Fremont Counseling Service says merger with Central Wyoming Counseling will preserve local services

FREMONT COUNTY, Wyo. — Fremont Counseling Service told the county commission on Feb. 17 that it is in the later stages of a merger with Central Wyoming Counseling that will form a holding company and leave Fremont Counseling's local operations in place.

Scott Hayes, executive director of Fremont Counseling Service, and Jim Kouser, CEO of Central Wyoming Counseling, said the organizations expect the merger to create administrative efficiencies and expand access to residential and crisis services for Fremont County residents. Hayes said Fremont Counseling will retain its name and continue performing under its existing Title 25 contract with the state: "Fremont Counseling Service will be an affiliate, under a holding company... we will retain our name and our business structure for at this point in time," Hayes said.

Presenters said the arrangement would not require renegotiating the county's existing Title 25 contract; the goal is smoother referrals, faster access to residential programming, and improved evaluations and transportation for clients.

Commissioners asked whether personnel would remain the same; presenters said staff and leadership are expected to continue through the transition and that no firm merger-completion date was set but they hoped to finish in two to three months.

What happens next: Fremont Counseling and Central Wyoming Counseling will continue Title 25 operations under existing contracts; county staff and commissioners will monitor service continuity and any changes to facilities or staffing announced as the merger proceeds.