Lafayette House CEO Attended Behavioral Health Conference
The leader of the Joplin-based organization joined state providers to discuss behavioral health and support services.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Lafayette House CEO Susan Hickam participated in the 2026 Missouri Behavioral Health Council Conference in St. Louis. The event focused on enhancing collaborative support for residents dealing with substance use disorders and violence.
Why it matters
The conference provided a platform for Missouri providers to share experiences and refine services at the intersection of addiction and trauma. Collaborative efforts like these are essential for improving outcomes for individuals seeking complex social service support.
The conference spanned 3 days of collaborative sessions focused on integrated care frameworks. For those in need of assistance, Lafayette House maintains a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-416-1772.
The players
Susan Hickam
Susan Hickam is the CEO of Lafayette House, a Missouri-based organization that provides services for addiction, domestic violence, and sexual violence.
Lafayette House
Lafayette House is a social services organization headquartered in Joplin that operates using the SAFE framework to support clients.
The details
Lafayette House, which is based in Joplin, utilizes a client-centered approach known as the SAFE framework to address addiction and violence. This model emphasizes secure privacy, asking with permission, following client priorities, and engaging coordinated support.
Timeline
September 16 to 18, 2026: The Missouri Behavioral Health Council Conference was held in St. Louis.
The Big Picture
The 2026 Missouri Behavioral Health Council Conference follows the pattern set by the event as a venue for institutional collaboration in Missouri behavioral health.
The focus on integrated services helps residents by ensuring that organizations like Lafayette House are better equipped to connect clients to community resources. Patients can rely on established frameworks like SAFE to ensure their privacy and priorities remain at the center of their treatment.
The takeaway
Collaborative conferences allow organizations to refine client-centered models like the SAFE framework for broader application across the state. Residents facing challenges with addiction or trauma can access help by contacting local service providers directly.
Further reading
For additional insights on the regional approach to integrated care, visit the Substance Abuse section.
More information
Find more details on the support offered by the organization at the Lafayette House services information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newstalk KZRG.
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