At Open Road Therapy, our work with first responders is led by Justin Whitson, MS, LPC, who worked as an EMT before becoming a counselor. He knows the job from the inside, so you can talk about it without first explaining what it is like. We see people in person in Casper or online anywhere in Wyoming.
Therapy is where you can set down what you have been carrying, sort out what still needs attention and get back some of the ease you had before the job took its toll.
A therapist who has done the work
Justin earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and his Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Wyoming. His time as an EMT gave him a firsthand sense of the pressure and the cumulative stress that come with emergency and medical work.
That background shapes how he works. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to you, built on respect and curiosity rather than a script. He also works with grief, depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma and family challenges, which often travel together with the stress of the job.
Stress that builds over time
Some calls stay with you right away. More often it is the pile-up: shift after shift of hard scenes, long hours and decisions made fast with a lot on the line. The body adapts to stay ready, and it can have trouble standing down when the shift ends.
People in these roles often describe some of the following:
- Replaying certain calls or patients
- Trouble sleeping, or sleeping and still waking tired
- Irritability, a short temper or feeling on edge off duty
- Feeling numb or detached from people at home
- Losing interest in things that used to matter
- Grief that never had time to land
Who we see
We work with people across emergency and medical roles, including EMTs and paramedics, firefighters, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, nurses, physicians and other hospital staff. Justin also works with the families and partners who support them, since the job affects the whole household.
EMDR for hard calls
EMDR is a core part of Justin's approach. It helps the brain reprocess memories that still feel raw, so a specific call or patient can carry less charge when it comes to mind. Justin blends EMDR with talk therapy and makes sure you feel prepared at each step, with grounding skills in place before any reprocessing starts.
Brandon Bishop, MSW, LCSW, our owner, is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and EMDR Certified Clinician who works with trauma, anxiety and depression. He also sees adults working through trauma, anxiety and depression, and is another option if you would like to work with him.
Practical details for first responders in Casper, WY
Sessions are usually 60 minutes, weekly or every other week. Our office hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, and online sessions by video can help therapy fit around shifts or travel time.
Open Road Therapy is a private practice and is not connected to any agency or employer. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (in-network), Cigna, Optumhealth Behavioral Solutions, Meritain, Allied Benefit Systems, Mountain Health CO-OP, United Health Care, Medicaid and others, and we can often bill out of network.
Questions people ask
Will my department or employer know I'm in therapy?
We are a private practice and are not part of any agency. What you share in therapy is confidential, with the standard legal exceptions we explain at your first session. We do not share information with an employer unless you give written permission.
Do I need a specific incident to start therapy?
No. Many people come in because of the overall weight of the work rather than one call. Others come because of sleep, irritability or strain at home. Any of those is a fine place to start.
Can my spouse or family come to sessions?
Yes. Justin works with individuals and families, and some people find it helpful to bring a partner in for some sessions. We can talk through what makes sense during your free phone consultation.
Do I have to do EMDR?
No. EMDR is one option, and Justin uses it when it fits. Some people start with talk therapy and grounding skills, and decide about EMDR later.
How do I book with Justin in Casper?
Call 307-215-1021 or email brandon@openroadtherapy.com and ask for Justin. We offer a free phone consultation, and we will send intake forms before your first session.