Lifeskills Deerfield Beach Residential Treatment
Admissions
Residential Mental Health Treatment in Deerfield Beach
Recognized as a national center of clinical excellence, Lifeskills Deerfield Beach provides customized, evidence-based residential mental health treatment for adults with complex mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. Specialized programming for the Jewish community, women, and veterans reflects a commitment to culturally responsive, individualized care.
Overview of Services
Premier Diagnostic Insights
Premier Diagnostic Insights (PDI) is available exclusively at Lifeskills Deerfield Beach. This intensive, concierge diagnostic program spans 7-10 days and integrates medical, psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological data to reveal the comprehensive clinical picture behind complex, overlapping symptoms — enabling earlier, more precise diagnosis and targeted treatment from day one.
- Comprehensive intake, medical and neurological assessments, psychiatric evaluations, and companion onboarding
- 24/7 companion support with clinical supervision
- Private accommodations with transportation and logistics coordination
- Chef-curated meals and personalized nutrition coaching
- Wellness therapies, such as yoga, massage, and therapeutic recreation
Residential Treatment
Lifeskills Deerfield Beach provides personalized residential treatment for adults with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders. Doctoral- and master’s-level clinicians deliver evidence-based care that balances structure, independence, and community, supporting meaningful progress at every stage of treatment.
- 24/7 nursing and clinical support
- Doctoral- and master’s-level oversight
- Specialized programming for veterans, women, and the Jewish community
- Integrated dual-diagnosis treatment for mental health and substance use disorders
- Evidence-based therapies, including DBT, CBT, and EMDR, plus comprehensive psychiatric care
What We Treat
Lifeskills Deerfield Beach treats a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorders in adults, with evidence-based, individualized care for psychiatric conditions, co-occurring disorders, and behavioral addictions.
Lifeskills Deerfield Beach Residential Program
What Sets Us Apart
The Lifeskills Deerfield Beach approach is defined by specialized clinical pathways, distinguished specialty programs, and a highly credentialed team — all delivering exceptional, individualized mental health treatment.
Clinical Pathways
Specialized clinical pathways provide personalized, evidence-based treatment for mental health, substance use, and trauma-related disorders — each overseen by a doctoral- or master’s-level clinician and adapted to each client’s evolving needs.
Specialty Programs
Lifeskills Deerfield Beach offers specialized programming for alumni, veterans, the Jewish community, women, and families — providing culturally responsive, clinically targeted care within a structured treatment environment.
Highly Credentialed Team
The Lifeskills Deerfield Beach leadership team comprises doctoral- and master’s-level clinicians whose expertise drives the highest standards in evidence-based mental health treatment.
Proven Therapies
Lifeskills Deerfield Beach clinicians tailor treatment plans using proven, evidence-based modalities to address mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, including:
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“The residential program at Lifeskills Deerfield Beach provides a foundation for sustained recovery — a secure, structured environment where clients facing mental health and substance use disorders receive the highest standard of evidence-based care.”
Klay Weaver, LCSW
Group CEO
Meet Our Team
The Lifeskills Deerfield Beach residential program is led by skilled clinicians and medical professionals with expertise in complex mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorder treatment — delivering personalized, evidence-based care in a structured clinical environment.
David Ockman, PsyD, CAP
Executive Director of Clinical Services
Andrew Spaedy, MD
Psychiatrist
Tara Alhadeff, LMHC, CAI, DBT-Intensively Trained, ExRP
Associate Clinical Director
Mirella Ezeta, PsyD, DBT-Intensively Trained, REBT-trained
Director of Family Services / Residential + PHP Programming
Ilissa Whitehead, MS, LMHC, DBT-Intensively Trained
Associate Director of Family Services, Residential + PHP Programming
James Tartal
Director of Residential Operations
Corin Hubers, RN
Assistant Director of Nursing
Sandra Bernstein, LCSW, REBT-Trained, DBT-Intensively Trained, ExRP
Primary Therapist
Despina Karfis, PsyD, CTP, DBT-Intensively Trained, EMDR-trained, ExRP
Primary Therapist
Robert Bruno, PsyD
Primary Therapist
Gregory Fortune, PhD, LMHC, LPC, DBT-Intensively Trained
Primary Therapist
Paul T. Lazar, PhD, MEd
Primary Therapist
Alexandria Marullo, PsyD, DBT-Intensively Trained
Primary Therapist
Chelsie Byars, MS, LMHC, CBT-Trained
Primary Therapist
Tamas Biro, LSW
Primary Therapist
Esther Entin, LCSW, DBT-Intensively Trained
Family Therapist
Gina Bonfigli, MS
Family Therapist
Anisha Hume, PsyD
Family Therapist
Rabbi Brandon Gaines, DBT-Intensively Trained
Group Leader
Heather Wright, ISSA
Personal Trainer
Alice Saltzman, MSW
Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor
Buffy Rouse
Yoga Instructor
Kaleigh Dietz, MEd, CRC
Director of Admissions
Barbra Quirk, MS, DBT-Intensively Trained
Associate Director of Admissions
Stefan Glamp
Alum Relations Manager
Dani Lozzi
Alum Relations Coordinator
Voices from our community
“Lifeskills helped me in so many ways. They really changed my life mentality and helped me with my bipolar disorder, as well as my addiction. They gave me coping skills for addiction and anger management, which have been great for communication. My relationships with my family have also improved tremendously. The staff has been amazing, both residential (especially Gus) and clinical — they're kind, help with all your needs, and direct you in a very positive way. I would suggest Lifeskills to anyone in need of help with mental health and addiction.”
—Grateful Lifeskills Alum
Take the first step toward a brighter future.
Lifeskills offers evidence-based treatment for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders across Florida. Contact the admissions team to request a confidential assessment — the first step toward lasting recovery.
Your privacy is our priority. All communication is completely confidential.