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Lifeskills South Florida Testimonials
Hear From Our Alumni
Alum Testimonials
Family Member Testimonials
Clinical Partner Testimonials
Alum Testimonials
The staff, therapists, and chefs are incredibly friendly and helpful here! i appreciate all they do for those who need them! – Grateful Alumnus
My wife was at Lifeskills Orlando for 30 days. While there, the doctors and therapists gave her excellent treatment and the staff at the resident villa were very attentive and accommodating. She had the option to attend up to 10 group therapy sessions daily, saw the therapist twice a week and met with the doctor weekly. She felt safe here and was able to focus on her recovery. The difference from when she arrived to when she was discharged was amazing. Thanks to everyone at Lifeskills Treatment Center in Orlando for taking such good care of my wife.
– Grateful Alumnus
“After the worst 6 months of my life, I came to Lifeskills and over the last 7 months, I have found the will to live. I have been in treatment consistently over the last 5 years, and this is the first time where I am of sound mind and in a place where I am sober AND with my mental health under control. I’m finally bought into my recovery, and I want a better life for myself and my loved ones. Outpatient was a good environment and I felt safe (mentally and physically) and cared for. Big shoutout to Travis, my therapist, all the staff at Osceola, especially Geoff, techs Dani and Freeman, and Bella, the intern.”– Grateful Alumnus
When I got here nearly 2 months ago, I was not doing or sleeping very well and required 1 on 1 care. Despite coming during the company transition, the incredible food, groups/classes, the therapist’s/staffs help, along with help/support from housemates/peers/family, have all helped me become much better overall. This facility is still undergoing cosmetic changes but for the better overall to help benefit residents. Everybody here has helped make me feel welcome and safe so I can grow and heal myself.
– Grateful Alumnus
When I came to Orlando, the staff was very inviting and friendly. The groups are enjoyable. George is fun to be around. He’s super kind and caring. My therapist is helpful, and involved in my process. Dr Tina cares deeply about my progress. I’d definitely recommend to friends, family, or anyone who needs help. – Grateful Alumnus
“Lifeskills was great for what it did for me, it got me stable and prepared to carry on my journey. The therapists were lovely and interested in making a thorough care plan while I was there. The tech staff are also very respectful and friendly. I would recommend.” – Grateful Alumnus
A great place to go for personal growth and wellness. I’m glad I’m feeling more like myself, it’s good to be back in focus.” – Grateful Alumnus
LifeSkills has changed my life for the better in so many ways. My therapist Tara Alhadeff has been the most insightful, caring and loving therapist I have ever worked with. She helped transform my life by providing me with skill to manage my mental health symptoms and creating a safe environment for me to do the work needed to heal. The entire staff at LifeSkills was amazing and they all contributed to my journey towards wellness. A big shout out to Rabbi Gaines for his wisdom, Heather Wright, Buffy, Heidi and the entire clinical team.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Dr.Nicolle is truly the best therapist I have ever had in my entire life. She challenged me to move on from a rather unhealthy chapter in my life and for that I am forever grateful. Esther is also the best and only family therapist I worked with and because of her our family is really taking a closer look at our communication and that has brought us back together. Lifeskills saved my life.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Lifeskills was rough starting out for me but it got better when I started sharing and focusing more on myself and less about what others perceptions of me were. It can be very terrifying to step out of your comfort zone and tell your story in front of a bunch of strangers but the benefits you reap from this will help you succeed in life. Hearing everyone’s stories was difficult and sometimes hard to hear but the success stories are even better.” – Grateful Alumnus
“When I came to Lifeskills i was suffering from bipolar. After treatment I was able to learn a lot about myself and my symptoms. Today I am in a much better place due to my time here. Listen to the techs and you will recover quickly. Dr. Despina is the GOAT.” – Grateful Alumnus
“LifeSkills has changed my life for the better in so many ways. My therapist Tara Alhadeff has been the most insightful, caring and loving therapist I have ever worked with. She helped transform my life by providing me with skill to manage my mental health symptoms and creating a safe environment for me to do the work needed to heal. The entire staff at LifeSkills was amazing and they all contributed to my journey towards wellness. A big shout out to Rabbi Gaines for his wisdom, Heather Wright, Buffy, Heidi and the entire clinical team.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Dr.Nicolle is truly the best therapist I have ever had in my entire life. She challenged me to move on from a rather unhealthy chapter in my life and for that I am forever grateful. Esther is also the best and only family therapist I worked with and because of her our family is really taking a closer look at our communication and that has brought us back together. Lifeskills saved my life.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Ever since I first stepped foot onto the Lifeskills South Florida property I felt welcome. The staff are very professional, and the clients are also peaceful and supportive towards one another. It’s been a wonderful experience! I’m more than thrilled that my medication was updated. I feel so much better. I cannot thank all of you enough.” – Grateful Alumnus
“I have one motive for writing this review of Lifeskills South Florida which, is to tell the truth. Lifeskills composed an individualized treatment program that, combined with the meticulous guidance of my treatment team and concierge-like staff, generated the kind of results that exceeded what I had hoped for prior to admission. I was treated with respect and kindness by the staff the whole way through. I would highly recommend Lifeskills to anyone, even to my own family if the situation permitted.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Wow, I can’t even imagine where to begin in my praises of this facility! For starters, I have never encountered a more sensitive and empathetic treatment team that so accurately customizes their treatment to each individual. From Dr. Ockman and my therapist, Sandy on the clinical side, to all the kind and generous technicians on the residential side, Gus, and John, in particular. Lifeskills is by far the quintessential treatment center for anyone struggling with substance abuse or dual diagnosis issues. Highly recommended!” – Grateful Alumnus
“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 Alumnus
“Lifeskills is arguably the best treatment center in South Florida for those struggling with mental health issues. Lifeskills treated my sister and then myself a few years later. This treatment center saved both of our lives and taught us how to manage our mental health symptoms independently. I am proud to say that I now work in the field of addiction treatment and would not be where I am today without Lifeskills.” – Grateful Alumnus
“I arrived after four suicide attempts, three of which took place within a single day. The last of which got me sent to the VA hospital in West Palm Beach who took the initiative to have me placed at Lifeskills. This place is a miracle worker. It took a fully broken man who couldn’t see life ahead of him and gave him hope for the future. Everything here has a purpose, even if you cannot see it at the time. The staff is honestly amazing, full of highly qualified therapists, great techs, and community building that is truly next level. They saved my life. I strongly suggest LifeSkills to anyone who is struggling with mental health. They CAN change you too if you allow the program to work.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Before coming to Lifeskills, I was really struggling with my mental health and with substance abuse. the community here is so incredibly supportive, the staff is amazing, and the program was truly so helpful in assisting me with creating a much more stable and helpful life. I would like to thank the clinical team especially Celin, Ian, Amy, and Sheryl who helped me learn so many valuable skills that have really changed my life for the better. My life was so unmanageable, and I was manic and unstable, but with the help of Lifeskills, I have grown so much as a person, and I would highly recommend this treatment center to anyone looking for the best possible help!!” – Grateful Alumnus
“I was at Lifeskills for 90 days and in that time, I changed as a person, a person I thought I lost. The therapists, especially Dr. Mirella and Dr. Despina. It was so hard for me to find a facility; let alone a therapist you get along with. I was denied by 20 places before finding Lifeskills. I was so down and discouraged but as soon as I got in touch with the facility, they were so amazing and welcoming and took me with all my medical issues and all. I am so thankful and grateful that I got to Lifeskills. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here to be honest. I struggled with the acclamation of being here, but the peers and the techs and therapist helped me get through it. It is such a beautiful rehab. There is a pool and basketball hoop, and you are surrounded by palm trees. Coming from somewhere cold, this was a treat. I would recommend Lifeskills to anyone. I am so thankful.” – Grateful Alumnus
“I would absolutely come back to Lifeskills and I would recommend coming here to any one I love and care for. I had such a lovely time talking with both Dr. Mirella and Nicole, MSW. It is because of them that I was able to get out of the mania and depression. They cared for me every day and checked in with my constantly, but just the right amount. They were not overbearing at all. My relationship both with myself (Nicole helped) and with my family (Mirella helped) was so broken before I got in here. Now, I am happy and healthy and “livin’ my best life” (to be sung). I am so grateful to both of them, and I will never forget the skills I learned from them and all of the therapists at Lifeskills.” – Grateful Alumnus
“When I came to Lifeskills, I was broken shell of a women. I spent a little over 60 days here and I am leaving a whole person. I used to be able to only hear things like you are strong kind compassionate and now I am actually leaving believing these things. They also gave me the best thing I could ever ask for which is a newfound relationship with my mother.” – Grateful Alumnus
“I came to Lifeskills South Florida for PTSD and anxiety. I was assigned to Dr.Florin as my primary therapist. He is extremely compassionate. I also worked closely with Dr.Chen, he has an extensive background in trauma of first responders. Dr.Chen did exposure therapy with me, and it really helped me process my trauma from being a first responder. Rabbi Brandon Gaines and Dr. Krista where also a part of my treatment here at Lifeskills. They were always there to listen and help me process the challenges coming from the exposure therapy. I would describe my time here as life changing in many ways. I have met some amazing people here that I will keep in touch with for a very long time.” – Grateful Alumnus
“My time at Lifeskills South Florida Outpatient in Delray Beach was life changing. There I learned the tools to treat my disorder, the importance of being honest with myself and others, and how life is a journey, and each stage requires openness and sincerity. As someone who struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression, I found they were incredibly knowledgeable on a range of issues and willing to meet me where I was to help me get to where I wanted to be. I had a meaningful experience for over six months and am incredibly thankful to those there that helped me each step of the way. I recommend Lifeskills and thank them.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Before I came to Lifeskills I was a mess. I didn’t see a future for myself. It took me time to adjust to the program, because at first, I felt like running. However, as the days went on, the me I thought I lost slowly resurfaced. Every day is now a gift. I am not only present for myself but for my family. My therapist KristanGurdak was patient with me, even when it felt like she shouldn’t be. Dr. Daron Flory helped me grow into myself and created a safe environment for my husband and I to communicate in ways we never had before. Rabbi Gaines taught me to never give up. He helped me reconnect with a piece of myself that has been missing for a long time. Thank you Lifeskills for helping get my life back on track.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Lifeskills changed my life! Couldn’t have done it without them.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Can’t say enough about my experience at Lifeskills. Never could have done this without you…and will forever be grateful!”– Grateful Alumnus
“My experience was efficient for my personal needs. The staff and therapists were tentative in my individual care plans. The community/housing was up to par, but the resources were especially helpful and abundant. A special thanks to Dr. Nicolle and Dr. Krista for contributing significantly to my progress.” – Grateful Alumnus
“One of the better programs I’ve been too. Helped me in my recover so much! Great place.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Lifeskills wasn’t an easy program. There were a lot of hardships in the program. I had to look at myself honestly. I couldn’t hide my shortcomings anymore. I had to face what my life had become. I did get better. I’m stable now, it’s something I haven’t had my entire life, and now I have peace of mind and a future ahead of me. Addiction doesn’t have to be a death sentence. DID doesn’t have to be a death sentence. You can get better. It’s work, but you can definitely grow and change. It’s never too late, and if you’ve never had stability or true happiness you can always work so you can have it in the future. Life can be good, you can change. <3” – Grateful Alumnus
“So, this was a wonderful program. I know that what you put into this program is what you get out of it. My therapist Nicole Goldfinger was amazing. I know a lot of people that first arrive to this program want to control every aspect of their treatment. Just let go and trust in the program. Overall, it was a healing experience.” – Grateful Alumnus
“Excellent, comprehensive care for mental health. Really helped me manage symptoms that had once been debilitating with informative groups and empowering one-on-one support. The continuum of care is gradual and supportive. It’s hard work, but if you really take advantage of all the program’s opportunities, it pays off.” – Grateful Alumnus
“I highly recommend Lifeskills to any new clients. The staff is great especially the therapists and the psychiatrist here.” – Grateful Alumnus
Family Member Testimonials
“Im not sure how to start so I will keep this as short as possible. My son was in 4 other treatment centers and Lifeskills was far beyond my expectations. They stayed in touch with me constantly and showed such compassion and patience with my son. They taught my family many things that we will use as tools moving forward. Esther said a few things to me that I will always keep in the back of my head and have learned from them already.
If you have a loved one that needs help with addiction, trauma and/or mental illness this is without a doubt the place for help and recovery. If you feel hopeless and are out of options rest assured Lifeskills will give them 100% of what they need to live a healthy and productive life.” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“Lifeskills South Florida was the perfect place to treat my child’s mental health and addiction issues. The staff ‘s qualifications and areas of expertise enabled my child to get the targeted therapy that was needed. The staff was always available to answer questions and treated my family with dignity and respect. I particularly appreciated the family therapy sessions. I would highly recommend Lifeskills.” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“Our family has faced many challenges and Lifeskills was a blessing for us. They have a very informative family weekend which helped our family grow closer. They helped us gain insights and the information they provided will be valuable for years to come. The employees are skilled professionals and saved our family. We cannot thank them enough.” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“We were desperate to get help for a family friend, so we reached out to Lifeskills. With the help of the staff and Dr. David, the clinical director, he was in residential treatment for two months and then he transferred to outpatient care. During his stay, we visited with him, met the staff members, and toured the beautiful facility. I’m so thankful that we found this amazing center to help our dear friend get the help he needed. He’s been mentally healthy, clean, and sober for 16 months. Thank you Lifeskills!” – Grateful Friend of an Alumnus
“Lifeskills is an exceptional facility. The staff is professional and easy to work with. Dr. Despina was EXTEREMLY helpful getting my daughter to understand and accept her diagnosis while at Lifeskills. Thank you, Dr. Despina. The weekly meetings with the therapists with our family kept us informed about my daughter’s progress and to answer any questions or concerns. I found this extremely helpful. My daughter is now home, and she is finally compliant with taking her meds and attending therapy with a therapist that is right for her, thanks to the recommendation from Lifeskills. We finally feel we are on the right path to recovery. I am so glad we chose Llifeskills to help our daughter. She is definitely more like herself than she has been in 2 years.” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“We live in NJ, and we couldn’t find a behavioral health placement for our daughter due to other health issues. We had been trying for months with the help of several advocates. When Lifeskills said they would take her, it was such a relief, but also scary because if this didn’t work out, we knew there really wasn’t another place for her. Lifeskills has been incredible!!!! It has been just what our daughter needed. Her therapists – Dr. Despina and Dr. Mirella – have been so great and both clicked with our daughter. They have been terrific with keeping us in the loop as to progress or issues. They have been just a phone call or email away. From nursing to the techs, the therapists to Dr. Bober, everyone has been amazing. And I can’t forget Jorge who was our first contact with Lifeskills. He did a lot of the intake and answered so many of our questions!! Thanks to all!” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“Thank you so much for a mind-blowing, intuitive, and informative weekend! We both felt that we came away from the Family Weekend experience with so much new information. We feel like we know ourselves as well as our daughter so much better. You do good work and it’s much appreciated!” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“Wish I could give 6 stars instead of 5! I recommended two people from our community that were having serious anxiety issues and in about two months’ time you helped them both tremendously (all without any meds in these cases). The entire staff is very capable, professional, warm, and caring. They also helped a lot with follow up advice that was very helpful. Special call out to Dr Nicolle, Esther, and Rabbi Brandon – you guys are the best!!” – Grateful Friend of an Alumnus
“Our young adult son has been at Lifeskills (residential) since late Jan ‘22. Although he has been an unwilling client for most of his stay, he has finally turned a corner. We are hopeful he will stay in their recommended programming so that he can gradually transition back into the real world. Dr. Nicolle Goldfinger (primary therapist) has been incredibly patient with our (often defiant, aggressive, and angry) son AND our family. Her boundaries are firm and realistic and that has made a difference in our son’s progress. Dr. Nicolle is sympathetic yet unyielding to manipulation. Our family is grateful for Dr. Nicolle’s realistic assessments and her willingness to not give up. She has given our family hope. Our family has learned, in a short period of time, that there is not a quick fix for our son’s dual diagnosis. It’s been a comfort knowing our son is SAFE and is getting the help he needs with an excellent and caring team. Although we are in the beginning stages of family therapy, Dr. Mirella Ezeta (family therapist) has been wonderful with my husband, our son, and me via weekly Zoom calls, emails etc. Our family highly recommends Lifeskills (and FL, in general) for the treatment of a loved one needing a high level of care.” – Grateful Parent of an Alumnus
“Life Skills was and is an answer to my prayers. Our son was in need of help in his recovery of substance abuse and help with adding structure to his life. His journey is not over but Life Skills has helped him get on a better path, with the skills he learned there. Not only did they help him, but that have been a huge support to us, his family. Right now our son is serving time for his behavior, but Life Skills has continued to offer him and our family their support. And I know that they will be there if we need them after our sons release. They have treated my son with dignity and respect. Many people in my sons situation are thrown away like garbage. I will forever be thankful for the love and respect they have shown my son. Thank You Life Skills.” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“I am the parent of a client. We were introduced to Lifeskills by a friend of a friend when our son experienced a crisis moment. Drs Krista and Nicolle as well as the rest of Lifeskills staff have been very caring and supportive to us while allowing our son to experience accountability and growth during his stay. We visited Lifeskills this past weekend and our son told us he feels better than he has in two years! Thank you Lifeskills for a great opportunity for our son!” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“Our son has attended Lifeskills for the past three months. This is his second treatment center in the last two years. When he relapsed we were very concerned if we would be able to find a facility that could truly help him. We are so grateful for Lifeskills! We quickly found out that many of the practices at Lifeskills are different than other facilities. One of these practices is their impactful Family Weekend Retreat. The therapists at Lifeskills provide a safe and supportive environment, where honesty is present and allows participants to truly share with one another. We were blown away at the vulnerability and level of trust in the room. We walked away from the weekend with new understandings, and a tremendous amount of healing within our hearts! Thank you so much, Lifeskills!” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“Our daughter arrived at Life Skills very traumatized and broken! The entire team did a phenomenal job of working with my daughter! I arrived here last week from Texas and the change in my daughter was off the charts! Thanks again Life Skills!!!” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“Great professionals and team work in this facility. After 2 months , my son is leaving the facility and he is behaving so well! I don’t see him like this for more than 10 years… Excellent experience and now excited with the program for outside LifeSkills offered to us. Unbelievably good!” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“Finding a residential treatment facility for a loved one is a daunting process. Our family member had already been through two rehab programs with progress and setbacks. We needed a program that could address dual diagnoses more intensely. Lifeskills came highly recommended by every therapeutic consultant we asked. Our initial intake interview made it abundantly clear that they were a very serious facility and quite diligent in ensuring that their facility was right for our situation. While progressing through the program, the weekly family therapy sessions as well as the weekly touch base calls with the individual therapist kept us all on the same page. The therapists knew exactly when and how to push to challenge our loved one without causing overwhelm. I will be forever grateful that Lifeskills took a chance and gave our family member another shot at a full, rich life. I don’t think we could’ve received better care anywhere. Our family member built a strong, deep rapport with both of them very quickly. Their experience and astute diagnostic skills are impressive. Finally, the intensive family therapy weekend was amazing. I could write a whole review on that alone, so suffice it to say that it is one of the many truly transformative events your family will experience as a result of this program.” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
“LifeSkills South Florida was a heaven sent option for our son. Dr. Nicolle and Dr. Krista are amazing therapists who are very genuine and caring. They have a large team of great staff, who made our son’s stay there safe, especially given his complex medical issues. Their kind and understanding way of collaborating with us parents in the care for our son was wonderful.” – Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus
Clinical Partner Testimonials
“Thumbs up for Lifeskills South Florida, where hope is transformed into healing. I had an amazing experience of professionalism, knowledge and positivity during my visit and am happy to include Lifeskills into my portfolio of recommendations for mental health and substance use disorders.” – Grateful Clinical Partner, Susanne Johnson, CAI-II, CBI, CRS, EMR
“As a licensed mental health professional who works with numerous programs across the country, I know that I can trust Lifeskills South Florida with my most complex referrals. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know and coming to trust the leadership and staff at Lifeskills. Dr. Ockman is extremely helpful and always accommodating with anything that might arise with a client. He provides sound leadership to his clinical staff, and I feel that as a team they bring an expert level of skill to assist the clients that are entrusted to their care.” – Grateful Clinical Partner, Matthew Abraham
“I have referred clients to Lifeskills over the years and have never heard anything but positive feedback. I had the opportunity to visit Lifeskills for the first time for a professionals weekend in November 2018. I was incredibly impressed by all the staff and everything I learned about the services they offer. I would send a loved one to Lifeskills, knowing they would receive the highest quality care possible.” – Grateful Clinical Partner, Lauren Davis
“In my line of work, I meet with many facilities who treat individuals struggling with primary mental health and substance use disorder. Lifeskills is by far on the top of my list of providers that I trust and have full confidence in. The staff are all so friendly and really know how to make you feel welcome upon arrival. Their clinical team is amongst the best I’ve seen. The best way to put it is that if I had a loved one struggling with primary mental health concerns, Lifeskills would be where I would choose to send them.” – Grateful Clinical Partner, John Klempner
“The Lifeskills South Florida residential program in Deerfield Beach is an amazing facility that really knows how to help people with serious mental illnesses. The staff are super responsive, extremely dedicated and caring, and very smart and knowledgeable about how to help (special shout outs to Kristen Gurdak and Mirella Ezeta!). They are always available to help patients and their families. The facility itself is very attractive and well run. I cannot recommend this program highly enough.” – Grateful Clinical Partner
“I am writing to applaud the professionalism and kindness of Dr. Nicolle Goldfinger at Lifeskills. Dr. Nicolle has worked with two very complex clients of mine recently and her remarkable clinical skills coupled with an incredible kindness have led to excellent outcomes in both cases. Dr. Nicolle and the Lifeskills staff provided the care necessary to make healing a reality. She has gone over and above in her commitment to these patients and their families. I strongly recommend Lifeskills for the treatment of substance use disorders and mental health issues.” – Grateful Clinical Partner
“Lifeskills’ South Florida is truly a great treatment facility – highly recommend.” – Grateful Clinical Partner
“Dr. Nicolle Goldfinger is a seasoned, ethical, and solid clinician. I have had the pleasure of working alongside her with several complex family systems and she is phenomenal. Her responsiveness to the client, family, and collaborating team members is impeccable. Dr. Nicolle’s clinical insight and ability to connect with clients have created healing and recovery for the clients we’ve shared.” – Grateful Clinical Partner
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