Lappen brings local connections, broad background in community based behavioral health care to BHD
Milwaukee, WI –Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele today announced Mike Lappen, MS, LPC as the next Administrator of the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division. Lappen will join BHD at the end of May.
County Executive Abele has made mental health reform a top priority since taking office five years ago. Under Abele’s leadership, the system of mental healthcare in Milwaukee County is transforming from one historically rooted in crisis and institutional care to one shaped by patient needs and accessible where people need it most – in the community.
“Mike Lappen steps into a key position with Milwaukee County at a critical time. The Behavioral Health Division is transforming into a national best practice model of care,” says Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “Mike brings an impressive track record of experience and he has engaged consumers and the community at every step of his career. We’re looking forward to having him on board as we continue to make progress on changing mental health care for the better.”
“Many of us at the Department of Health and Human Services know both the caliber of Mike’s work and what a quality individual he is,” says Héctor Colón, Director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services which oversees the Behavioral Health Division. “Mike is a dynamic human services leader who brings tremendous experience and vision to BHD. He knows many of the providers we work with and the issues we need to tackle and is ready to get started quickly.”
Lappen joins Milwaukee County after three years as Director of the Ozaukee County Department of Human Services. In this role, Lappen expanded crisis mental health and outpatient services; partnered with consumers and non-profit agencies to address local challenges and create new resources to meet local needs; improved collaborations with law enforcement, child welfare, adult protection and other teams to improve outcomes and build a culture of collaboration, professional growth and accountability.
“I have worked with Mike on several issues,” says Barbara Beckert, Milwaukee Office Director of Disability Rights Wisconsin, an organization that advocates for people with disabilities. “He is very knowledgeable about county mental health and substance use services, as well as other services for people with disabilities, he’s been successful in expanding community services in his county and building collaborations, he knows Milwaukee and is well respected. We look forward to working with him.”
Lappen received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his Master of Science in Educational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lappen held numerous, progressive positions before joining Milwaukee County, including as Ozaukee County’s Community Services Supervisor / Behavioral Health Manager and Clinical Coordinator for Wisconsin Correctional Services. BHD Interim Administrator Alicia Modjeska will remain with BHD, and transition into the organization’s first Chief Operating Officer position.
The Milwaukee County Mental Health Board is expected to approve Lappen’s hire at its April 28 board meeting.
About the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division
The Behavioral Health Division provides care and treatment to adults, children, and adolescents with mental illness, and substance use disorders through both County-operated programs and contracts with community agencies. Services include intensive short-term treatment through our crisis services and inpatient services, as well as a full array of supportive community services for persons with serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
About the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services
The mission of the Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services is to enhance the quality of life for individuals who need support living healthy, independent, and safe lives within our community. Our vision is to be recognized as the public model of excellence, leadership, and partnership in human services driving superior outcomes for our community.
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For more information about this topic or to schedule an interview contact Kimberly Kane at (414) 202-5762 or kimberly.kane@milwaukeecountywi.gov.