Meet Yanitza

Note: Yanitza is licensed to serve clients in the states of Texas and Ohio.

My name is Yanitza Rice. I have been living and working in the Killeen area for over 20 years. I began my education at Central Texas College receiving an associates in Mental Health Services, which is where I discovered my desire to become a Social Worker. During this time, I completed specializations in the area of at-risk youth and chemical dependency. I received my bachelor’s in Social Work from Texas A&M University-Central Texas in 2012. I went on to pursue my Master of Social Work from University of New England’s MSW program and have been an LCDC since. I completed practicum during my undergraduate with the Central Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and completed my graduate practicum with Christian Farms Treehouse, Inc., a residential substance abuse treatment facility.  I recently obtained my LMSW in the State of Texas. During my education, I spent 7 years working in corrections where I was able to help clients with adjustment, transition, and reintegration.

Much of my professional experience pertains to Substance Abuse treatment. I have grouped directly with adults in substance use and family members. My passion is being a catalyst for change with individuals and their families navigating through the recovery process. My work has included working in the COPSD- program with co-occurring psychiatric substance abuse disorder clients, providing intensive case management, intervention, education, family intervention and education and treatment in a residential setting. I also provided grief counseling and group education to assist clients navigate through the healing process of their loss. I went on to work as a therapist in a Forensic Practice where I conducted teletherapy with clients from home for clients involved in the criminal justice system.

I have trained in Trauma-Informed services and enjoy helping clients navigate the healing process in their life through intensive, individualized treatment with compassion and empathy to restore hope and balance. My therapeutic approach includes motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, grief counseling and trauma-informed approach.

My hobbies consist of anything to do with the outdoors, such as hiking, fishing, camping, riding the jet ski etc. I have a soon to be 6-year-old who takes up a lot of my time and energy, and I have been married to my best friend for almost 7 years. 

I live by the mantra by Yung Pueblo, “A hero is one who heals their own wounds and then shows others how to do the same.” I demonstrate this in my work with clients as they are more powerful in achieving their full potential through the healing process.