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.

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.

Category: Suicide

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

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