News & Blog
Behavioral Support Services
July 25, 2025
Times Like These, Opportunities Abound.
Times Like These, Opportunities Abound. Written by Sandi Gerdes Executive Director of Laura Baker Services Association. When times are tough, it’s easy to be turtle-like and pull into our shell, waiting for danger to pass and better times to come. That reaction can be seen as safer. Is it? What… Read More
July 3, 2025
When the System Fails: The Consequences of Ignoring Behavioral Health in IDD
When the System Fails: The Consequences of Ignoring Behavioral Health in IDD As healthcare leaders, we strive to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. Yet for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), our systems often fall short, especially when it comes to behavioral health. While we readily address physical needs, behavioral… Read More
May 21, 2025
Bridging the Gap – Why mental health care often overlooks people with IDD
Bridging the Gap – Why mental health care often overlooks people with IDD As someone who has worked in the mental health arena in multiple states for nearly 40 years, I have a vast knowledge of our mental health systems, services, clientele, etc. I am pleased to see that mental… Read More
May 14, 2025
From Referral to Results: How to Navigate Behavioral Health Services
From Referral to Results: How to Navigate Behavioral Health Services When and how should a person determine if they need behavioral health services? The process of determining the need for mental health care varies from person to person. Many people seek out care on their own, and others have a… Read More
May 9, 2025
Laura Baker Services Association Launches New Behavioral Support Service
Laura Baker Services Association Launches New Behavioral Support Service Behavioral Support Services will provide person-centered behavioral support for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are experiencing behavioral issues. Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), one of the oldest providers of housing and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental… Read More
March 18, 2025
We Can Do Better
Why We Should All Care About the Lack of Behavioral Support for People with Developmental Disabilities Imagine watching someone you love struggle every day, not because of who they are, but because they can’t get the help they need. For thousands of families across the country, this is their daily… Read More
March 11, 2025
The Fragmented World of IDD Support Services
The Fragmented World of IDD Support Services Navigating the world of support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can often feel like traversing a maze. These essential services are frequently divided into multiple categories, each with its own unique focus and approach. While these specialized services are… Read More
February 26, 2025
LBSA Welcomes New Behavioral Support Services Director, Malissa Parrott-Stanke
LBSA Welcomes New Behavioral Support Services Director, Malissa Parrott-Stanke My name is Malissa Parrott-Stahnke, and I am the new Director of Behavioral Supports for Laura Baker Services. I have been a lifelong advocate for people’s rights, person-centered thinking/planning and the need for behavior support services. I am a Qualified Mental… Read More
January 10, 2024
Care and Inclusion: Special Needs Group Homes
Care and Inclusion: Special Needs Group Homes At Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), we believe that every individual deserves to live in a place where they can thrive, feel safe and be embraced by a community that values them. As dedicated spaces that nurture, empower and celebrate the unique abilities… Read More
January 3, 2024
Navigating Dual Challenges: Addressing the Common Concurrence of IDD and Mental Health Conditions
Martha W. Lantz, MSW, MBA, has been working with LBSA to develop behavioral health services for those with IDD and mental health conditions. Read More