Lifeskills South Florida – Deerfield Beach

We are forever grateful do Dr Spaedy, Dr Robert, TD, Tara and the whole Lifeskills residential family for helping our loved one who came in very bad shape get the medical and psych help needed with dignity and physical… safety with very kind staff .

Having experienced both the Fort Lauderdale and Deerfield facilities, I appreciate the differences between the two residential campuses. Fort Lauderdale provided the necessary support when my acuity was at its highest,… but Deerfield has given me the independence and responsibility I needed so I can start preparing for life outside of treatment. My therapist, Dr. Despina, has a huge heart filled with love and has not only taught me skills, but she holds me accountable and challenges me to use them. She has helped me build a life worth living. Dr. Hume, my family therapist, is really good. She has helped me work on my boundaries and have a healthy relationship with my family. Dani, the Alumni Relations Manager, has been incredible. The love, selflessness and the genuine care and compassion she shows us means a lot. She goes above and beyond when running groups, she's always prepared, and it's clear she wants the best for us and wants us to have a life worth living. She goes out of her way to help us feel special, through birthday cards (and cakes) and remembering small things about us. She really cares and this goes such a long way. I am very thankful for the staff and the care at the Deerfield campus during my stabilization stay!

LifeSkills was there for our family during a difficult time. The Deerfield Beach location provided excellent care, and we were especially grateful for Tomas and Gina’s compassion and support. Dani has been truly… incredible. The alumni program and ongoing support groups she leads are among the most valuable parts of LifeSkills. Her dedication does not end when treatment does. She continues to create a genuine sense of connection, community, and support for both alumni and their families. We are deeply grateful to her and the entire team.

Lifeskills really changed me as a person… it made me appreciate the things I have in life… The staff and therapists at lifeskills were very knowledgeable and professional especially Dr Forstadt and Tara the therapist. I… also enjoyed how the program was able to take me on fishing outings because fishing is my favorite thing to do in my free time!! Overall I really thought the PDI signature program was helpful for me…

Crooked as crooked could be. I’m looking at the documents and lifeskills accused me of being a ketamine addict with my drug of choice being benzodiazepines this cannot be further from the truth - ask any qualified… psychologist or psychiatrist I’ve worked with. They deny people to call police/ authorities when they want to report severe criminal activity. I witnessed a sexual assault, told all staff and nothing was done. Lifeskills needs to do their due diligence when they receive a nonsensical Marchman act such as mine . while I was not suicidal, psychotic or unstable anytime at lifeskills. They accepted my marchman act which contains a ton of FALSIFIED EVIDENCE . It's a business filled with fighting, people escaping, violence, stealing, sexual assaults, and traumatic experiences. "Doctor" Alex is the least compassionate therapist I've ever met, she is extremely cold and bully like. ALSO 1 supervisor was making extreme slanders against Jewish people and another supervisor called a black patient a “gorilla”! ALSO there was a guy putting live frogs and lizards in the microwave.. and when you tell staff they do NOTHING Also they used diagnoses for myself that lawyers came up with. And if I’m wrong why was my COURT ORDER LIFTED. Also I take care of my dad who is paralyzed and 76, lifeskills was considering not letting me go back to live with him. Read that again that’s sickening. State representatives and The Florida house are in contact with me. If there’s anything positive about this crooked company it might make you want to run for office to close it.

They sell you a dream but hand you a soggy bologna sandwich and an ankle monitor for mental health. This facility grey rocks patients when you decide they have not met your clinical needs and would like to leave. The… clinical team is extremely unethical and only want your money. They lie, cheat, and steal. In addition, they would not give me my medications when I finally was able to leave so I am stuck without them until I can see a doctor. Such a devastatingly sad organization.

I am very happy with my daughter’s success thus far at Lifeskills. Dr. Alex has been crucial in her recovery. She has been so caring and done everything in her power to help my daughter. Her family therapist, Dr. Ezra… has been exceptional too. All the doctors have worked together to make a plan for her success. It takes an exceptional person to do the work they do. My gratitude and thanks to all the staff.

The entire Lifeskills team and every location have been incredible! It’s clear how deeply they care about recovery, safety, and the people they serve. Their therapists, case managers, alumni program, and facilities are… all exceptional. I’ve worked alongside many of their team members, and they are consistently engaged, compassionate, and willing to go the extra mile. I would confidently send a loved one here and feel at ease knowing they’re in such capable hands! Truly fantastic all around. Thank you for the impact you’ve had on our community and on those who are struggling. Everyone deserves a safe place to heal and recover.

I would strongly caution anyone considering LifeSkills Treatment Center to do their research before going there. My experience was extremely disappointing. I did not feel that some staff members treated me with kindness… or compassion. There were times when I was crying and struggling, and instead of feeling supported, I was yelled at by staff. When someone is seeking treatment for mental health or addiction, they should feel safe, respected, and understood—not made to feel like a burden. I also became very concerned about how long people were staying in the program. I personally witnessed people being there for extremely long periods of time, in some cases years. From my perspective, it felt less like a place focused on helping people move forward and more like a system that keeps people in treatment for as long as possible. I cannot speak to the financial motivations of the facility, but my experience left me questioning whether the clients’ best interests were truly the priority. Treatment is already an incredibly vulnerable experience. People deserve compassion, dignity, and genuine support when they are struggling. Please do your research, ask questions, and talk to former clients before choosing this facility. I personally would not recommend LifeSkills and wish I had known more before going there.

Lifeskills has been an enormous help in a very short period of time. Dr. Hume exhibits a rare presence that embodies the true meaning of healing arts. Ms. Keisha offers outstanding supervisory support with a joyful… sense of purpose, and Nicole is a rockstar administration professional in every way. Ms. Gina’s insights into a DBT-centric perspective of recovery is a valuable asset that touches the heart of mindfulness, and Dr. Robert’s mastery of ACT is a total gift. I so appreciate the time I had to heal and explore next steps.

Shout out to Landy, Jordan, Ellis, Kesha, Michael, Tara, Dr. B, Dr. F, Dr. H, Dr. K. F, Nicole, and big Joe.

Dr. Paul, the and the clinical staff as a whole did a wonderful job! Everyone from the techs to my therapist were quite helpful and always kind!

The Signature Program was a great experience. Dr. Paul and TD are great therapists who helped me more during the one-month stay in Signature than the entirety of my previous months in treatment. I had reached the point… where I was burnt out from group therapy and the change of pace was much needed. The increase in number of individual sessions were extremely valuable as it felt even more personalized. The added benefits that came with Signature were very beneficial: the food was great, the weekly massage, and daily individual work outs with the personal trainer(s). It also meant I had a room to myself, which gave me more privacy and quiet time. I highly recommend the Signature program for anyone who may need more one on one time or is experiencing treatment fatigue, as this time made a big difference in my recovery. After many years of multiple treatment episodes at various different programs, I am finally at the point where I want to be sober and things to look forward to – I finally have goals and things to work towards. Last but not least, I also want to shout out Gus, Jordan and Kev for being great people and for being very helpful during my stay.

My son went there. I was really impressed with the set up. At first he hated being there. He got settled in and really made great progress. His therapist Tamas Biro really showed great patience, care and communication… with him and us. I am thankful for his time there.

Lifeskills has done a tremendous job for me and my family. If you put the work in you will be surprised at how well you’ll do. I wanna say thank you lifeskills for your hard work and dedication towards me I gratefully… appreciate all the staff. I wish you well. Arianna McField

I loved the clinical team! There’s a special chemistry with the clinical team and I believe anyone can benefit from coming here. It was amazing working with Sandy, my individual therapist. We are so different and I… needed it. Esther, my family therapist, was incredible. She’s a gem! She’s so unique with her approach and she is incredible at leading ART. The Signature Program is INCREDIBLE! it is so intense and there’s no hiding from your problems. I couldn’t praise it enough. Dr Forstadt!! I have never felt so seen in my life. I credit my turn around to him. Receiving the diagnosis has been so liberating and it answers so many unanswered questions. It was one of the most powerful moments of staff. Rabbi Gaines was incredible. Luis the night tech. So kind! Keisha is a great supervisor. Nicole is unbelievable Heather the metabolic fitness trainer and Brian the art therapist. Gus is so good at following the rules and he does his job well.

Lifeskills have grown on me. I like it a lot. Thanks to all the techs that made it memorable. I also want to thank Dani alumni coordinator. She's amazing. I highly recommend lifeskills.

Lifeskills has been Life-changing for our family. Each and every staff member in all departments has gone above and beyond in knowledge, compassion and genuine care for the residents and their families. Our family… member has thrived beyond what we could ever have imagined. The environment is super supportive for the residents and the entire family. As parents, we felt uplifted and informed each and every step of the way. There is a weekly family alliance support group that helps to educate families/caregivers on various topics, which is very helpful. Dr. Hume has been absolutely phenomenal. Her communication skills are off the charts and her ability to get to the heart of family issues in a compassionate and supportive way has made all of the difference for our family. Truly a class act. Dr. Paul has been a valuable part of our family member’s Lifeskills journey. He knows what to look for and how to dig out valuable information during his sessions. His knowledge of mental health diagnosis is vast and he was invested in helping our family learn all that we could. Both Dr. Hume and Dr. Paul made themselves available for all questions and concerns which was always appreciated. Ilissa Whitehead was our first introduction to the therapists here and her warm and welcoming skill set helped our family form the basis of our Lifeskills therapy . Lifeskillshas been the biggest blessing our family has found in the mental health arena. We are grateful.

I went to Lifeskills a 2 and a half years and can honestly say it was such a great experience. I learned so much about myself and how to have genuine relationships with others! The staff is incredible. Kind, empathetic,… fun people! The group therapy was amazing! I went back to speak as an alumni a year ago and just being back there and seeing my favorite techs and staff members made my heart so happy! Would 100% recommend for mental health or addiction issues! The relationships you form here with staff and or clients is great! The therapists, techs, and other staff members will help you not feel alone in any way they can. Terrific program.

I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Lifeskills. Went in with an open mind and worked with the clinicians to not only improve my mental health but to also learn more about myself and skills to become more… resilient

Our daughter, Sarah, has been on a long journey of recovery with different therapists at different facilities. I can honestly say that Dr Anisha Hume and Dr Alex Marullo were simply incredible while Sarah was in… residential treatment at LifeSkills. They won Sarah’s trust and ours. They made Sarah feel safe, heard and valued, whilst also helping her learn the skills she needs and meet her treatment goals. Dr Hume also helped us, and is continuing to help us at our specific request, as a family to communicate better and understand each other better and so heal together. Sarah is doing great now in PHP with her new therapist, Nicole, who is also wonderful and whom Sarah also adores. Sarah will shortly be moving to IOP. She continues to meet all her goals and now, importantly, those goals are set by her for her. Thank you Dr Hume and Dr Alex (and Nicole). Paul Feeney.

Every Friday at 8 AM, even though I’m in California, the first thing I look forward to when I wake up is the Lifeskills Family Alliance Call. These weekly meetings have helped both families and loved ones struggling… with mental health challenges in such a meaningful way. Every week, professional therapists guide us through different topics, helping educate families so we can better understand what our loved ones may be experiencing and how to respond with more understanding and support. What has meant the most to me is that during these meetings, we are able to ask questions and receive immediate guidance and emotional relief. I truly believe these Family Alliance meetings play an incredible role in helping families work through anxiety, confusion, fear, and emotional stress. I feel very fortunate to be part of this community. In other treatment centers I have experienced, this kind of ongoing family support and education was not provided. Lifeskills has created something very special that helps families gain a much deeper understanding of mental health conditions and how to navigate them with compassion and knowledge. I give this program 200% support and appreciation. I am deeply grateful that Lifeskills continues to offer these weekly online gatherings. For parents and families, this is not only education — it is emotional support, guidance, and a place where we can truly learn to better understand the hearts and struggles of those living with mental illness. Thank you so very much, Lifeskills. Tina H.

Tomas was one of the veteran reps at life skills that helped me as a veteran.My name is raneyrandolph wallet skills, Tomas helped me with lots of things. It didn't matter what I needed help with it was always there for… me, he was always the type of person that you would go to, if you didn't have anybody else's intent depending on Tomas helped me even more. So than my therapist did no matter what I needed or what I wanted him to help me with, he was always made time for me no matter how much time, how many things that he had to do I thank God for tomorrow and I think for life and like skill. II think that tomath deserves thumbs up.He's a game player.He is a lifesaverHe is all around good guy who cares and his very hard to find anyone that really cares and he does care ask anybody they will tell you

Lifeskills in Deerfield Beach was an extremely helpful experience. I feel more equipped to manage my mental health and I feel refreshed; I was a lot more physically active and I was held to a schedule. I was eating… healthier. Mood has improved a lot. - Dr. Despina was great, and her intern, Aya. - Dr. Hume was good too. - Dr. Spaedy has been great and got me on the right medications very quick. For the first time in my 10 year long struggle with mental health I feel confident in myself and my ability to stay resilient through this process.

We are immeasurably grateful for the care and support our family received during our son’s time at Lifeskills. From the very beginning, his entire treatment team welcomed us warmly with genuine compassion and… professionalism. We knew he was in good hands, which was tremendously comforting to us as parents. We had a positive experience with every person who contributed to his treatment at Lifeskills, and to each one we wish to express our gratitude. One therapist, Gina Bonfigli, stands out as exceptional, and to her we express deep gratitude and a heartfelt Italian hug! She demonstrated unwavering patience and genuine dedication to our son’s treatment, creating a safe, welcoming environment where he felt heard, respected, and understood. Her unique ability to connect with him, while also guiding us as parents, helped rebuild trust and improve communication within our entire family. What stood out most was her unwavering commitment not just to our son’s progress, but to our family as a whole. She taught us that recovery isn’t linear. She shared words of genuine joy when he made steps forward, and she gave us hope and encouragement when he struggled. She helped us to set and maintain effective boundaries, which is one of the greatest challenges for us as parents. She explained that loving our child and setting a firm boundary are not mutually exclusive, and in fact sometimes setting a boundary is the greatest act of love. Most importantly, Gina supported us through challenging times with kindness, clarity, and steadfast love. We never felt like we were alone. Gina was always right there with us and with our son. Thanks to Gina and to the entire treatment team at Lifeskills, we’ve seen meaningful growth in our son’s confidence and emotional well-being, and we feel more empowered as a family moving forward. We truly appreciate the positive impact Gina and the Lifeskills team have made, and we highly recommend Lifeskills to anyone seeking compassionate and effective therapy for someone they love.

I am the grandparent of a former client of Lifeskills, who went through the Lifeskills residential treatment program, and also the partial hospitalization program. They benefitted greatly from these excellent programs… and the caring and competent staff. I also greatly appreciate the aftercare available in the weekly family alliance Zoom presentations for alumni and caregivers. These presentations cover many subjects helpful for caregivers, such as family dynamics, conflict resolution, and proper caregiver support.

Although my son did not go through Lifeskills, I am immensely proud to share he is celebrating 10 years sober in April. My son and I both value the support from the community and believe the connections we’ve made along… the way has been the key contributing factor to his continued recovery. When I was asked to speak to families in the Lifeskills Family Program, I was grateful for the opportunity to give back and share about our family's journey. The benefits from alumni services over the past 10 years have been our salvation and I think it is amazing that Lifeskills offers such a robust Family Alumni Program, available to families lifelong. A quality alumni program can make all the difference and I firmly believe the care and dedication offered by Dani, the wonderful Alumni Coordinator, and the resources of the Alumni Program will provide you and your loved one a solid foundation and an expansive support network for life!

Really great experience with the alumni program!

The care here was good. I loved my therapist. I relapsed here, they gave me a lot of grace and continued to fight for me. Some of the people were questionable and was very high acuity which could be scary at times. For… all the times I've been in rehab I made some good connections here and still talk to some of the people I met. They also helped a lot with my probation. I did not go voluntary but I did enjoy my time there. Pretty good experience overall.