Telehealth for OpenGate Services in Wyoming and Colorado

Why Telehealth Can Be a Practical Option

Access Across Wyoming

OpenGate provides Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluations, including the full Addiction Severity Index (ASI), by secure video telehealth (online) to adults physically located throughout Wyoming, including Cheyenne, Laramie, Gillette, Rock Springs and Sheridan. In-person appointments are available in Casper by appointment.

Less Travel and Time Away From Work

Appointments by secure video telehealth (online) avoid travel to the office. This can make scheduling easier when distance, weather, road conditions, work or transportation limit in-person access. You still need time for the appointment and a private, stationary setting.

When Work Takes You Away From Home

Some clients work at temporary, remote, or rotating job sites that are far from home. If you are physically located in Wyoming - or, for an eligible Wyoming matter, in Colorado - telehealth may let you attend from a private, stationary location without driving home or to Casper solely for the appointment. For appointments by secure video telehealth (online), identity and physical location are verified at each session. If work or travel will place you outside Wyoming or Colorado, contact OpenGate in advance so eligibility can be reviewed.

What Telehealth Does—and Does Not—Change

Telehealth changes where the appointment takes place; it does not eliminate the clinical or professional requirements that apply to the service.

OpenGate continues to assess clinical appropriateness, maintain professional boundaries, protect confidential information, document services, and follow applicable licensure, certification, privacy, and record requirements. Clients receive the same rights and responsibilities that apply to OpenGate services generally.

OpenGate provides services and documentation. Specific legal or administrative requirements and final decisions are determined by the applicable court, WYDOT, or other authority.

When Telehealth May Not Be the Best Fit

Telehealth is not automatically appropriate for every person, situation, or service. Damon considers the requested service, clinical needs, privacy, available technology, the client's physical location, and any applicable referral requirements when determining whether telehealth is appropriate.

An in-person appointment, a different service format, or referral to another provider or level of care may be more appropriate when secure video cannot adequately support the client's clinical or practical needs.

What to Expect at a Telehealth Appointment

Choose a reasonably private, stationary location where you can participate without unnecessary interruptions. Use a device with a working camera, microphone, and reliable internet connection whenever secure video is being used. Do not participate while driving or from a moving vehicle.

For appointments by secure video telehealth (online), identity and physical location are verified at each session. Physical location matters because professional services are subject to applicable licensing and practice requirements.

If technology fails or privacy becomes inadequate, Damon will determine the appropriate next step. Depending on the service and circumstances, the appointment may be resumed, rescheduled, completed through another permissible method, or moved to an in-person format.

Appointment Options

OpenGate services are available by secure video telehealth (online) and in person at the Casper office, by appointment only. No walk-ins.

OpenGate provides services by secure video telehealth (online) to adults physically located anywhere in Wyoming. For adults physically located in Colorado, OpenGate provides eligible Wyoming services by secure video telehealth (online) when the requested service falls within Damon's Colorado LCSW scope. OpenGate does not provide Colorado-approved DUI Level I or Level II education or treatment.

Audio-only telephone may be used for any service or portion of a service when Damon determines it is clinically appropriate and consistent with applicable law, WDH rules and requirements, licensure, professional standards, and the client's circumstances. Prime For Life® is available by secure video telehealth (online) or in person in Casper.

Wyoming and Colorado Scope

Damon J. Laird, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Wyoming and Colorado. He has been a Wyoming LCSW since 2009 and a Colorado LCSW since 2010. OpenGate has maintained Wyoming Department of Health certification and provided substance use disorder services in Wyoming since 2013.

For adults physically located in Colorado, OpenGate provides eligible Wyoming services by secure video telehealth (online) when the requested service falls within Damon's Colorado LCSW scope. OpenGate does not provide Colorado-approved DUI Level I or Level II education or treatment. If you are physically located in Colorado and have an eligible Wyoming matter involving a Wyoming court, attorney, probation/parole office, WYDOT, or another Wyoming referral source, see Colorado Telehealth | Eligible Wyoming Matters for additional information.

Is Telehealth Right for Me?

Telehealth can be a practical option for many adults, particularly when distance, rural access, inclement weather, road conditions, work schedules, temporary job locations, or transportation make travel difficult. It is not the best format for every person or every service.

OpenGate can review the service you need—such as a Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation, Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education, or Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5)—along with your physical location and relevant clinical or referral considerations, and determine whether secure video telehealth (online), an in-person appointment in Casper, or another appropriate option fits your situation.