Wyoming is a big state, and getting to a weekly appointment isn't always realistic. Long drives, winter roads, shift work and full family schedules all get in the way. Online sessions let you keep going with therapy from home, your car or a quiet room at work. We see people in person in Casper or online anywhere in Wyoming, and you can switch between the two when that helps.
How online sessions work
Sessions take place through the Video Office in our SimplePractice Client Portal, a secure, private video platform built for healthcare. You join your appointment from a phone, tablet or computer.
A typical session is 60 minutes, the same as in the office, and most people meet weekly or every other week. Current patients can also see availability and request appointments through the same portal.
What we offer online
Most of the work we do in our Casper, WY office can also happen by video. That includes:
- EMDR therapy for trauma, anxiety, grief and other concerns
- Somatic work, including body awareness, breathwork, grounding and resourcing
- Couples therapy and marriage counseling
- Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles
- Therapy for first responders and medical professionals with Justin Whitson
Can EMDR and somatic therapy work online?
Yes. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements or tapping) to help the brain process memories that still feel stuck. Over video, your therapist can guide eye movements on screen or teach you to tap for yourself, and the structure of the work stays the same.
Brandon has written that somatic sessions happen in our Casper office or through online therapy. Noticing sensations in the body, slowing your breathing and grounding in the room around you are all things you can do from your own chair. Many people find it easier to settle into body-based work in a familiar space.
If something about your situation makes in-person work a better fit, we'll tell you, and we can talk through a mix of office and online sessions.
Who online therapy suits
Online therapy works well for a lot of people. It can be a good fit if you:
- Live far from Casper or have a long commute
- Work shifts, travel for work or have a schedule that shifts from week to week
- Have young children at home or care for a family member
- Prefer the privacy of not being seen walking into a therapy office
- Want to keep seeing your therapist through a move within Wyoming or a stretch of bad winter weather
What you need
The setup is simple. Before your first session, make sure you have:
- To be physically in Wyoming during your session, since our therapists are licensed in Wyoming
- A phone, tablet or laptop with a working camera and a steady internet connection
- A private spot where you can talk freely, such as a closed room or a parked car
- Headphones if others are nearby
Questions people ask
Does online therapy work as well as meeting in person?
Many people find online sessions work just as well for them, especially once they get used to the format. The relationship with your therapist matters most, and that can grow over video too. If it isn't working for you, tell us and we'll adjust.
Is online therapy private?
Sessions run through the secure video in our SimplePractice Client Portal, not a regular video chat app. On your end, privacy depends on where you sit, so pick a spot where you won't be overheard.
Can couples meet online?
Yes. Brandon and Kala both see couples, and couples sessions can happen by video as long as both partners are in Wyoming during the session.
Do you take insurance for online sessions?
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. Coverage for video sessions depends on your plan, so call us and we'll help you check.
Can I see a therapist online if I live outside Wyoming?
Not at this time. Our therapists are licensed in Wyoming, so you need to be in Wyoming during each session.
How do I get started with online therapy?
Call our Casper, WY office at 307-215-1021 or email brandon@openroadtherapy.com for a free phone consultation. We're open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Once you're scheduled, we'll send intake forms and your video link through the Client Portal.