
Help for Mental Health + Addiction Issues
The Lifeskills Fort Lauderdale campus offers residential and detox services, providing a closely supervised, structured, supportive therapeutic environment with 24/7 nursing support. It’s a safe and tranquil setting with a pool, private outdoor spaces, and an on-site chef who creates menus based on clients’ nutritional needs.

Overview of Services
Medical Detoxification
Our detox program at Lifeskills Fort Lauderdale provides 24/7 medical supervision in a safe and comfortable setting. Just steps from the ER, our state-of-the-art facility delivers clinically excellent care for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions — ensuring safety, stability, and a strong foundation for
recovery.
- 24/7 medical and clinical support
- Doctoral- and master’s-level oversight
- Expertise in dual diagnosis treatment
- Semi-private rooms + accommodations
Residential Treatment
Our Fort Lauderdale campus offers an innovative residential program designed for adults with higher-acuity psychiatric symptoms or co-occurring substance use disorders. We provide stabilization, thorough evaluation, and evidence-based treatment in a structured, supportive
environment. Part of the broader Lifeskills continuum of care, this location offers:
- 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
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 Fort Lauderdale Residential Program
















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:
-
“As a leading dually licensed provider of care for complex psychiatric and substance use disorders, we recognized the growing need for residential treatment in South Florida. Expanding our continuum of care in Fort Lauderdale allows us to meet better 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 picking out the proper medication to help me feel better. I spent over 2 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 room is cleaned daily. I look forward to the step down to the Delray location where I can take charge of my life more.”
—Grateful Client
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.
