Susan Hickam, the CEO of Lafayette House, recently traveled to St. Louis to join fellow practitioners at the 2026 Missouri Behavioral Health Council Conference. Held at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch from September 16 through 18, the gathering served as a critical hub for experts in substance use disorder services and public administration. For Hickam, the event was less about formal lectures and more about the vital exchange of real world experiences, allowing providers from across the state to align their efforts and refine how they meet the evolving needs of Missouri residents.

During her time at the conference, Hickam stressed the necessity of establishing a shared language among behavioral health and social service systems. She noted that terms often carry different meanings depending on who is speaking, which can create friction or confusion during patient care. By refining these definitions and asking more precise questions, Hickam believes providers can ensure that interpretations remain accurate and that clients receive more consistent support as they navigate various stages of recovery.

A significant portion of Hickam’s contributions focused on the SAFE framework used by Lafayette House, which prioritizes secure privacy, permission-based questioning, following client priorities, and engaging coordinated support. This client centered approach is designed to empower individuals to identify their own needs while maintaining a strict focus on personal and family safety. According to Hickam, this structure provides more than just basic advocacy; it offers a reliable roadmap that guides people toward long term independence.

Hickam also highlighted the rare organizational capability of Lafayette House to treat both addiction and survivors of domestic or sexual violence under one roof. As national conversations increasingly acknowledge the overlap between substance abuse and trauma, she pointed out that having integrated services allows for a more holistic form of empowerment. Rather than forcing victims to jump between disconnected agencies, Lafayette House addresses these intersecting crises simultaneously to provide comprehensive healing.

Closing with a call to action, Hickam reminded the public that seeking help does not require knowing exactly which service is needed first. Through their 24 hour hotline at 1-800-416-1772 or via their website at lafayettehouse.org, anyone struggling with addiction or violence can find guidance. Even if Lafayette House isn’t the perfect fit for every individual’s specific situation, Hickam emphasized that her team remains committed to acting as a gateway to other community resources to ensure no one has to walk the path to recovery alone.

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