MHCC Looks to Partner with Mental Health Provider

MAY 14, 2025 |

Photo – MHCC – Bigfoot99 file photo

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County and High Country Behavioral Health are in talks to offer emergency mental health services in Rawlins.

During the May 6^th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Memorial Hospital Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Hinkle announced that hospital administrators met with County Attorney Ashley Davis, District Judge Dawnessa Snyder, and representatives from the Idaho-based mental health provider, High Country Behavioral Health. Hinkle said Memorial Hospital has begun talks to partner with High Country Behavioral Health to treat patients who have been involuntarily hospitalized due to a mental health crisis.

Title 25 is the section of Wyoming law that governs the process for handling individuals in psychiatric distress who require immediate intervention.

The law allows authorities to detain individuals for evaluation and treatment if they meet specific criteria, such as posing a risk to themselves or others.

County Commissioner Sue Jones asked Hinkle if High Country Behavioral Health has enough staff to provide mental health services for the hospital. Hinkle responded that the Idaho-based organization assured her it can manage the additional caseload through telehealth.

Hinkle explained that out of the 35 High Country Behavioral Health providers, Memorial Hospital will onboard three initially, with the eventual goal of credentialing all 35 to work at the Rawlins medical center.

In the past, the Board of Carbon County Commissioners, specifically Commissioner Sue Jones, criticized High Country Behavioral Health for not providing adequate mental health services in Carbon County. From July 1st, 2023, to December 31st of the same year, High Country Behavioral Health treated 237 people with mental health disorders and 46 people with substance use disorders in Carbon County.

Speaking to High Country Behavioral Health Executive Director Kipp Dana during the January 14^th, 2024, Board meeting, Commissioner Jones said 283 residents are not enough and urged the organization, state, and county to do more for people struggling with their mental health.

Back at the May 6^th Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Jones asked County Attorney Ashley Davis what recourse the county has if High Country is unable to meet their obligation to the hospital. Attorney Davis explained that the state does not allow the county to change its emergency mental health detention provider.

Attorney Davis informed the Board that High Country Behavioral Health Executive Director Kipp Dana announced the departure of the Rawlins provider, who is leaving to work in another county. Attorney Davis added that Dana asked for county funding to hire two new local providers, a request the attorney denied.

Commissioner Sue Jones said that Memorial Hospital and High Country must collaborate in caring for emergency detention patients, as the Rawlins hospital is legally required to accept them. The county commissioner noted that High Country has not fulfilled its commitments in the past.

Memorial Hospital Chief Operating Officer Hinkle responded, saying the Rawlins medical center is not a dedicated psychiatric provider. Hinkle said hospital administrators are working with High Country to provide the best mental health services for local patients.

Hinkle said High Country Behavioral Health is the county’s state-designated mental health provider, and Memorial Hospital is doing its best to utilize the resources available to the community.