Jackson Hole Mental Health Services Merge to Enhance Behavioral Health Support

The Jackson Hole Planning Commission meeting on August 20, 2025, spotlighted the critical merger of two local mental health organizations, the Jackson Community Counseling Center and the Currency Lake Foundation. This merger, completed in July 2022, aims to streamline mental health and substance use services in the community, addressing the growing demand for these essential services.

Executive Director of Mental Health and Recovery Services, who led the discussion, emphasized the importance of providing a unified approach to mental health care. "It's all the same thing," they stated, highlighting the need for integrated services rather than fragmented care. The counseling center, established in 1974, and the Currency Lake Foundation, founded in 1986, have long been pillars of support for individuals facing mental health challenges in Teton County.

The organization operates under a contract with Teton County to provide involuntary hospitalization services, known as Title 25, which is crucial for individuals at risk of harming themselves or others. The director noted that Wyoming often relies on private entities to deliver these services efficiently, as government funding continues to dwindle while the need for mental health support rises, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a significant annual rent of nearly $150,000 for their facility, the organization is also exploring ways to reduce costs while maintaining low or no-cost services for clients. They offer 24-hour crisis services, ensuring that individuals can access help at any time, either through in-person visits or a hotline.

In addition to the merger, the meeting touched on housing obligations related to local development projects, with discussions about fee waivers for permit fees and housing mitigation. The commission is considering various options to balance community needs with development pressures.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the ongoing commitment of local leaders to enhance mental health services in Jackson, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the community's pressing behavioral health needs. As the organization continues to adapt and respond to these challenges, the focus remains on providing accessible and effective care for all residents.