what here’s a way to heal with my pain besides just like you know using drugs or numbing myself by being on Tik Tok for 4 hours,” he said.

The therapy group is funded by a grant from the group TYPROS, Tulsa’s Young Professionals.

Classes are hosted from 5:30 – 6:30 PM weekly at the following dates: 

Thursday, October 26, 2023 

Thursday, November 9, 2023 

Thursday, November 16, 2023 

Thursday, November 30, 2023

At Tulsa City-County Central Library: 400 Civic Center Tulsa, OK 74104.