CREOKS Equine Therapy Revolutionizes Mental Health Treatment in Oklahoma

Mental health needs are a hot-button issue across society and CREOKS is making a big impact on how Oklahomans get treatment.

Ashley Westmoreland and Meagan Farley joined News On 6 to highlight one program in particular that uses equine therapy to help improve mental health.

"Equine therapy is a new modality that we're using to improve access and treatment to individuals with a variety of disorders," Westmoreland explained. She highlighted the therapy's versatility, stating, "We've used it with our veteran populations. We have used it with children school-age kids all the way up to the geriatric population."

Westmoreland emphasized the wide range of conditions that can be addressed through equine therapy, including "trauma, PTSD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, a variety of conditions."

River Trail Ranch: A Sanctuary for Healing

River Trail Ranch is a 40-acre property located in Haskell, Oklahoma, where CREOKS equine therapy services are provided. Westmoreland shared that the ranch recently completed an enclosed arena, "allowing us to extend services throughout the year."

The ranch has hosted a diverse array of events, from "corporate events" to "an event with Broken Arrow Police Department" and "COVID Public Schools, professional development, [and] leadership trainings."

Accessing Creo's Equine Therapy Services

For individuals interested in exploring equine therapy, Westmoreland provided a straightforward solution.

"You can go to our website, which is creoks.org and there is a make a referral button, and so you can click there to make a referral online."

Expanding Mental Health Resources in Tulsa

Meagan Farley expressed her gratitude for Creo's contributions to mental health in Tulsa and Oklahoma. She acknowledged the growing recognition of mental health issues.

"Finally, mental health is something that's getting talked about more, and we have a long road ahead, but Dewberry is, you know, currently designing the psychiatric hospital downtown that should be open in about a year," Farley said.

She emphasized the importance of continued progress.

"We're lucky to have folks like Chris. And, of course, you know, I have this opportunity to be able to come on, and that's why I wanted to bring CREOKS on here, because this equine therapy. And also they do so much for Tulsa and for the state of Oklahoma," she said.