CWCC’s Year in Review: A Year of Growth, Hope, and Healing

January 6, 2026 Behavioral Health, Agency Announcements, Mental Health, Recovery, Suicide

As we welcome the new year, Central Wyoming Counseling Center (CWCC) is reflecting on a year marked by meaningful growth, deepened partnerships, and continued commitment to mental and behavioral health across our community. Every milestone this year was driven by one shared belief: Hope Is Here.

Innovative Programs with Community Impact

This year, CWCC launched and revitalized several programs aimed at addressing emerging needs:

Stone Soup Supper, a program rooted in connection, nourishment, and community support
A revamped Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, offering enhanced structure and therapeutic support for youth and families
The launch of the Natrona County Court Diversion Program, providing an alternative pathway to treatment and recovery rather than incarceration

Each initiative reflects CWCC’s commitment to evidence-based care, early intervention, and compassionate responses to mental health and substance use challenges.

Meeting People Where They Are

CWCC continued to break down stigma and bring mental health conversations into everyday spaces. Through partnerships with the Casper Spuds, CWCC took mental wellness to the baseball diamond, engaging the community in approachable and meaningful ways.

We also paired mental agility with physical skill through LaCROSSe Out Violence & Suicide, using athletics as a platform to teach resilience, emotional regulation, and suicide prevention to young people.

Last year also saw the continuation of our dedicated work within the Natrona County Detention Center, where CWCC offered residential treatment to inmates with Substance Use Disorders.

Expanding Access to Care

A significant accomplishment of 2025 was the opening of CWCC’s new downtown location at 500 S. Wolcott, Suite 103. This space was designed to increase accessibility, reduce barriers to care, and better meet individuals where they are. By expanding our physical footprint, we strengthened our ability to serve diverse populations in the heart of Casper.

CWCC also extended service hours across programs, allowing hundreds of individuals to access care when they needed it most — supporting stability, recovery, and long-term wellness.

Leadership in Suicide Prevention

In 2025, CWCC became the coordinator and fiscal agent for the Natrona County Suicide Prevention Task Force, reinforcing our leadership role in countywide prevention efforts. This responsibility reflects the trust placed in CWCC to help guide collaborative, data-informed strategies that save lives and strengthen community response.

Stronger Together

None of this work happens in isolation. Throughout the year, CWCC formed and sustained partnerships with incredible local organizations, schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community groups. These collaborations expanded reach, strengthened services, and ensured that care is coordinated, compassionate, and effective.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As we look toward the future, we do so with deep gratitude. To our clients, partners, donors, staff, and community members — thank you for believing in recovery, connection, and hope.

Thank you, Central Wyoming, for standing with us and for believing that Hope Is Here.

CWCC Receives LOR Foundation Grant to Launch Mobile Mental Health and Substance Use Services for Energy and Construction Workers

August 18, 2025 Agency Announcements, Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Recovery

Central Wyoming Counseling Center (CWCC) is thrilled to announce the support of the LOR Foundation, whose recent grant is helping us bring an innovative new service to life: mobile mental health and substance use treatment for individuals working in Wyoming’s energy and construction industries.

This pioneering initiative addresses the significant mental health and substance use challenges faced by workers in Central Wyoming’s energy sector, including oil, gas, and coal industries. Due to long, stressful shifts, harsh working conditions, and physically demanding labor, oil rig workers and coal miners collectively have high rates of substance use disorders. Economic uncertainty and job insecurity further exacerbate these issues. Studies consistently demonstrate that the mining and extraction industry – including oil and gas – has one of the highest rates of substance use disorders among all industries. This prevalence emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and support systems within the energy sector. By bringing behavioral health services directly to rural worksites, this project aims to improve access to care and support for this vulnerable population.

Through a flexible and community-focused model, CWCC will bring counseling, case management, and peer support directly to job sites and rural locations where these services are needed most.

“Thanks to the LOR Foundation’s generosity and shared vision, we’re building something truly responsive to the needs of our region’s workforce—meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally.”

The LOR Foundation is a private foundation that works alongside rural communities to support locally led solutions designed to make an immediate impact on quality of life – principles that align closely with CWCC’s mission. Their investment is helping CWCC design and pilot this new mobile program with input from industry partners, workers, and behavioral health professionals.

Though the service is still in the development phase, the long-term goal is to deploy mobile behavioral health teams throughout Natrona County and neighboring regions, offering confidential support, early intervention, and connections to more intensive care when needed.

“We know this population is under-supported and often underserved,” added Cowser. “We’re grateful to LOR for recognizing that mental health care must be accessible, adaptive, and rooted in trust. This service will help build that trust.”

Stay tuned for updates as this program launches and grows. CWCC is currently working with industry leaders and workforce organizations to refine and implement the model.

Together with partners like LOR, we’re breaking down barriers and building up resilience—one job site at a time.

LaCROSSe Out Violence & Suicide Event Empowers Youth Through Sport and Mental Health Education

August 14, 2025 Mental Health, Suicide

The inaugural LaCROSSe Out Violence & Suicide event, held August 8–9 at the Casper Soccer Complex brought together upwards of 250 young people for two days of lacrosse clinics, a youth tournament, and critical mental health education. The weekend marked a powerful step forward in combining physical activity with proactive mental wellness strategies.

3 Erin Switzer parachutes onto the field — Erin Switzer parachutes onto the field at the LaCROSSe Out Violence & Suicide event in Casper on August 8-9, 2025, before addressing participants about mental health, resilience, and suicide prevention.

“This weekend, we exposed youth to the game of lacrosse, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention,” said Lou Corsetti, Regional Director, USA Lacrosse. “Natives call lacrosse the ‘Medicine Game’ because it has healing powers, and that was what all of our mental health professionals and volunteers strived for with these young men and women who are part of the Casper community. This is the first of many events to grow the game of lacrosse in the state, but more importantly, it helps young people and their parents understand that there are many resources to help them with mental health challenges.”

Developed through a collaboration among Central Wyoming Counseling Center (CWCC), Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, PROSPER Together, USA Lacrosse, Casper-Natrona County Health Department, the Natrona Collective Health Trust, and Atlas Flight School, this event aimed to build resilience and equip young people with tools to navigate emotional challenges, reduce stigma, and prevent violence and suicide.

“Comparing physical and mental fitness helps youth apply what they know about sports to what they’re just learning about themselves emotionally and mentally,” said Dr. Kent A. Corso, PsyD, BCBA-D, Founder of PROSPER (Proactive Reduction Of Suicides in Populations via Evidence-based Research). “By integrating evidence-based mental agility training with lacrosse, we are giving youth proven strategies to manage stress, build relationships, and face life’s difficulties with confidence.”

“As a community mental health center, being central to mental health within the community is our mission,” said Jim Cowser, CEO of Central Wyoming Counseling Center. “Events like LaCROSSe Out Violence help to build a comfort level for important discussions between youth, mentors and professionals. As we expand our youth services, it is important to continue to offer spaces that give youth opportunities for meaningful experiences and community connections. It was an honor for us at CWCC to collaborate and participate in the event.”

Erin Switzer, a former U.S. Marine Corps Reconnaissance operator and current elite operator with the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), brought a powerful presence to the event. “His unique background and dedication to mental health awareness truly inspired the kids,” said DC Martinez, Athletics Director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. “Erin’s message really stuck with our young people. He showed them what resilience and strength look like and reminded them it’s okay to ask for help when they need it.”

2 Youth enjoy playing lacrosse 2 — Youth enjoy playing lacrosse during the LaCROSSe Out Violence & Suicide event in Casper on August 8-9, 2025.

Over the weekend, participants took part in lacrosse skills clinics, a youth tournament, and movement-based mental health workshops covering stress management, healthy relationships, social media navigation, anger management, and suicide prevention. Fourteen local organizations also hosted resource booths, offering mental health education and youth-focused services, while families enjoyed food trucks, entertainment, and community connection.

This event demonstrated how creative collaboration and community support can empower youth toward stronger mental and emotional health.

Erin Switzer, former U.S. Marine Corps Reconnaissance operator, elite BORTAC agent, and motion capture performer for the Call of Duty character “Ghost,” lands on the field after parachuting into the LaCROSSe Out Violence & Suicide event in Casper on August 8-9, 2025.

4 Erin Switzer speaks to youth 1 — Erin Switzer, former U.S. Marine Corps Reconnaissance operator, elite BORTAC agent, and motion capture performer for the Call of Duty character “Ghost,” lands on the field after parachuting into the LaCROSSe Out Violence & Suicide event in Casper on August 8-9, 2025.

A New Path Forward: How Court Diversion is Changing Lives in Natrona County

April 29, 2025 Recovery, Mental Health

Through compassion, collaboration, and the power of recovery, Natrona County’s court diversion program is changing the future for individuals — and building a stronger, healthier community for us all. Read more about how CWCC and its partners are leading the way.

In courtrooms in Casper, Wyoming, something remarkable is happening. Instead of simply punishing those struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, the community is offering them something far more powerful: hope.

Last week, Natrona County celebrated the expansion of its court diversion program into Circuit Court — a milestone built on quiet but steady success through the Casper Municipal Court Diversion initiative. Supported by the Wyoming Supreme Court and led by a team of dedicated partners, the program gives individuals an alternative to incarceration, connecting them with counseling, treatment, and recovery services through Central Wyoming Counseling Center (CWCC) and other providers.

“At CWCC, we believe we have a responsibility to lead with compassion,” said Jim Cowser, CEO of CWCC. “Court diversion isn’t just about offering an alternative to incarceration — it’s about building a community where people have the opportunity to recover, reconnect, and thrive.”

The idea is simple, but powerful: instead of sending low-level, nonviolent offenders to jail, provide them with access to mental health or substance use treatment. Instead of a criminal record and give them a second chance.

And the results speak for themselves.

Between October and December 2024 alone, 93 individuals were eligible for diversion, with many choosing paths such as traditional treatment, counseling, or 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. In the first three months of 2025, another 134 people were offered the opportunity to take control of their futures — and nearly half who chose traditional treatment have already completed it.

The expansion into Circuit Court brings this opportunity to even more people across Natrona County. With CWCC dedicating staffing and absorbing operational costs to support the program, leaders are sending a clear message: recovery is possible — and it matters.

Chief Justice Kate Fox of the Wyoming Supreme Court praised the community’s efforts, noting that this investment will not only change lives but also ease the burden on jails, courts, and hospitals. “We’re going to make a dent in the process, demonstrate what a strong, effective, and collaborative community we have in Natrona County,” she said.

City of Casper officials have also seen the broader impact. “The Court Diversion Program is proving to be a valuable tool in both reducing jail costs and supporting long-term recovery,” said City Manager Carter Napier. “By connecting defendants to treatment and recognizing their efforts, we’re seeing a meaningful decrease in recidivism. This approach not only benefits the individuals involved but contributes to a safer, healthier community overall.”

In recognition of the program’s impact, the City of Casper officially declared April 25, 2025, as “Justice with Dignity Day” — a celebration of the belief that everyone deserves the chance to change, to heal, and to contribute.

“This diversion program gives people a new path,” stated City of Casper Mayor Ray Pacheco. “When someone is at their breaking point, the worst thing we can do is isolate them. The best thing we can do is offer them a hand and give them a way forward. We’re not just reducing fines or avoiding court appearances. We’re changing the trajectory of people’s lives, and in doing so, making our community safer, stronger, and more compassionate.”

Casper Police Chief Shane Chaney attested to the wide range of mental health challenges that officers encounter daily and shared his belief that diversion programs are a smarter, more supportive option. “Instead of locking people away, we are helping them reintegrate into our community as productive, accountable citizens,” he said. “That means more parents back with their families, more individuals in the workforce, and fewer people cycling through our courts and jail.”

At Central Wyoming Counseling Center, that mission drives every interaction, every intake, every counseling session.

It’s not just about diversion. It’s about transformation.

It’s about believing that, given the right support, people can rewrite their story — not as a statistic, but as a success.