Lifeskills South Florida – Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale behavioral health helped me in many ways, one of them being the reason that pushed me to want to recover. They have wonderful therapists that all care deeply about you and your treatment. I want to shout… out to dr. Pi (my family therapist) and James (my therapist). They got me through times I didn’t think I could get through. They showed me strength I didn’t think I had. And especially to dr. Pi, being in treatment can be very lonely and make you miss home however, every time I spent time with Dr. Pi she made me feel back at home. In fact she cared about me so much that she even treated me like I was one of her own daughters. And to James, he offered to spend late nights with me on the phone every time I felt dis regulated and would stay on the phone with me until I felt whole again. He wasn’t getting paid overtime, he truly just wanted the best for me, and for that I am eternally grateful. The techs were also a huge help to me as well. Shout out to Porsha, Dora, Brittney, Mario, Steve, and Noemi. Even though they were getting paid, there couldn’t have been enough money in the world to pay them for the love and divided attention they gave me. The nursing staff also contributed to a huge part of my recovery process as well. Shout out to Merlandi, Franklin, and DD, for making me smile and providing me with love and care when I didn’t feel good. I’m not going to lie and tell you that Fort Lauderdale Lifeskills was a perfect experience… however it’s definitely an experience that you should look into if your struggling with addiction or mental health.

It's a good place, helped me a lot in my recovery. Quick response when I needed things, therapeutic individual therapy and groups were helpful. I would like to say thank you specifically to Nece, Dr. Bober, D'Narius,… Melissa, Spencer, Miss Harriett, Lennox, Joseph, Steve and everyone in the kitchen! The food is great. I meet a lot of great people during my path to recovery. If you're looking for a good place for help, it's a great place to go to.

I entered LifeSkills Fort Lauderdale voluntarily on August 14, 2025, during a genuine psychiatric crisis. I am giving two stars because I did stabilize, and several staff members treated me with kindness. Stabilization,… however, is not the same as individualized, transparent, or collaborative care. I flew to Florida after being told that I could try the program and, if it was not the right fit, leave or transfer my care. Within two weeks, I concluded it was not right for me and said so. My experience changed after what I remember as a nonviolent game of checkers. A staff member asked whether I wanted to "go for a ride." I declined but was told I needed to go. I spent nine days in the hospital before returning to LifeSkills. When I returned, my already limited phone access was revoked for a week, and I was placed on frequent observation, including overnight. I was frightened and simply wanted to speak with trusted family or friends. Instead, I had no independent way to communicate during an extremely stressful period. Although I technically remained a voluntary client, from that point on the experience no longer felt meaningfully voluntary. During the hospitalization, I was asked whether I wanted medication to be "voluntary or involuntary." Given the circumstances, that did not feel like a meaningful choice. I received a long-acting antipsychotic and gradually lost the person I recognized as myself. My thinking became slow and dull. Reading took effort. Conversations became difficult to follow. I lost interest in the things that had always mattered to me, and even walking short distances became exhausting. My body felt stiff, I struggled with severe constipation, and no matter how I positioned myself—even in a comfortable chair—I could never feel comfortable. I repeatedly tried to describe these changes because I had never experienced anything like them. LifeSkills knew that I have an MD. I did not expect special treatment or to direct my own care. I did expect a thoughtful discussion of diagnosis, medication risks, alternatives, side effects, and the expected duration of treatment. Instead, many of my concerns seemed to be interpreted mainly through the lens of compliance. Over time, I became reluctant to disclose the full extent of my symptoms because I feared complete honesty could delay my progress or return me to a higher level of care. The uncertainty surrounding the program became one of its hardest features. I repeatedly believed I was nearing discharge, only to learn there was another step, another requirement, or another level of care ahead. After 89 days in residential treatment, I learned that PHP and IOP could continue for many more months. I never felt I was given clear, objective criteria explaining how those decisions would be made. Months later, after obtaining my medical records, I was struck by the difference between the experience I remembered and the one reflected in the chart. Extensive information had been gathered about me, yet I never felt my own account received the same consideration. My repeated descriptions of medication side effects—including cognitive slowing, emotional blunting, physical weakness, and loss of joy—were largely reduced to "depression and anxiety." The original crisis continued to shape how I was documented even as my condition improved. I needed psychiatric treatment. My concern is that LifeSkills continued to treat me according to the worst days of my illness long after my condition had changed. That distinction is why I cannot recommend this program.

I have no words... there is just too much to share. Lifeskills was amazing and a special shout to SHERYL and the most amazing staff. Each and every one of you. Thank you for saving my life. I can proudly say that I want… to live. I got all the tools to move forward.

The time I spent at Lifeskills was very beneficial for my journey. i had support from Sheryl, Melissa, Dani, Freeman, Lennox, Harriet, Billy, Porsha, John and Noemi. I have gained so much and am so grateful. The kitchen… staff were wonderful, shout out to Eva and Marcus and Keith. Wishing you continued success with all your clients that come your way. You guys are the best

Good treatment, good therapists. Thank you Spencer.

Had a great stay at Fort Lauderdale with a very nice therapist(Spencer) and lots of nice staff(John and freeman)

Honestly, after getting out of the system, this place really helped me get back out in the world after learning different skills and how to cope with difficult situations. These groups honestly made my time there very… educational not just at the moment, but for future moments to come. I stayed 90 days in residential treatment, met some really good people. Loved going on the outings, kitchen food was fabulous! Thank you to Nese for getting all us patients involved in the holidays and allowing me to also teach Zumba classes weekly to everyone. Thank you to miss Harriet for making everyday amazing and sassy! Thank you to the staff and therapists that made my time there so much better. These are some of the names id like to give a huge shout out therapists : Dr Pi, James, Monserat, Melissa, Spencer, Tracy, Dr Joel, Joseph Techs: Rose, Mario, Cynthia, Jay Jay, Wo, Brittany, Steve, Tasha, D, Dora, Roz, and Lala! Thank you all for making me a better human being that I am today❤️

1Thank you Monserrat for being a great therapist!

This matter warrants immediate review and intervention by the appropriate regulatory and law enforcement authorities. Based on my experience, the practices at Lifeskills raise serious concerns regarding due process,… patient rights, and potential abuse of statutory mechanisms such as the Marchman Act. It appears that individuals may be admitted under the Marchman Act without sufficient evidentiary support demonstrating the existence of a substance abuse disorder. In my case, I was involuntarily committed despite lacking such a condition. Subsequently, I was labeled with mental health disorders without adequate evaluation and was subjected to the forced administration of powerful medications over an extended period. During my confinement, I endured conditions that were unacceptable and detrimental to my well-being, resulting in significant financial hardship and lasting psychological harm, including severe post-traumatic stress. I continue to experience the effects of this trauma and have not fully recovered. Given the seriousness of these allegations, I respectfully assert that a thorough investigation is necessary. Any individuals or entities found responsible for misconduct, abuse, or violations of patient rights should be held fully accountable under the law.

My experience was terrible. The nurses didn't pay any attention to us, the place was always very dirty, and they humiliated us!

My therapist, James, was great. He helped me through a lot of my traumas and pinpointing areas of my life that needed to be worked on. The tech staff were really helpful and supportive: Mario and D especially. Culinary… staff was very accommodating, if you have dietary needs that need to be met. The beds are comfortable, rooms are great. It’s nice having your own bathroom. Residential helped me with my anxiety, so I could put a name to the things that made me feel anxious. It taught me time management, helped me with a routine and schedule, as we went to the gym every morning. It also helped me to be grateful for the things that I have.

Great staff, great food, great weather !

Receiving treatment at the Life Skills Ft. Lauderdale facility was one of my favorite experiences theraputically. The team at Ft. Lauderdale is exceptional to say the least. My therapist was a huge part of my process… and I can't tell you how grateful I am to be able to work with him. It felt as though I was his sole focus, striving to see me heal and to become the best person I would grow to become. The preformace and dedication from everyone there stuns me. From the clinical director, to the techs working around the clock, they made sure their clients received the best treatment a program like theirs could provide. The team use what works and adapt when something doesn't. I learned so much in so little time spent at their facility. I believe it's important to take care of your mental health, not just in the room with your therapist but every aspect of each day. The food is important for your mental health, getting exercise, having a structured day are all important to bettering you physical, mental, and emotional overall well-being. The Life Skills program makes sure that balance is met. I would like to thank everyone who was apart of my process because you are the ones who guided me towards a better future for my self and to become the best version of myself.

This facility is wonderful and has helped my family greatly, would recommend very much. Staff is great, James, Melissa, Jenny and the staff is highly skilled and competent.

Lifeskills is a very professional health organization with many talented professionals. They really helped our daughter through difficult times.

After struggling with my son's illness without success, we found hope at Lifeskill of Fort Lauderdale. From day one, we received support and respect. They have kept us informed and updated on our son's progress. I have… only words of gratitude for all staff. I must make a special mention to Monserrat and Dr. Pi. Monserrat is extremely committed to her patients and always kept us informed about our son's progress. No matter what we needed, she was always ready to help. Dr. Pi, as a family therapist, helped us get to know our son better. As parents, we will always be grateful.

I spent 3 days detoxing here. We had an tv in the detox room and the food was fantastic - they were accommodating with meal preferences. Techs were friendly.

Dr J is the best

I worked with Luis, he helped a lot and was kind.

I spent 90 days at Life skills and I am grateful for the experience and the knowledge I gained about myself and my sobriety after I return home. The staff and therapists were exceptional. All the techs were always… willing to help out in anyway possible. To name a few…D’narius, the day lead tech and Harriett, the night lead tech, were always smiling and every time I needed anything or had any questions, they were always willing to take the time to help me. It was very obvious to me how much they care about this job and the clients here. The nursing staff was always willing to help at any moment no matter what time or what was going on. Every therapist, Monserrat, Melissa, Spencer, Luis and James were simply amazing. I learned so much during my stay. I enjoyed all the groups by each therapist. My individual therapist, Monserrat and my family therapist, Dr. Pi guided and helped me. Through their teachings I forged a solid foundation to continue to build upon at home. Sheryl, the director, was always available to assist in any way needed. I would definitely recommend Life Skills.

I have been a guest speaker for the Lifeskills Alumni Program for the past 8 months, where I have come in to share my story and offer clients a different perspective as someone who has 9 years in recovery. I have been… to Lifeskills' different locations and today I got to see the FTL facility for the first time. The facility itself is beautiful - the group rooms, the common area, and the cafeteria, to the outdoor space with its pool and ping-pong table. It's modern, clean and well-equipped, whether you're looking for mental health or substance use treatment. The therapists are all friendly and seem genuine and down to earth, especially Luis and Spencer. I even got to meet Steve, one of the behavioral health techs, and after speaking with him and hearing some of his story and his “why”, his passion was felt. Having techs that care is so important so I’m glad that they have people like Steve! As someone who has been through the treatment process, I know Lifeskills has the tools necessary for your recovery, if you are willing to make the most of the opportunity to work on yourself and follow the suggestions given to you by the professionals. Good luck!

This place has really help me realize what life is all about this place has made me realize lies is what u make it to be and if you need help with mental health I recommend you come here and get help

I spent a few months at FTL working with Spencer and Dr. Hume and they helped me through my psychosis. Sessions with Spencer were very helpful as they helped me control my anger and learn patience, and with Dr. Hume, my… family therapist, to bring back relationships with my family members which had been broken. Luis was intelligent and I enjoyed whenever he would cover. I had good roommates and the rooms were nice. The food was good and Marcus from culinary was nice, and Brittany, Tino, Woe and Tasha were my favorite techs. If you’re tired, feel like you’re at the end of your rope and are ready to make a change, you can do that here.

It was really difficult to find a residential treatment center in the US that would admit and treat my adult daughter who was suffering from severe mental disorders and who I needed to find an RTC in short time period… since she was being discharged from a New Mexico psychiatric hospital after a 3 week stay late Oct 2024. LifeSkills South Florida Fort Lauderdale treatment center worked with me the most, compared with other US treatment centers, to have a room/bed available in short time frame so my daughter could be transported and promptly admitted. Overall, the treatment that my daughter received by her individual therapist , Monserrat, and group sessions, and medication treatment protocol transformed my daughter, over the period of three months, from being deeply in psychosis and trauma to being rational and a loving daughter again. LifeSkills was great in allowing me to make as many visits as requested from Houston, TX to Fort Lauderdale to re-bond with my daughter. Overall, the staff was very accommodating to allow dad-daughter offsite passes to see movies, go to local mall, and onsite campus visits. LifeSkills Fort Lauderdale is a small campus. It is run efficiently. I could always call the treatment center and get hold of a tech to talk about any concerns I had. The techs were understanding and often allowed my daughter to go over the daily allotted phone time by couple of minutes on the daily phone call out. The only negative experience both me and my daughter had first month into treatment was not gaining much benefit from the family therapist first assigned. After expressing this concern to lead clinician, Sheryl, she reassigned us to another family therapist, Dr. Pi, who was wonderful with her sessions and made a positive therapeutically impact. LifeSkills was also helpful in working out a payment plan allowing me to be able to meet monthly expenses, initially all out-of-pocket. I did purchase a Florida based PPO insurance plan shortly into treatment which helped greatly defray overall treatment costs. Highly recommend seeking Florida insurance provider since LifeSkills does accept several Insurance providers. I would give Life skills a 4.5 out of 5 star rating but since the rating needs to be a whole number, I'll round it up to 5.

We are very grateful for the outstanding professionalism and efforts of the entire team at Lifeskills South Florida! They did an awesome job in very challenging circumstances and we will never forget them! In… particularly, Monserrat Dominguez deserves a special shout out for all that she does!! She is a true expert and professional!! THANK YOU LIFESKILLS SOUTH FLORIDA!

Great facility. Really believe in the amazing work they do over there!

As a patient of both LifeSkills Fort Lauderdale and php at Delray, I would highly recommend this place. The food is great, the techs are amicable and respectful, and the environment is overall very safe. I would like to… thank personally the techs I saw at this location like Chyna, D, Lala, Tino, Tyrael, and everyone else. They made the experience much more enjoyable.