Lifeskills Fort Lauderdale Medical Detox + Residential Treatment
Admissions

Mental Health + Detox Treatment
The Lifeskills Fort Lauderdale campus provides medical detox and residential mental health treatment for adults with complex, high-acuity mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. A closely supervised, structured clinical environment with 24/7 nursing support ensures safety and stability throughout treatment. The serene campus features a pool, private outdoor spaces, and an on-site chef who curates menus based on each client’s nutritional needs.

Overview of Services
Medical Detoxification
The Lifeskills Fort Lauderdale detox program provides 24/7 medical supervision in a safe, comfortable setting. Located steps from the ER, this state-of-the-art facility delivers clinically excellent care for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, ensuring safety, stability, and a strong clinical foundation from the first day of treatment.
- 24/7 medical and clinical support
- Doctoral- and master’s-level oversight
- Expertise in dual diagnosis treatment
- Semi-private rooms + accommodations
Residential Treatment
The Fort Lauderdale campus offers an innovative residential program designed for adults with higher-acuity psychiatric symptoms and co-occurring substance use disorders. As Lifeskills’ designated destination for the most complex and acute cases, this campus provides stabilization, thorough evaluation, and evidence-based treatment within a structured clinical environment — part of the broader Lifeskills continuum of care.
- 24/7 nursing and clinical support
- Doctoral- and master’s-level oversight
- Private outdoor spaces and on-site pool
- Chef-prepared meals tailored to clients’ nutritional needs
What We Treat
Lifeskills Fort Lauderdale treats a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorders in adults, with evidence-based, individualized care for complex, high-acuity psychiatric conditions, co-occurring disorders, and behavioral addictions.
Lifeskills Fort Lauderdale Residential Program
















Proven Therapies
Lifeskills Fort Lauderdale clinicians tailor treatment plans using proven, evidence-based modalities to address mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, including:
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“As a leading dually licensed provider of care for complex psychiatric and substance use disorders, Lifeskills recognized the growing need for residential treatment in Florida. Expanding the continuum of care in Fort Lauderdale allows us to better meet the acute needs of those we serve.”

Sheryl Gross, LMHC, EMDR-trained, QS
Director of Clinical Services
Meet Our Team
At Lifeskills Fort Lauderdale, our skilled team of clinicians, medical professionals, and support staff delivers 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

Sheryl Gross, LMHC,
EMDR-trained, QS
Director of Clinical Services

Andrew Spaedy, MD
Psychiatrist

James Tartal
Director of Residential Operations

Octania Therazin MHA, BSN-RN
Nurse Manager

Spencer Pollack, MSW, EMDR-trained
Associate Clinical Director

Arneisia McCutcheon, AABA, BHCM, MHCM
Milieu Supervisor

James Frazier, MS, DBT-Intensively Trained
Primary Therapist

Monserrat Dominguez, MS
Primary Therapist

Joseph (Yosef) Polinsky, MSW
Primary Therapist

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

Joelle Alexis, MSW, Ed.D.
Family Therapist

Jenny Pi, PsyD, CAP, DBT-Intensively Trained
Family Therapist

Heather Wright, ISSA
Personal Trainer

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
“The program was very helpful. The staff is all very nice, from clinical to cleaning and cooking staff. I was able to work on myself and was pushed by my therapists. Dr. Bober was helpful in selecting the appropriate medication to help me feel better. I spent over two months here, and I feel like I'm in a much better place than when I started. The level of care is very high here; if you need extra support with cooking and cleaning, as meals are prepared and laundry is done for you, and the room is cleaned daily. I look forward to the step down to the Delray location, where I can take more charge of my life.”
—Grateful Client
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.
