Attorneys handling Wyoming-related matters may need to refer an adult client for a substance use evaluation and written clinical documentation. OpenGate's role is clinical: to conduct an individualized assessment, review relevant information, and provide appropriate clinical findings and documentation to authorized recipients.
Damon J. Laird, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Wyoming and Colorado. OpenGate has maintained Wyoming Department of Health certification and provided substance use disorder services in Wyoming since 2013. Attorneys throughout Wyoming regularly refer clients to Damon, as do other professionals and organizations.
OpenGate also accepts referrals for alcohol and drug education or Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5) when another provider has already completed the evaluation and recommended the service.
OpenGate's formal evaluation service is the Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation. The full Addiction Severity Index (ASI) is administered as one component of that comprehensive evaluation. The ASI is not the entire evaluation and is not offered by OpenGate as a separate evaluation service.
For information about OpenGate's referral services for the legal community, visit For Attorneys.
On this page
When to Contact OpenGate
An attorney may contact OpenGate to discuss a potential referral, the general purpose of the referral, and any known deadline. This initial contact can also be used to determine what referral or court documentation and other records may be relevant.
OpenGate will provide instructions for securely transmitting referral documents, court documents, and relevant records.
Email and text messaging are for scheduling and administrative communication only. Do not include confidential client information, substance-use details, or sensitive legal information in ordinary email or text messages.
Referral Process for a New Evaluation
- Attorney contact. The attorney contacts OpenGate to discuss the referral and known deadline.
- Secure document instructions. OpenGate explains how to securely submit the referral or court document and relevant records.
- Direct client contact. The client contacts OpenGate directly.
- Intake and authorization. The client completes applicable intake, consent, and authorization requirements.
- Clinical assessment and record review. OpenGate conducts the clinical assessment, administers the full Addiction Severity Index (ASI), and reviews relevant records and authorized collateral information.
- Written documentation. OpenGate prepares the applicable written report or other clinical documentation.
- Authorized disclosure. Information is provided only to authorized recipients as permitted or required by law.
What the Comprehensive Evaluation Includes
OpenGate's Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation incorporates multiple clinical assessment components. It includes:
- administration of the full Addiction Severity Index (ASI);
- a comprehensive biopsychosocial and spiritual assessment;
- application of The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition;
- review of applicable DSM diagnostic criteria;
- relevant records and authorized collateral information;
- assessment of case-management and referral needs;
- diagnosis and diagnostic summary, when applicable; and
- an individualized clinical recommendation.
Additional standardized, evidence-based screening or assessment instruments may be used when clinically indicated.
Wyoming's current certification guidance identifies the Addiction Severity Index as one example of a clinical assessment instrument that may be used; it does not state that the ASI is the only instrument that may be used.
The Referral Does Not Determine the Clinical Conclusion
The attorney may identify the referral question, legal or administrative context, known deadline, and documentation being requested. Those details help clarify the purpose and scope of the referral. They do not determine the clinical findings.
A particular diagnosis or treatment recommendation is not predetermined by the referral source or the legal posture of the case.
Clinical conclusions are individualized and based on the clinical interview, assessment information, relevant records, authorized collateral information, applicable diagnostic criteria, and level-of-care considerations.
OpenGate provides clinical assessment and documentation. It does not conduct the evaluation to advocate for a predetermined legal position.
Records and Collateral Information
Relevant records may improve the completeness of an evaluation when they address the referral question or clarify clinically important history.
Depending on the matter, relevant information may include referral or court documents, incident records, alcohol or toxicology information, prior evaluations or treatment records, driving records, probation or parole information, or other records bearing on the clinical assessment.
OpenGate reviews records and collateral information that are clinically relevant and appropriately obtained or authorized. For additional information, see Records and Authorized Coordination.
What the Written Report May Include
The content of a written report depends on the individual evaluation and the information available. When applicable, the report may include:
- the purpose of the evaluation and relevant information reviewed;
- a comprehensive assessment summary;
- Addiction Severity Index findings;
- application of The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition;
- review of applicable DSM diagnostic criteria;
- diagnosis and diagnostic summary, when applicable;
- relevant records and authorized collateral information;
- case-management or referral needs when clinically relevant;
- an individualized clinical recommendation;
- clinical rationale and appropriate next steps; and
- provider credentials.
The report is clinical documentation. Courts and agencies determine their own requirements and how the report is used.
Scheduling and Report Timelines
Attorneys should identify known deadlines as early as possible.
Scheduling and report timelines depend on client responsiveness, record availability, clinical needs, and applicable deadlines.
Clients Physically Located in Colorado
OpenGate provides eligible Wyoming services by secure video telehealth (online) to adults physically located in Colorado when the requested service falls within Damon J. Laird's Colorado LCSW scope. OpenGate does not provide Colorado-approved DUI Level I or Level II education or treatment.
Services, Not Legal Advice
OpenGate provides services and documentation, not legal advice. Courts and agencies determine their own requirements and decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an attorney initiate a referral?
What should I send when making a referral?
Can an attorney request a particular diagnosis or treatment recommendation?
Is the ASI the evaluation?
Can the written report be sent directly to the referring attorney?
How long does the evaluation and report process take?
Can a client who is physically located in Colorado complete an evaluation for a Wyoming-related matter?
Official Sources
This page reflects current guidance from the Wyoming Department of Health, Behavioral Health Division and the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board; current federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services concerning 42 CFR Part 2; and current guidance from the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations and the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
- Wyoming Department of Health — Mental Health and Substance Abuse Certification Program Handbook, March 2026Current certification guidance, adult ASAM Fourth Edition service framework, and examples of clinical assessment instruments including the ASI.
- Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board — Current Practice Act and RulesOfficial Wyoming licensing authority and current rules for regulated mental health professions, including LCSWs.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — 42 CFR Part 2Current federal guidance on confidentiality and permitted uses and disclosures of substance use disorder patient records.
- Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations — Social WorkOfficial Colorado social work licensing authority.
- Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles — Alcohol and Drug Education TreatmentOfficial Colorado DMV information directing drivers to approved DUI/DWAI education or treatment providers.