Behavioral health is a lifeline Wyoming must protect
Dear Members of Wyoming’s 68th Legislature,
We, the undersigned behavioral health professionals of Wyoming, write to you out of deep concern for our communities and the future of our state. Every day, we walk alongside Wyoming residents who are struggling with substance use, trauma, and the devastating impact of suicide. We personally know the names, faces, and families behind these statistics – and know you do, too.
Behavioral health care is a lifeline. Wyoming’s behavioral health professionals are innovating every day to serve our communities. From expanding telehealth across frontier regions, to collaboration with faith communities, we are finding ways to reach people where they are.
Thanks to recent innovations in the field and investments you helped make possible over the last few years that we have begun to see a decrease in high suicide rates. The data is clear - efforts to address the mental health crisis in Wyoming are working.
Yet, access to this lifeline is fragile.
Frontier areas face severe shortages of providers. Many professionals have overextended themselves, balancing crushing caseloads, limited resources, and critical demand. Without financial support, we risk losing more of the very workforce Wyoming depends on. We believe it is critical to request budgetary funding to be maintained. When these infrastructures are funded consistently, they reduce strain on our hospitals, law enforcement, and emergency rooms.
We highlight the following for you to consider:
Suicide Prevention Resources
We are deeply grateful for Wyoming establishing its own statewide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline system. Two in-state call centers now serve Wyoming, helping people in crisis with phone, text, and online support. 988 has proven to be critical healthcare infrastructure. But without funding, our current gains in suicide prevention are at risk.
We urge you to include in your appropriation a funding level for the 988 Lifeline call centers that is sufficient to cover full 24/7 and stable support.
In 2018, the Department of Health developed the current community suicide prevention program as it is today. These prevention specialists have become local experts, assessing their county’s needs and developing tailored programming for their specific county. They do this while reporting outcomes; ensuring efficacy of both dollars and programming. Cutting this public health funding will remove these boots on the ground that Wyoming relies on to combat our isolated and siloed nature. We ask you to continue to fund this vital resource.
Community Mental Health Centers
Strong community mental health centers save taxpayer dollars, keep families together, and support the retainment of our workforce. They are essential infrastructure similar to our schools, roads, and first responders.
Wyoming’s community mental health centers are the front line of care in our communities. With the recent behavioral health redesign, they have become critical in providing services for Wyoming’s residents who need it most. These centers step in when private insurance is unavailable and when no other safety net exists.
We urge you to continue funding as an ongoing investment in this essential infrastructure. Doing so will continue your legacy of prioritizing Wyoming’s wellbeing.
Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
Current Medicaid rates for mental health services are below the actual cost of providing care. Though the 68th legislature attempted to address this issue with increased reimbursement rates in the 2025 supplemental budget, ultimately these increases were not realized due to the failure of the supplemental budget.
The current rate for Medicaid creates financial strain for providers and limits access for patients. Increasing reimbursement rates will allow providers to sustain services, retain staff, and continue delivering care to those on Medicaid, the majority of whom are children. Increasing reimbursement rates will ease burdens for providers and invest in the health and resilience of Wyoming’s youth and children.
Mental Health in Schools
Schools are the first responders for many of Wyoming’s students. The emotional and behavioral challenges that students carry follow them to the classroom. Addressing these challenges often requires professional support beyond teachers alone can provide. In this way, school support staff serve as a triage system, connecting students and families to care. As you consider the recalibration for public schools, we ask that you prioritize behavioral health supports in public schools to support teacher retainment, Wyoming’s families, and improve educational outcomes.
Ride for the Brand
Behavioral health is a Wyoming issue which impacts every corner of our state. When you prioritize behavioral health in the 2026 budget, you are protecting lives, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring Wyoming remains a place where people and families can thrive.
We urge you to focus on our communities – and Wyoming’s families and children who are our future. Please continue to legislate according to Cowboy Ethics, and on behalf of your constituents who need your help.
We are proud to serve. We are dedicated to serving needs across the state. We need your help to succeed. With your partnership and continued funding we can continue to innovate and provide care for the health and resilience of our Equality State.
We ask you to ride for the brand.
With respect and resolve,
Albany
Sara Bursac, LCSW, AAT
Katie Christensen, LPC
Bryon Lee, LPC
Elise Verley, LPC
Alli Brayton, LPC
Lou Farley, Ph.D., LPC
Lindsey Nichols, LPC
Vicki A Martin, M.A., LMFT
Roberta Harper-McIntosh, LPC
Sonah Kho, PPC, NCC
Jason Harshberger PhD, LPC
Fatima Valdivia Gomez, Graduate Student
Kassidy Thomas, Graduate Student
Amanda Tracy, PPC, Graduate Student
Melia Lever, Graduate Student
James Redmond, Student
Kelly Redmond, Ally and teacher
Brian Redmond, Public School Teacher
Leah Yandow, Graduate Student
Claire Edman, Ally
Shelly McCord Shepherd, MS, LPC, NCC, OTR/L
Kristin Lanouette, LPC-2430
Jezebel Rubis, BSW, MSW, LCSW
Chrissy Renfro, LPC, NCC
Vicki A Martin, M A, LMFT
James P. Nelson MA, LPC
Brenda Cannon, LPC
Big Horn
Desirée Crosby, MS, PPC
Heather Sanford LPC, retired
Hannah Williams, LPC
Campbell
Jessica Ingersoll, School Counselor, MS, NCC
Antionette Harris, LPC
Casey Painter-Sams, LPC
Kelly Heinz, PPC
Teigan Thole, LPC, NCC
Virginia Oedekoven, MS, LPC
Carbon
Emily Echols, CMHW
Emily Petersen, PCMHW
Converse
Elisabeth Butts, LPC
Maggie Cline, Student
Grace Filkins, Executive Director
Karla Penfield, LCSW
Brianna Redfern, SPED Counselor, PPC
Samantha Wiederrecht MS, LPC, NCC
Wendy Wiecki, CMHW
Fremont
Mikayla Castillon, Graduate Student
Sara Lowe, Student
Cori McAdams, LPC
Glenda Mitchell, LPC
Johnna Nunez, Ph.D, LPC, NCC
Nicole M. Schoening, MSW, PCSW
Goshen
Robin Boyd, MA, LPC
Amanda Brown, LPC
Jimi Courtney, LPC
Lisa Fluckiger, Graduate Student
Virginia Garrett, LPC
Crystal Nichole Patterson, LPC
Deborah A Rodgers, LPC
Hot Springs
Rachel King, Counselor intern
Beth Lewis, MSW, LCSW
Johnson
Brianna Buckingham, Graduate student,
Roderick Foley, MS, NCC, LPC
StarrLee Heady, M.A., Ed.D., LPC, LMHC
Lorraine M Steppe, LCSW
Lisa M. Stine LCSW
Laramie
Ashley Braund, LPC
Janet Buchhammer LPC, NCC, Certified School Counselor
DeAnn Fox, LMFT
Eileen Gavagan, LPC
Jennifer Harp, LPC
Sarah Isaack, LPC
Peggy Jolovich, MS, RN, BSN
Stephanie Kettl, MS, LPC
Kali Lenhart, Advocate
Jessie Lucas, LCSW
Michael McKee, LPC
Stephanie McMackin, MSW, LCSW
Valerie Mitchell, LPC
Katie Nelson, MSW, LCSW
Josh Phelp, LPC
Susan Schilt, LPC
Lindsay Simineo, MA, LPC
Mary Ellen Sternitzke, PhD, Licensed Psychologist
Mary Beth Thompson, LMFT
Laramie Valle, LPC
Lincoln
Kipp Dana, LPC, LAT
Jennifer Orvin, Ally
Amber Titensor, Life and Parent Coach
Holland Wilson, MA, LMFT
Kimberly Woolstenhulme, Advocate
Blake Woolstenhulme, Ally
Natrona
David Allhusen, LCSW
Jennifer Bays, LPC
Don Benson, Psy.D., Psychologist
Rev. Jessica Boyce, Whole Soul, advocate
Claire Bowles, Clinical Director, LPC
Angela Brown, LPC
Amanda Campbell, Graduate Student.
Carrie Corrigan, LPC, NCC
Cory Cruz, MS, LPC
Sarah Davis, Student
Amanda DeDiego, PhD, LPC
Jennifer DePaolo, MS, PPC
Idel Enriquez School Counselor, PPC
Lindsey Eidsness, APRN, PMHNP
Sharon Fancher, LCSW
Julie Feiler, LPC
Nick Green, Certified Music Teacher
Jana Gurkin, PPC
Tanya Gygax, ally
Aubrey Hazen, School Counselor
Elliott Hinklem, Advocate, Peer Support
Sheena Hixson PPC
Gena Jaussaud, Trained Receptionist
Joy Judd, LCSW
Chelsie Klone, MSW, PCSW
Brenda Kost, LCSW
Stephanie Lamb, PMFT
Angela Lincoln, LPC, NCC, EMDR
Candace Machado, MSW
John Marquiss, MSSA, LCSW
Greta Maxfield, MSW, LCSW
Sandra Milliken, LCSW
Joe Mireles, Graduate Student
Chaney Moore M.S., PPC, NCC, PTSB certified
Crystal Morse, CSW
Tasia Naegle, Natrona County Suicide Prevention Task Force
Melissa Nack, MS, LPC, NCC
Elora L. Nation, Community Member
Lance Neiberger, Natrona County Suicide Prevention Task Force
Anna O'Hearn, PMHNP
Alex Petrino, MS, NCC, LPC
Carla Poot, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Angelina Roberts, Student
Kate Schneider, LPC
Vergy Sheridan, Advocate
Megan Snelling, Case Manager
Christy Jindrick Tholl, LPC
Lisa Thomas, LCSW
Emily K. Underwood, Graduate Student
Janet de Vries, LPC, NCC
Andrew Weaver, PMHNP-BC
James L. Whipps, Natrona County Coroner
Brian G Williams, LCSW
Nicole Wilson, Graduate Student
Park
Christa Buhler, MSW, LCSW
Kim Fletcher, LPC
Lauren Graham, LCSW
Dian True, RN, MA, CDCES, FADCES
Platte
Stephanie Marker, LPC, School Counselor
Jessica Rotz, LPC
Sheridan
Victor Ashear, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Jordan Baker, MSW, PCSW
Andi Bell, LCSW
Geral T Blanchard, LPC
Traci Blevins, LCSW
Keri Braunberger, LPC, NCC
Chae Bybee, LPC
Loyce Ellingrod, School Counselor
Abbey Fargnoli, LCSW
Jami Shatto, LPC, School Counselor
Kevin Vance, LMFT
Sublette
Amber Bass, Counseling Student
Morgan Frankel, MSW Student
Amy Kelly, Advocate
Carolyn Normington, LPC, NCC
Sweetwater
Adisyn Allen, Student
Darleen Arnoldi, Dawson Fantin (died by suicide)
Natasha Bentley, Former Teacher
Kristin Blazovich, RN
Jennifer Brandt, Student Advocate
Noah Brandt, Student
Christopher T Clark, LPC, NCC
Lyndsey Dorman, M.Ed., parent
Dallin Ehlert, Student
Debra Fantin, Mom of son who died by suicide
Paul Fantin, Father of a son who died by suicide
Cassidy Gibbons, Student/Advocate
Rachel Goff, student/counselor in training
Aubrey Hamilton, Advocate
Tori Hester, Student
Aspen Hester, Lived Experience
Gentry Jacobsen, Advocate
Bernie Keslar, 9-12 Educator
Mikayla Kozlowski, College Student
Marlene Kramer, Parent of suicide victim
Richard Kramer, Parent of suicide victim
Lennie Lew, Parent/community member
Carla Lee, MS, RN, CNE
Linda Luckey, Ally
Clarine Luzmoor, Student
Heather Luzmoor, Coach
Madelyn Malan, PCSW, MSSW
Tina Malan, Advocate
Paola Mendoza, Ally
Michael Milburn jr, Student
Betty J Miskulin, Ally
Lisa Newell, M.S., LPC
Cara Pedri, Advocate
Madeleine Pitsch, LPC
Jordann Poling, Student
Angela J. Reece, CSW
Elisa Robbins, LCSW
Missy Rosette, Lost my son to suicide
Carrie Todd, LCSW
Andrea Valdez, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC
Tracey Ostdahl/Yugum, Advocate
Teton
Emily Bodner, APRN
Lindsay Long, LCSW
Lisa McGee, Counseling Intern
Beverly A. Shore, MS, CPS
Washakie
Austin Brookwell, Sheriff
Dusty Hoopes, ally
Rebecca Luhm, LCSW, Licensed Play Therapist
Abbreviation Reference:
LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor
NCC- Nationally Certified Counselor
BSW- Bachelor of Social Work
MSW- Master of Social Work
CSW- Certified Social Worker
LCSW- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
AAT- Auricular Acupuncture Therapist
LAT – Licensed Addiction Therapist
LMFT- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
PMFT- Provisional Marriage and Family Therapist
OTR/L- Occupational Therapist Registered and Licensed
CMHW- Community Mental Health Worker
PCMHW- Provisional Community Mental Health Worker
SPED- Special Education
MS- Master of Science
MSSA- Master of Science in Social Administration
MA- Master of Arts
PTSB- Professional Teaching Standards Board
RN- Registered Nurse
CNE – Certified Nurse Educator
APRN- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
CNP- Certified Nurse Practitioner
PMHNP- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
BC- Board Certified
CDCES- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
FADCES- Fellow of the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists