Ep 29: Mental Heath Care & Parity

In this episode, Commissioner Mulready sits down with mental health reform advocate Cathy Costello to discuss mental health care, parity and access to care in Oklahoma.

Cathy, originally from Overland Park, Kansas, pursued her passion for classical music and opera, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas, where she met her husband, Mark Costello. They settled in Edmond, Oklahoma, raising five children while working in education and building small businesses together. Mark's political career as the Oklahoma State Labor Commissioner was supported by Cathy until his tragic death in 2015, when their oldest son, battling schizoaffective disorder, fatally stabbed Mark. Since then, Cathy has become a vocal advocate for mental health reform, testifying before senate committees and championing legislation like the Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act. She travels nationwide sharing her story and serves on numerous mental health advocacy boards, aiming to prevent similar tragedies and support the millions affected by mental illness in America.