Hope Booth offers mental health support in downtown Oklahoma City

September is Suicide Prevention Month, bringing renewed attention to the importance of making mental health support visible, accessible and easier to reach. 

In downtown Oklahoma City, one resource is designed to do exactly that. 

The city’s first Hope Booth, located in the Yellow Hall of the Underground, offers a free space where anyone can pause for a guided breathing exercise, hear a message of encouragement or connect with nearby mental health and community resources. 

The installation was made possible through support from Greater Oklahoma City Chamber member Simple Modern, which provided funding to bring the Hope Booth to Oklahoma City as part of the company’s commitment to giving back 10% of its profits. 

“The Hope Booth makes mental health resources more visible and accessible in everyday places,” said Mike Beckham, founder and CEO of Simple Modern. “We’re proud to partner with an organization working to make support easier so people can connect with free or low-cost local resources.” 

Designed from a reimagined telephone booth, the resource offers short, interactive experiences in English and Spanish. Directional sound technology provides users with a private, immersive experience without headphones. 

Beyond breathing exercises and words of encouragement, users can find local resources within a five-mile radius, including therapy providers, shelters, food assistance and financial services. 

The booth opened in the Underground earlier this year after Simple Modern approached Downtown OKC Partnership about identifying a location that would be publicly accessible and reach a broad range of people. The Underground, which is regularly used by downtown employees and visitors for walking and breaks during the workday, provided a natural fit. 

Located near Broadway and Robert S. Kerr Avenue, the Hope Booth is free to use during the Underground’s operating hours, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.