Wyoming Severe Mental Illness Information, Laws, & Helpful Resources

WYO. STAT. ANN. § 25-10-109(a). A person may be detained when: i. A law enforcement officer or examiner has reasonable cause to believe a person is mentally ill pursuant to W.S. 25-10-101; ii. A court has entered an ex parte order for immediate detention of a person pursuant to W.S. 25-10-110.1(h); iii. A hospital revokes convalescent status release of a person pursuant to W.S. 25-10-127(b) based on a previous or current determination of mental illness. WYO. STAT. ANN. § 25-10-101(a)(ix). (Effective July 1, 2024) “Mental illness” and “mentally ill” mean a physical, emotional, mental or behavioral disorder which causes a person to be dangerous to himself or others and which requires treatment, but do not include addiction to drugs or alcohol, drug or alcohol intoxication or developmental disabilities, except when one (1) or more of those conditions co-occurs as a secondary diagnosis with a mental illness;

WYO. STAT. ANN. § 25-10-110(a) Proceedings for the involuntary hospitalization of a person may be commenced by the filing of a written application with the court in the county in which the person is initially detained. Proceedings may also be initiated in the county in which there is a designated hospital if there is a written agreement executed by the county in which the person resides and the designated hospital stating that the county in which the person resides will be responsible for costs of treatment under W.S. 25-10-112(e) that are not covered by the state. The application shall be accompanied by either: i. A certificate of an examiner stating: (a) That he has examined the proposed patient not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the date that the application was filed under this subsection; (b) His findings and the proposed patient’s history; and (c) His opinion that the proposed patient is mentally ill; or ii. A written statement by the applicant and by an examiner that the proposed patient has refused to submit to examination by an examiner, together with a statement of the facts and circumstances supporting the application. WYO. STAT. ANN. § 25-10-110(j). If, upon completion of the hearing and consideration of the record, the court or the jury finds by clear and convincing evidence that the proposed patient is mentally ill the court shall consider the least restrictive and most therapeutic alternatives[.] WYO. STAT. ANN. § 25-10-101(a)(ix). (Effective July 1, 2024) “Mental illness” and “mentally ill” mean a physical, emotional, mental or behavioral disorder which causes a person to be dangerous to himself or others and which requires treatment, but do not include addiction to drugs or alcohol, drug or alcohol intoxication or developmental disabilities, except when one (1) or more of those conditions co-occurs as a secondary diagnosis with a mental illness; WYO. STAT. ANN. § 25-10-101(a)(ii). (Effective July 1, 2024) “Dangerous to himself or others” means that, as a result of mental illness, a person: (A) Evidences a substantial probability of physical harm to himself as manifested by evidence of recent threats of or attempts at suicide or serious bodily harm; or (B) Evidences a substantial probability of physical harm to other individuals as manifested by a recent overt homicidal act, attempt or threat or other violent act, attempt or threat which places others in reasonable fear of serious physical harm to them; or (C) Evidences behavior manifested by recent acts or omissions that, due to mental illness, he is unable to satisfy basic needs for nourishment, essential medical care, shelter or safety so that a substantial probability exists that death, serious physical injury, serious physical debilitation, serious mental debilitation, destabilization from lack of or refusal to take prescribed psychotropic medications for a diagnosed condition or serious physical disease will imminently ensue, unless the individual receives prompt and adequate treatment for this mental illness. No person, however, shall be deemed to be unable to satisfy his need for nourishment, essential medical care, shelter or safety if he is able to satisfy those needs with the supervision and assistance of others who are willing and available; (D) While this definition requires evidence of recent acts or omissions of endangerment, either to self or others, a court may consider a person’s mental health history in determining whether directed outpatient commitment or involuntary hospitalization is warranted.

WYO. STAT. ANN. § 25-10-110.1. Directed outpatient commitment proceedings. (a) If the court finds based upon the recommendation of an examiner or on its own determination that the proposed patient is mentally ill but does not require inpatient hospitalization, the court shall consider issuing a directed outpatient commitment order. The court shall require directed outpatient commitment for the proposed patient for a period of time as determined appropriate by the court, not to exceed two (2) years with review by the court at least every six (6) months. The court may designate an outpatient care provider that will provide care to the proposed patient. (b) In considering whether directed outpatient commitment is appropriate, the court may consider one (1) or more of the following: (i) The proposed patient is diagnosed as having a mental illness; (ii) Without directed outpatient treatment, the proposed patient is likely to be dangerous to himself or others based upon noncompliance with prior medical directives; (iii) The proposed patient is likely to suffer substantial medical or mental deterioration or become seriously disabled; (iv) The proposed patient lacks present ability to make an informed decision concerning his need for treatment; or (v) Any other information concerning the proposed patient’s need for outpatient care.