Clinical Team

Amber Wrye

LPC, LCDC, EMDR II — Clinical Director

Amber is a compassionate therapist and leader with extensive experience in clinical counseling management. Amber earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in counseling from the University of North Texas and is completing her Ph.D. in organizational leadership at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Amber is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC), and a Level Two Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR II) therapist. An avid volunteer, she’s also a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, the Institute of Organizational Mindfulness, and The Chicago School Professional Psychology Consulting Club doing pro bono consulting for nonprofits.

Dr. John Dyben

DHSc, MCAP, CMHP – Chief Clinical Officer

In his role as Chief Clinical Officer, John provides supervisory and clinical oversight to all of Origins Behavioral HealthCare’s programs. John continually builds upon his academic expertise through research and nationwide speaking engagements on addiction, spirituality, and related topics.

John’s academic training includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Conflict Management, a Master of Science in Management, a Doctor of Health Science, and postgraduate studies in psychology, philosophy, and religion. John is a Master Certified Addictions Professional and a Certified Mental Health Professional in the State of Florida. He is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Substance Abuse Professional meeting all Federal DOT qualifications. John is a musician, writer, and a private pilot, and he enjoys spending time with his family.

Joellen Walter

LPC – Primary Counselor

Joellen Walter is from Addison, Texas. She joined our Origins Counseling-Dallas team in June 2020. She earned her bachelor’s in political science with a minor in American studies from Beloit College and her master’s in community counseling from Argosy University. Before joining Origins, her professional experience included working in private practice with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, identity, and balance in their everyday living and conducting pre-surgical psychological evaluations. Joellen worked as a certified personal trainer for 15 years and has a deep understanding of the relationship between body, mind, and spirit. She’s trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a corrective exercise specialist, a performance enhancement specialist, and a nutrition coach. Joellen also has a small private practice outside of work specializing in behavioral health, life skills, anxiety, and depression. Sober for over 20 years, she de-stresses and maintains her life balance by collecting vintage signs and browsing antiques, and spending time with her two beloved cats.

Andrew Merritt

LCDC – Primary Counselor

Andrew is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) who joined our Origins Counseling Dallas team in May 2022. He holds a Bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Oklahoma and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Oklahoma and Texas. Andrew is a Master of Science in Social Work candidate with the University of Texas – Arlington with a projected graduation date of Spring 2023. Andrew has been a person in recovery since 2001 and has regularly attended and chaired 12-Step meetings throughout the Southwest, including Texas and Oklahoma. Drawing on his professional life as a CPA, he has helped many fellows complete their Ninth Step work with the IRS. He has been a board member with the Twelfth Step Ministry at the Center for Spiritual Development since November 2013 and a Nightwatch Volunteer with the Dallas Intergroup Association’s AA Hotline in Dallas since May 2012.

Casey Mckeown

Alumni Care Coordinator

Casey is passionate about recovery through the 12-Steps. She graduated from The University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in sociology. Because she struggled with mental health and addiction, Casey brings a valuable ability to meet patients where they are. Before becoming an Alumni Care Coordinator, she managed a sober living home. Her experience gives the women at patients of Origins Counseling a unique view of aftercare options. In her free time, Casey enjoys spending time with friends and her dog.

Jeff

Therapy Dog

Jeff is an AKC-registered English Springer Spaniel and a certified therapy dog through the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Love on a Leash. He has been building his skills in obedience and therapeutic relationships over the past year. Jeff is the loving owner of Primary Counselor Joellen Walter, MA, LPC, and together they also train for agility work. He is an active and lovable boy who is thrilled to work with the patients at Origins Counseling in Dallas.