VICTOR A. BALTA, M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Balta brings over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and addiction treatment to 12 Palms. He has developed unique models of care for dual-diagnosed clients, which integrate 12-Step Principles with psychodynamic and pharmacologic interventions.

Dr. Balta has worked in private practice and also held administrative and clinical leadership positions in both New York and Florida:

1. While in New York, over a 5-year period he helped obtain ten million in grants from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), CSAT (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment), HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration), and the City of New York.


2. In Florida, Dr. Balta helped to initiate the founding of a psychiatric hospital and a forensic psychiatric hospital in the Treasure Coast region. He was also instrumental in getting both facilities approved by the DCF, Medicare and JCAHO.

Dr. Balta received his psychiatric training at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York City. He is a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, is Board Certified in Neurology and Psychiatry, and is Certified in Psychoanalysis by the William Alanson White Institute.

LORETTA LUKIC

Clinical Director

As the Clinical Director at 12 Palms, Loretta strives to ensure personalized treatment for each individual entering the program suffering from the disease of addiction. She has been working in the substance abuse field for over 25 years, and is a highly experienced professional in all aspects of clinical care.

In addition to holding both a Bachelors and Masters Degree, Loretta is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). She is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful psychotherapy technique proven to help people suffering from trauma, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress and many other emotional problems.

For almost 10 years, Loretta has been an approved surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), reviewing drug treatment programs across the country. She also co-published an article in the Marriage and Family Therapy Journal addressing the dynamics within families who are trying to deal with the effects of substance abuse.

TOM A. EDWARDS

Certified Addiction Professional

Tom became a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) after a successful 17-year career as a licensed Chiropractor. He has been active as a CAP in the field of addiction recovery for 5 years, and is currently pursuing his Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling with a focus on becoming a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree.

KEITH GILLEN

Primary Therapist

As both a Certified Addiction Counselor and an Ordained Pastor, Keith combines a holistic approach of addiction recovery and spirituality to guide clients along on their journey toward wholeness and a productive, fulfilling life.

He has worked in the substance abuse field for 7 years, engaging both clients and their families in the therapeutic process, so together they can heal from all aspects of the disease of addiction.