Fifteen years ago, when Mike Jones and John Bowden first met during their own recovery journeys, neither could have foreseen the impact they would later have on hundreds of clients and their families battling drug and alcohol addiction. Their shared experiences and insights fueled a desire to improve the way drug and alcohol rehabilitation was approached. Determined to create a more effective solution, they came together in 2017 to establish Lighthouse Recovery in Dallas.
“We began with a simple idea,” Jones recalls. “We wanted to create a space that was shame-free, personalized, and focused on fostering long-term recovery.” What started as a single house with just eight beds has since evolved into four residential properties alongside a comprehensive range of outpatient clinical programs, all based upon the founding philosophy that shaped Lighthouse’s identity from day one.
Today, Lighthouse Recovery offers a wide array of services, including Clinical Programs like Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP), as well as Residential Programs such as Extended Care and Sober Living. Lighthouse Recovery is the only center in Dallas offering this comprehensive blend of clinical and residential care at such a high level, and one of only a handful doing so nationally.
Lighthouse’s approach centers on providing evidence-based care that is tailored to each individual’s needs. Their unique, community-focused model has earned national recognition for its effectiveness, particularly in Extended Care treatment. “We’ve remained small, but have added a lot of staff to allow us to provide personalized care, identify trends, and adjust programming to address issues that we see in real-time.” says Jones.
A pivotal moment in Lighthouse Recovery’s development was the addition of Dr. Brooke Keels, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, LPC-Supervisor, as Chief Clinical Officer. Since joining in 2020, Dr. Keels has transformed the organization’s approach to clinical treatment, emphasizing a holistic model that addresses the individual beyond their substance use struggles. Her expertise in family therapy, life skills, and mental health programming has been instrumental in strengthening the organization’s services.
Under Dr. Keels’ leadership, the family therapy and life skills programs have evolved significantly. Recognizing that many individuals today mature at a slower pace, she rewrote the curriculum to reflect these changes, tailoring it to meet the social, emotional, and cognitive needs of clients at different developmental stages. This adaptability has ensured that all clients, regardless of age or background, can engage in meaningful personal growth.
“The goal isn’t just to eliminate substances,” says Dr. Keels. “We’re helping people become healthy individuals in every aspect of their lives. Substances make the situation urgent, but what we’re really doing is helping clients build entirely new lives. Lives they can be proud of.” Dr. Keels’ curriculum also addresses the evolving social landscape, including the need for teaching clients how to form platonic relationships, something she never anticipated would be necessary a decade ago. “The social landscape may change, but the core needs of human connection and growth remain the same,” she explains. Her curriculum provides clients with tools for self-awareness, conflict resolution, and emotional growth… critical skills for recovery and for leading a fulfilling life.
Dr. Keels’ philosophy is simple yet powerful: treat people like people. She emphasizes that while substances may pose an immediate danger, the real focus of recovery is helping clients move past grief and personal challenges to build a life they can be proud of. This human-centered approach has contributed significantly to the growth and success of Lighthouse Recovery. By fostering community and relational skills, Dr. Keels and her team have helped clients not only break free from the isolation of addiction but also build deeper personal relationships and healthier lives overall.
Later this year, Lighthouse is also launching Kind Psychiatry, a telehealth psychiatry practice meant to bridge the gap between quality care and the high costs typically associated with it. Jones believes there is no such thing as a “vanilla addict,” and that deeper mental health issues must be addressed to achieve long-term success. With Kind Psychiatry, he aims to provide the quality care that most cannot afford but that everyone deserves. “I always want to get across to everybody that there is help available, and it is not shameful to accept it,” Jones said. “Don’t wait too long to pick up the phone and get the care you need.”
If you or a loved one is seeking help, the Lighthouse team can be reached at (214) 396-0259 or online.
