Our History
Wyoming Behavioral Institute has been at the forefront of psychiatric care in the state. Established to address the growing need for specialized mental health services, WBI was envisioned as a center of excellence dedicated to providing comprehensive psychiatric care to individuals of all ages. Over the decades, WBI has evolved to incorporate the latest advancements in psychiatric treatment, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care.
Wyoming Behavioral Institute is a psychiatric hospital in Casper, Wyoming, that offers inpatient care for children, adolescents and adults. A 24-hour hotline is maintained to assist hospitals, individuals, families, law enforcement and others seeking an immediate response when faced with a psychiatric crisis.
We believe that every person admitted to our hospital has unique health care issues that require a specialized and individualized service approach. A patient exists as part of many systems, and we know that patients benefit greatly from caregivers, family and community supports.
Wyoming Behavioral Institute has worked hard to integrate the principles of service excellence into our workplace and patient care culture. To provide service excellence is to treat every person as a guest, demonstrate a high standard of professionalism and practice teamwork.
Our employees are trained to go beyond basic service by:
Being self-reflective, knowledgeable, attentive and non-judgmental
Having the integrity to demonstrate respect, confidentiality, patience and hospitality
Showing pride, expressing interest and acknowledging concerns
The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), a public-private partnership, has partnered with Wyoming Behavioral Institute, to strengthen the country’s clinical capacity to provide innovative suicide prevention and care. The partnership significantly advances one of the central priorities of the Action Alliance—to transform health systems and reduce suicides—and marks Wyoming Behavioral Institute’s commitment to be at the leading edge of the transformation.
Community-based efforts to implement effective suicide prevention strategies are key to the Action Alliance’s goal of reducing the rate of suicide nationwide. The Action Alliance and its partners are working to implement and support community-based approaches, with a current emphasis in reaching faith communities, workplaces (especially the public safety sector and construction industry), American Indian/Alaska Native populations, and the sport industry. In addition, work has also been done to engage service members, veterans and their families, as well as juvenile justice settings. A key community-focused resource developed by the Action Alliance is Transforming Communities.
Child and adolescent programs at Wyoming Behavioral Institute are offered for young patients who struggle with behavioral issues or a mental health disorder. Comprised of various group therapies, social activities, educational services and peer support, these programs are intended to promote positive thinking and healthy conflict resolution.
Our young patients receive educational services from state-certified teaching staff while in our care. We strongly encourage outpatient services after discharge to promote long-term progress and mental wellness.
WBI Helping People Get Well. Wyoming Behavioral Institute is now offering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a new drug-free treatment for depression.
Wyoming Behavioral Institute’s child and adolescent inpatient program provides a supportive, nurturing environment for children and adolescents ages 5 to 17 to heal mentally and emotionally. When your child is in crisis, we can be here to provide a secure environment where problems can be identified and healing can begin.
Key Features of Acute Inpatient Program
Assessments:
A comprehensive intake assessment is done upon admission to help identify concerns and problems and individualize treatment goals for the patient. We also conduct a complete psychiatric and physical evaluation to better understand the past and current needs of the child.
Medication management:
Often during an acute psychiatric crisis, medication stabilization is an important step to managing the individual’s psychiatric emergency.
Person-centered care:
Each patient has a treatment plan and goals tailored to their unique needs identified and agreed upon with the treatment team, patient and parent or guardian.
Group therapy:
During this important part of treatment, individuals gain better insight into their individual issues and have the opportunity to learn new, appropriate coping skills.
Structured days:
Structure is a key component of our program. Groups help build problem-solving skills through multiple therapeutic avenues. Some used within our program are recreational and activity therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, educational groups and coping-skill development.
Family involvement:
Our program utilizes the participation of family and loved ones to promote the best possible outcome for individuals.
Discharge and aftercare planning:
Medication management education, community resource information and appropriate discharge referrals are provided prior to and at discharge. These are key tools that helps individuals continue on the path of healing mentally and emotionally after leaving our program.
Treatment Components
Diagnostic and evaluation services
Individual, family and group therapy
Intensive milieu therapy
Occupational and recreational therapy
Individualized education services
Case management and discharge planning
Awards and Recognitions
WBI is proud to have received numerous accolades that highlight our commitment to excellence in psychiatric care:
• Excellence in Psychiatric Care Award (Year): Recognized for outstanding patient outcomes and innovative treatment programs.
• Best Mental Health Facility in Wyoming (Year): Awarded by [Awarding Body] for exceptional service and patient satisfaction.
• Accreditation from the Joint Commission (Year): Demonstrating our adherence to the highest standards of healthcare quality and safety.
• Outstanding Community Service Award (Year): Honored for our extensive outreach programs and dedication to improving mental health in the community.
Certifications
Wyoming Behavioral Institute holds several key certifications that attest to our quality and specialized services:
• Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF): Accredited for our comprehensive psychiatric services.
• National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Certification: Ensuring excellence in healthcare delivery and patient care standards.
• State of Wyoming Licensing: Fully licensed and compliant with all state regulations for psychiatric care facilities.
Support and Administration
At WBI, we prioritize the well-being of our providers through robust support systems:
• Administrative Support: A dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that providers have the resources and support needed to focus on patient care.
• Provider Satisfaction: We are committed to maintaining a positive and fulfilling work environment, addressing any concerns promptly to keep our team happy and motivated.
• Collaborative Environment: Our team-based approach fosters collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth.
Why Join Wyoming Behavioral Institute?
• Unique Opportunity: Become a key member of the only Psychiatry Hospital in Wyoming, playing a pivotal role in the state's mental health services.
• Growth and Stability: Join our team following the retirement of our long-serving Medical Director, ensuring continuity and stability within the organization.
• Comprehensive Care: Engage in a wide range of psychiatric services, from acute inpatient care to specialized residential programs.
• Flexible and Supportive: Benefit from a flexible schedule, manageable call responsibilities, and a supportive administrative team dedicated to your success.
• Award-Winning Facility: Work in an environment recognized for excellence in psychiatric care and community service.
• Professional Development: Access ongoing education and training opportunities to advance your career and expertise.
Unique Features of WBI
Residential Facility for Adolescent Girls
Our residential program for adolescent girls is a cornerstone of WBI's commitment to specialized care. This program provides a structured and nurturing environment where young women can receive intensive psychiatric support, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal growth and independence.
https://wbihelp.com/treatment-services/child-adolescent-treatment/residential-trauma-informed-care/
Wyoming Behavioral Institute offers residential trauma-informed care for girls ages 10 to 17 affected by emotional trauma and mental health crises. It provides a supportive place for healing in which patients can develop new skills and learn appropriate methods of self-expression.
The program is intended for girls who have experienced trauma and face lasting mental and emotional effects from it. Complex trauma exposures include loss, neglect, witnessing, maltreatment and separation. These experience can lead to post-traumatic stress and other complex clinical symptoms such as:
• Behavioral difficulties
• Relationship struggles
• Decline in academic performance
• High-risk behaviors (substance abuse, sexual risk taking, etc.)
Integrated Therapeutic Approaches
WBI employs a variety of therapeutic modalities to cater to the diverse needs of our patients. Our integrated approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based practices, allowing providers to utilize methods that best fit their clinical style and patient needs.
Community Outreach and Education
We actively engage with the Wyoming community through outreach programs, educational seminars, and partnerships with local schools and organizations. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and provide resources and support to those in need.
Innovative Treatment Programs
WBI is committed to innovation in psychiatric care. We continuously evaluate and implement new treatment programs and technologies to enhance patient outcomes and improve the efficiency of our services. This includes telepsychiatry options, advanced diagnostic tools, and integrative therapies.
Collaborative Research Opportunities
For psychiatrists interested in research, WBI offers opportunities to participate in clinical studies and contribute to the advancement of psychiatric knowledge. Our collaborative environment encourages the sharing of ideas and the pursuit of research initiatives that can benefit our patients and the broader mental health community.