Comprehensive Help 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.
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.
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:
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“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.”
Klay Weaver
Group CEO
Lifeskills Deerfield Beach Residential Program
Meet Our Team
At Lifeskills Deerfield Beach Residential Program, 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.
Daniel Bober, DO
Medical Director
Andrew Spaedy, MD
Psychiatrist
David Ockman, PSYD, CAP
Executive Director of Clinical Services
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
David Forstadt, PsyD, LMHC, LPC
Clinical Outcomes + Neuropsychological Testing
James Tartal
Director of Residential Operations
Jamel Lewis, RN, BSN
Director of Nursing
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
Primary Therapist
Paul T. Lazar, PhD, MEd
Primary Therapist
Alexandria Marullo, PsyD
Primary Therapist
Chelsie Byars, MS, LMHC, CBT-Trained
Primary Therapist
Tamas Biro, LSW
Primary Therapist
Esther Entin, LCSW, DBT-Intensively Trained
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
Jorge A. Vázquez-López, BA
Director of Admissions
Kaleigh Dietz, MEd, CRC
Assistant Director of Admissions
Lara Snow, MSW, DBT-Intensively Trained
Admissions Supervisor
BarbAra Quirk, MS
Admissions Counselor
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.