Family & Children’s Services (FCS) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Adam Andreassen, PsyD, as the incoming President and CEO, effective December 1, 2023. Dr. Andreassen will succeed Gail Lapidus, who has dedicated five decades to F&CS, with 38 years of those years in the role of CEO, and is set to retire in December 2023.
Dr. Andreassen’s extensive experience includes his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer for Brightli, one of the largest nonprofit behavioral healthcare centers in the United States, which is the parent organization of Burrell Behavioral Health, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) in 18 Missouri counties. He has also served as the President and CEO of the National Psychology Training Consortium, an organization that provides doctoral psychology internships to member agencies nationwide.
Dr. Andreassen’s journey into behavioral healthcare leadership commenced with the completion of his Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology at the School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute. Since then, he has played a significant role in various aspects of community mental health.
At Burrell, Dr. Andreassen played a pivotal role in expanding access to care through community partnerships, public policy advocacy, and workforce development initiatives. Much like F&CS, Burrell is a CCBHC demonstration agency, and under Dr. Andreassen’s leadership, they have more than doubled their organizational revenue and services, ensuring accessibility for those most in need. He is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, considering these values fundamental to the mission of community mental health.
Upon his appointment, Dr. Andreassen expressed his enthusiasm, saying:
“I met Gail and the F&CS team shortly before COVID in early 2020 and was immediately impressed with their innovation and passion for access in the thriving city of Tulsa. But I never imagined the story would lead to the point of joining this amazing system in such a dynamic and passionate community! Gail and F&CS are known among community mental health centers throughout the United States for their quality and creativity. She is leaving behind an extremely strong team and organization; I am committed to ensuring we honor that legacy with continued growth as we relentlessly pursue ensuring quality access to care! Access to behavioral healthcare is vital for the health and well-being of every community. Access is a concept more than a place; it is more than being open for business – every barrier to care must be removed.”
Dr. Andreassen and his family eagerly anticipate their relocation to the Tulsa area, citing the warm welcomes, open minds, and engaging community they have encountered in recent weeks. They are excited to embrace Tulsa as their new home alongside their three teenage children.
Gail Lapidus expressed her confidence in Dr. Andreassen’s abilities and dedication, stating:
” Adam is a dedicated leader who shares FCS’s commitment to providing quality access to care. I’m confident that the future of FCS is bright, and the organization will continue to make a real difference in the lives of so many.”
FCS extends deep gratitude to Lapidus for decades of transformative leadership, unwavering commitment and progressive vision, consistently seeking solutions to the issues and hardships faced by our clients.
The agency enthusiastically welcomes Dr. Andreassen to continue our unwavering commitment to address the overwhelming challenges of our clients and provide comprehensive support for the well-being and behavioral health of adults, children, and families.
