Comprehensive Support for Mental Health + Addiction
The Lifeskills Deerfield Beach campus offers customized, evidence-based residential mental health and co-occurring treatment for adults. Recognized as a national center of clinical excellence, we also provide specialized programming for women, veterans, and the Jewish community.
Overview of Services
Premier Diagnostic Insights
Lifeskills Deerfield Beach offers an intensive, concentrated program that spans 7-10 days and integrates medical, psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological data to reveal the comprehensive picture behind complex, overlapping symptoms.
- 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
At Lifeskills Deerfield Beach, we offer advanced residential treatment for adults facing mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders. Our clinicians deliver evidence-based, expert care that balances structure, independence, and community to support lasting recovery, that includes:
- 24/7 nursing and clinical support
- Doctoral- and master’s-level oversight
- Dedicated specialty programs specifically for veterans, women, and the Jewish community
- Integrated dual-diagnosis treatment addressing mental health and substance use simultaneously
- Evidence-based therapies including DBT, CBT, EMDR, plus comprehensive psychiatric care
What We Treat
We treat a wide range of mental health and substance use disorders with evidence-based, personalized care. Our expert team addresses primary mental health conditions, co-occurring disorders, and behavioral addictions to support lasting recovery.
Lifeskills Deerfield Beach Residential Program
What Sets Us Apart
At the Lifeskills Deerfield Beach campus, our approach is defined by our clinical pathways, speciality programs, and a distinguished team of experts, all working together to provide exceptional, personalized care that supports overall mental health and well-being.
Clinical Pathways
Specialized clinical pathways provide personalized, evidence-based treatment for mental health, substance use, and trauma-related disorders. Each pathway offers tailored care to guide clients toward lasting recovery.
Specialty Programs
Our programs — Alumni, Veteran Support, Jewish Community Support, Women’s Trauma, and Family Support — provide compassionate, targeted services that address individual experiences, fostering lasting recovery and empowering clients and their families throughout every step of the healing process.
Highly-Credentialed Team
Our leadership team, comprising doctoral- and master’s-level clinicians, brings expertise and a commitment to evidence-based, compassionate care. Their guidance ensures the highest standards in mental health treatment.
Proven Therapies
At Lifeskills, we utilize evidence-based therapies to treat mental health and substance use disorders. Our expert clinicians tailor treatment plans using proven modalities to promote lasting recovery and holistic well-being, including:
-
“Our residential treatment program provides hope for clients facing mental health and substance use disorders, supporting their journey toward sustained recovery. Located in beautiful Deerfield Beach, Lifeskills offers a secure and nurturing environment for balanced healing and long-term wellness.”
Klay Weaver, LCSW
Group CEO
Meet Our Team
At Lifeskills Deerfield Beach, our residential program is led by a skilled team of clinicians, medical professionals, and support staff, who deliver compassionate, personalized care. With expertise in treating complex mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, our team is committed to guiding each client toward lasting recovery in a safe, supportive 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 has been great for communication. My relationships with my family have also improved tremendously. The staff has been amazing, both residential (especially Gus) and clinical staff — they are kind, help you with all your needs, and direct you in the most positive way. I would suggest Lifeskills to anyone in need of help in mental health and addiction.”
—Grateful Lifeskills Alum
Your Transformation Starts Now
Take the first step toward a brighter future. Call Lifeskills today or complete our form to connect with a dedicated admissions specialist. Hope and healing are within reach.
Your privacy is our priority. All communication is completely confidential.