Lighthouse outpatient team

Lori Yakita, MSW, LSW, is an IOP primary therapist at RCA and is currently working on obtaining her LCSW. Lori received her MSW, at Rutgers University, in New Brunswick NJ. Lori has experience working in a variety of settings including providing in home therapy to children and families, and for the past 8 years, as a primary therapist in an intensive outpatient mental health program. She has extensive experience working with clients with dual diagnosis, and persistent, severe mental health illness including Bipolar, Schizoaffective, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD (both acute and chronic). In her role at RCA, Lori wants to continue client advocacy, assisting marginalized and at-risk populations, as well as promote recovery and overall positive outcomes for the clients.

Yvette McDonald MS, LCADC Primary Therapist at Recovery of America at Lighthouse presents with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of Substance Use and Behavioral Health. A Graduate from Phoenix AZ, Grand Canyon University Master’s Program in Addiction Counseling, along with various training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical behavioral Therapy. Yvette has been in the field for a little over 9 years and has worked in Intensive Outpatient treatment, Outpatient, and Medication Assistant Treatment for both male and females. Yvette also has experience as a Senior Counselor and Part time Clinical Director which houses PHP, Intensive Outpatient Treatment, and Outpatient services. Yvette gained a passion to advocate for victims who experienced sexual violence and was a part of the Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV) from 2016-2018.

Joshua Hayes MA, NCC, LAC, is a young therapist that brings a unique approach to the therapeutic atmosphere.  Joshua has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the accredited Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  Joshua was motivated to enter the field after learning the impact that trauma and substance use can have on an individual’s life.  While studying to become a therapist, Joshua presented on his research about treating Veterans with PTSD, at the annual Graduate Scholars Forum at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Joshua’s research discusses how unique approaches to therapy and a neurological understanding, are necessary to make the therapeutic experience beneficial for individuals struggling with traumatic experiences and addiction.