High Country Behavioral Health

Your Partner in Mental Wellness

Our Story

High Country Behavioral Health is a nonprofit organization, established in 1986 to meet the need for accessible behavioral health services in the communities of Lincoln County, WY. As the years progressed, our desire to help other rural communities led us to open locations in Sublette, Uinta, Hot Springs, and Carbon County, WY. In 2019, we expanded beyond the Wyoming border, opening three locations in Eastern Idaho.

Our organization is committed to providing effective and affordable treatment solutions to those experiencing mental health and addiction challenges. It is our desire to relieve suffering and enhance the well-being of our clients through outpatient counseling, case management, medication management and crisis services.

Our service providers are devoted to studying and teaching principles and practices that aide in the ability to regulate emotions, manage stress, build healthy relationships, and achieve personal goals that cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

A Message from Our Leader

“We look forward to the opportunity to stand at the crossroads of people’s lives: listening, mentoring, guiding, and teaching. We recognize that we can only reach our full potential as individuals and as an organization to the degree that we can assist others to reach their potential for happiness and well-being.”

Kipp Dana, Chief Executive Officer

Executive Team

Chief Executive Officer

Kipp Dana

Meet Kipp

Chief Operating Officer

Jared Bingham

Meet Jared

Director, Idaho

Brandi Warnke

Meet Brandi

Systems Administrator

Kelly Kleeman

Business Manager

Jennifer Jensen

Marketing Specialist & Executive Assistant

Shelley Green

Clinical Director, Thermopolis

Allan Braaten

Meet Allan

Clinical Director,
Star Valley

Kristle Westover

Meet Kristle

Clinical Director, Pinedale

Sarah Hixson

Clinical Director, Evanston

Tiffany Hogue

Meet Tiffany

Our Providers

Meet Our Providers

Success Stories

I came here one year ago as a broken man. There was much I had to face about myself, life, and reality which could have potentially destroyed me, had I faced it alone. The staff here is very qualified and good at what they do. I used to always have a paranoia about these places, and that kept me from getting the help I needed. Now, I am a new person in ways I just can't seem to articulate. These people are not just healers and guides, they are artists. And once I could see their unique form of art, I really started to change. They care about their clients and they care about their work. It's made me appreciate many different forms of the healing arts. I never knew that I could overcome. I just never knew. My life is just beginning now, and I can write the story of my life how I want. I am no longer under control of that psychological spell which controlled me for so much of my life. It's a beautiful thing I never thought was a possibility. It makes a man feel blessed. I can really live now.

-Cassidy W

I'm really looking forward for the next time I get to see the each of the staff that I interact with they are very conscious of my needs and have my best interest in mind they treat me with respect kindness and enthusiastic about my recovery and my needs for therapy and a very cooperative with me at each stage of my therapy and class room interaction thank you very much for the opportunity for my input at this point of my recovery and therapy interaction.

- Greg B

I have nothing but the up most respect for your staff. My councilors (Steve) has empathy as well as understanding and forthwith with answers and if he doesn't have the answer he will our next appointment. The classes are helpful and intuitive. I have not met a disrespectful employee there. They are even respectful even when it comes to drug testing. I would recommend this place to anyone who are in need of their services. Thank you everyone for all you have and continue to do for me

-Holly R

News, Updates, and Resources

The Importance of Social Relationships to Physical and Mental Health

Human beings are inherently social. Our relationships provide us with a sense of connection, purpose, support and, ultimately, overall better health and longevity. Unfortunately, about a third of Americans lack these strong social relationships and, in turn, put their health at significant risk.

Learn more about the effect loneliness and social disconnect has on physical and mental health.

18 Jan 2021

Addiction Recovery: How to Protect Your Sobriety During the Holidays

The holidays can be a difficult time for many people, bringing forth feelings of stress, loneliness, grief, depression, and other unwanted emotions. For those in addiction recovery, these types of feelings, along with the social triggers present at holiday gatherings, can make the holidays a particularly challenging time.

So, how can you protect your sobriety during the holidays? Here are some tips that can help.

22 Dec 2020

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: What You Should Know About NSSI

15-20% of adolescents, and 6% of adults, worldwide engage in nonsuicidal self-injury. Find out the who, what, when, where and why behind NSSI.

09 Dec 2020

National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month: How to Have an 'ALMOST' Stress-Free Holiday in 2020

The holidays can be stressful even in the best of times - with crowds, family tensions, hosting responsibilities, and the social pressure and economic strain of gift giving. And, of course, this year we have COVID-19 to contend with!

While “stress-free” may not be an attainable goal this year, our holidays can still be merry and bright by managing our expectations and stress throughout the holiday season.

02 Dec 2020

Starfish: A Tale of Abuse and Neglect

"Someone once asked me, 'How can kids have problems, they have nothing to worry about?' Obviously this kid did. And you know he isn’t the first I’ve seen nor will he be the last to act in such a desperate manner."

Allan Braaten, Psychotherapist and Clinical Director of High Country Behavioral Health in Thermopolis, WY, shares a deeply moving account of answering the call of child abuse and neglect, in which a 10- year old child attempted suicide.

02 Nov 2020

Is the Change in Seasons Making You SAD? It Might be Seasonal Affective Disorder

While some welcome the fall season with dreams of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters and growing excitement for upcoming holidays with family and friends, others respond to the change in season in quite a different manner… with mood changes and depression symptoms that are so severe and oppressive that it can force them into “hibernation” until spring. For these individuals, the fall and winter seasons trigger a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

16 Oct 2020