By: Michelle Quilter, PsyD, CASAC Frequently, individuals that struggle with substance use disorders battle societal stigma and array of misconceptions about addiction in general, often causing a barrier for seeking treatment. There is progress being made to reduce societal judgment and clarify the myths surrounding substance use disorders. Unfortunately, this progress is happening slowly while…
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, an estimated 43.8 million adults experience a mental illness in a given year. Mental illness is defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that can vary from no impairment to mild, moderate, or severe. A serious mental illness results in functional impairment and interferes with or…
As a parent or family member, it is difficult to see a loved one become unfit to care for themselves due to a mental illness or substance use disorder. Sometimes, there may be a need for an Emergency Temporary Guardianship (ETG) to protect the individual at risk and help them find proper treatment. Also known…
By: John Coleman, MSW, ACSW, Vice President of Clinical Services and Regulatory Compliance South Florida regrettably has suffered from substance abuse programs and recovery residences that have engaged in unethical practices to lure individuals into certain treatment programs using patient “brokers,” inducements to clients, deceptive marketing, and the use of poorly supervised sober living homes.
Suffering from a psychiatric or substance use disorder is difficult for everyone; however, when a loved one is suffering and does not want help, it can leave the family confused and helpless. Shame, denial, and disapproval can worsen the situation and make it difficult for a person to reach out for treatment. Regardless of the…
A crackdown on unethical practices throughout the country that take advantage of individuals and families suffering from substance use and mental health disorders in South Florida has brought several unethical and illegal sober living homes, labs and treatment centers to a halt. Although some operators and associates are now in jail or under investigation, there…
The Fourth of July is a time that we celebrate the freedom of our nation, and a time to honor and recognize those that have fought for that freedom. We often forget the challenges that veterans live with once they return home, maybe for a short time, or for a lifetime. The issues that veterans…
By: Dr. Michelle Quilter PsyD, CASAC At Lifeskills South Florida, clients present to us at various stages in their recovery journey. For some individuals, Lifeskills is their first experience in treatment, and for others, they have struggled through years of addiction and have been in and out of multiple treatment centers. Regardless of where our…
As a society, we are becoming more familiar and unfortunately accustomed to devastating mass violence events taking place at home and abroad. However, we see the images flash across the screen of our televisions and social media pages, but many times, we forget the toll events of this magnitude take on one’s mental health.
By: Dr. David Ockman, PsyD Those in mental health and addiction professions often overlook their “self-care” while focusing on others and before it’s too late it takes a toll on their mental and physical health. Interventions, emergencies, ”on-call schedules,” and crisis management with clients and their families are just a few work-related stressors that can…