STAFF

About Our Staff

This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.

MEET OUR TEAM

If you are looking for professional mental health services in the Idaho Falls, ID area, turn to Wright Step Counseling & Recovery. You can rely on us for compassionate mental health support. Call us to schedule an appointment.

Clinical Staff

Carrie Wright

Carrie Wright

LCSW

Are you having a difficult time identifying the positive aspects of your life? Does there seem to be too many things weighing you down? Life does not always seem to give back what we are putting into it, making the pursuit to happiness feel daunting and unachievable at times. Whether you are in chronic pain or turning to substances to fulfill an emptiness that you may be feeling as a result of past trauma, my personal goal is to help empower you to make the choices in your life that lead to optimal mental wellness. There is hope and I would love to help you explore how to best navigate your journey in getting there.

Each therapy session will be personalized to meet your needs and will be guided by a therapist who understands the complexities of the healing process. Modalities such as DBT for skill development, CBT to identify any irrational thinking patterns that may need addressed, EMDR and Prolonged Exposure to work through reducing the impact of trauma and grief are just some of the specialties that I work within. 

Allowing for an open and safe place to feel supported and heard is my goal for each one of you. My job is to build a trusting relationship that you can feel comfortable to come back to whenever life becomes difficult. My specialties are aimed at teens and adults who are experiencing trauma, relationship concerns, addictions, anxiety, or depression. Feel free to reach out to our office and see if we might be a good fit for you. I can't wait to meet you.

Carrie is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and adults struggling with mental health, substance use, behavioral issues, and trauma. She graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (2014) and shortly after, achieved her Master’s degree at Northwest Nazarene University. Mrs. Wright is dually trained in substance use and mental health and is extremely passionate in these areas. Her goal is to help others gain hope in their current situation by focusing on the client’s strengths and skill building.

I have been trained and practice most of my therapy in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), 7 Challenges, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Trauma Recovery and Empowerment, Imago Therapy (couples), and EMDR therapy modalities. My experience as an intern began when I was hired to work with Bonneville County Drug Court where I was employed for 3 years assisting families with creating healthy family dynamics and communication while providing a safe place for adolescents to explore their lives. I have since this time expanded my knowledge and enjoy helping clients overcome all types of challenges.

Carrie opened Wright Step Counseling and Recovery in 2019 and is currently accepting new patients. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family on camping trips, vacations, and playing with her grandchildren. 
Mitchell Barney

Mitchell Barney

LCSW

Life can be so hard and unmanageable, whether it is disappointments that have grown into depression, worries that have become crippling anxieties, or past traumas that affect us day to day. So many people feel stuck, thinking their life will always feel this way. Each of us has something in our lives that is holding us back, a limit often based on beliefs we formed in a moment of crisis or when we were small children. Those limiting beliefs bring instability, leaving us feeling broken, unable to see a way forward.


 I help people uncover their limits, examine the consequences of continuing to live without change. I use therapy techniques that invoke healing from within; the solutions and strength are inside each of us, just waiting to be tapped into. I create an environment where my clients are able to uncover often unconscious limitations and reveal the limitless potential that each person has.


 As a disabled veteran I felt broken, but I knew things could be better. I became a motivational speaker and published author. I went back to school for my education, graduating from Idaho State University with a Masters in Social Work where I learned how to help others overcome the struggles of mental illness. I have crafted myself to be the easygoing, fun loving person I knew I could be. I utilize my toolbox of evidence based therapy modalities to facilitate change for others.


 Therapies offered: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a therapy that uses the brain’s natural healing process to change our reactions to trauma; CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) looks at how our thoughts influence how we feel and the world we live in. I help people replace the less healthy coping skills they have with skills that build a life that one doesn't feel like they have to escape from. Plus many other therapeutic approaches in order to provide a personalized therapy experience. I do play therapy with pre-teens and teens and as a self proclaimed nerd, relate well with younger clients as well. 


If you want something different than what you have in life, come visit with me and start living your ideal life.

Kristi Nelson, LCSW

Kristi Nelson

LCSW

Kristi graduated with her Master’s degree in 2008 from Walla Walla University and earned her clinical license in 2013. She is an approved clinical supervisor for the state of Idaho and IBADCC (Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification) for recovery coaches. Kristi has worked as a clinical supervisor for over 12 years in the mental health and substance abuse field and is a certified GAIN-I and ICANS assessor. Kristi is trained in CBT, DBT, Crisis intervention, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, and other therapeutic modalities. She works with a wide range of life issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, grief, abuse, and substance abuse disorders. Kristi enjoys working with teenagers and adults in all stages of life.
Lynda Armstrong, LMSW

Lynda Armstrong

LMSW

Linda has dedicated over 15 years to various roles as a social worker, originally hailing from Wyoming but relocating to Southeastern Idaho during her childhood. Her expertise lies in caring for the senior population, offering health and mental health services through meticulous care coordination. Additionally, she has served as a child protection investigator.

In 2009, Lynda graduated with a bachelor's degree in social work from Idaho State University. Her commitment to advancing her knowledge led her to pursue a Master's degree at Northwest Nazarene University in 2015, specializing in mental health and addictions. During her practicum at Adult Mental Health in Pocatello, she provided counseling for uninsured adults.

Lynda's extensive experience includes working with domestic violence survivors, individuals dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and addiction. Moreover, she has worked with women entangled in the correctional and judicial system.

As a non-traditional student, Lynda believes in the perpetual opportunity for learning and growth, asserting that no one is ever too old to expand their knowledge. Her passion lies in aiding others to realize their potential and capitalize on their inherent strengths. Currently, she exclusively offers telehealth services, eagerly welcoming the opportunity to assist individuals in overcoming challenges and leading their most fulfilling lives.

Billing Staff

Robyn Sloan

Robyn Sloan

Billing Specialist

Robyn serves as the Billing Specialist at Wright Step Counseling and Recovery, where her responsibilities include welcoming clients, managing phone inquiries, assisting with scheduling, and providing support wherever it's needed.

Originally from Indiana, Robyn is a proud mother of six children and two grandchildren. She earned her Associate degree in Health Examination in 2005.

Robyn and her husband Sean share a connection through their shared love of road trips, movies, and popcorn. In 2022, she made the move to Idaho, where she currently resides with her husband and youngest son.

Reception Staff

Katie Ramos

Katie Ramos

Receptionist

Meet Katie, our newest receptionist, who takes pleasure in welcoming and interacting with our clients! Alongside her husband, Gerardo, she relocated to Idaho Falls in October, bringing along their adorable puppy, Jax. Originally hailing from Salt Lake City, Katie recently earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. During her leisure moments, she indulges in fitness routines and delights in the joy of music. Feel free to drop by and extend your greetings!"
Jade Jardine

Jade Jardine

Receptionist

Meet Jade, one of our receptionists at Wright Step Counseling and Recovery. A native of Idaho, she is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in psychology while actively assisting and supporting as many individuals as possible. With 11 years of experience playing the guitar, Jade is also a proud cat parent to two furry companions. While you'll usually find her in the back, don't be surprised if you catch her answering the phone now and then!

Supportive Services

Claire Broadbent

Claire Broadbent

Case Manager

Claire, a Licensed Social Worker, has called Idaho home for the past 15 years. Originally from Illinois, she cherishes her roots but expresses a deep love for Idaho sunsets, considering them unparalleled. Her favorite pastime involves marveling at Idaho's expansive skies, capturing countless moments through her extensive photo collection.

In 2014, Claire earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Idaho State University, and she is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work Program at Northwest Nazarene University. With a cumulative 5 years of experience as a Case Manager, Claire's mission is to assist clients in overcoming various challenges, such as securing safe housing, ensuring food stability, accessing mental health support, reliable transportation, and addressing other issues prevalent in Southeast Idaho. The most rewarding aspect of her role is collaborating with clients to cultivate the skills needed to independently discover and manage resources.
Share by: