Lafayette House Highlights Collaboration and Recovery at Missouri Behavioral Health Conference

JOPLIN, Mo. — Susan Hickam, CEO of Lafayette House, joined behavioral health and substance use professionals from across Missouri for the 2026 Missouri Behavioral Health Council Conference, held Sept. 16-18 at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch in St. Louis.

Hosted by the Missouri Behavioral Health Council, the three-day conference brought together professionals in behavioral health, substance use disorder services and public administration for shared learning, collaboration and discussion of issues affecting Missouri communities.

For Hickam, the conference provided an opportunity for professionals to exchange experiences while examining the needs of Missouri residents and ways providers can strengthen the services they offer.

“It’s an opportunity for behavioral health providers throughout Missouri to come together, to share experiences, to have an opportunity to learn about the items that are most pressing for Missouri residents, to also consider their own services and how we can help each other continue to improve,” Hickam said.

One topic Hickam emphasized was the importance of using shared language when working across behavioral health and social service systems.

“We need to be defining — they have different meanings,” Hickam said. “Looking at how we can look at those languages and ask the right questions, and that we are interpreting things that are appropriate.”

Hickam also discussed Lafayette House’s use of the SAFE framework—Secure privacy, Ask with permission, Follow the client’s priorities, and Engage coordinated support—as a guiding approach to providing client-centered services. 

She said the framework helps Lafayette House engage clients in understanding their own needs, while also focusing on safety for individuals and their families.

“Making sure we are looking at the acronym to engage clients and understanding their own needs, ensuring they are looking for safety for themselves and families, and ensuring we can provide not only advocacy but the framework and service as we move them into recovery and independence,” Hickam said.

Addressing the Intersection of Addiction and Violence

Lafayette House provides services addressing addiction as well as domestic and sexual violence, creating an approach that Hickam said is particularly important as professionals increasingly recognize the connections between these issues.

“The intersection between substance use disorders and sexual and domestic violence — we are a very unique organization in that we can provide treatment and empowerment all in one place,” Hickam said. “But how those intersections are becoming a larger part of the conversation not only locally but nationally.”

According to Hickam, Lafayette House’s ability to provide multiple services in one organization allows it to address the complex needs of people experiencing addiction, domestic violence or sexual violence.

A 24-Hour Resource

Hickam encouraged individuals who are struggling with addiction or experiencing domestic or sexual violence to reach out, even if they are unsure what type of service they need.

Lafayette House operates a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-416-1772. Information about services is also available at lafayettthouse.org.

“Ask your questions,” Hickam said. “We have people who answer who are guided in both areas who are able to help you find the services you need.”

Hickam said Lafayette House recognizes that its services may not be the right fit for everyone, but staff can help connect individuals with other community resources when appropriate.

“We fully understand we may not always be the place for you, but we want to make sure we engage you with the right community provider,” she said. “So we’re here 24 hours a day and ready for your questions and to help you on the road to recovery and empowerment.”

The conference gave Hickam and other Missouri providers an opportunity to continue building those connections, sharing knowledge and exploring ways to better serve individuals and families throughout the state.