Drew Breznitsky

Drew Breznitsky started his journey in behavioral health unknowingly as an adolescent struggling with his own mental health, behavioral health, and substance use.  Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Drew experienced significant challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, alcohol, and self-harm.  After fighting these demons for many years and experiencing countless interactions with the legal system, Drew made a decision to go to residential treatment at the Phoenix House, in Ocala, Florida.

While at the Phoenix House, Drew enrolled in classes at the College of Central Florida where he earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology.  Subsequent to obtaining his AA, Drew enrolled with Saint Leo University and completed a dual Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Human Services and was awarded the “Most Resilient” honor by his graduating class and faculty. Upon graduation, Drew simultaneously secured a position as a Bachelor’s Level Therapist with the Phoenix House, the same treatment center he once attended as a patient.

After moving on from his experiences with the Phoenix House, Drew moved on to work for the second-largest medication-assisted treatment center in the country, where he specialized in Opioid Use Disorder. During his time with New Season Quad County, Drew was chosen by his company to go to Tallahassee and lobby for opioid funds handed down by Governor Rick Scott and was also featured on a CBS News special covering the Opioid Epidemic. It was during this time that Drew developed an increasing interest in Opioid Use Disorder and the epidemic disrupting our society.

While working at the Methadone Clinic, Drew worked toward completing his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy and completed his practicum with Urban Counseling, a private mental health and family practice in Ocala, Florida. During this time, Drew gained a significant amount of experience in family systems theory, marriage and family counseling, play therapy, sand tray therapy, and child and adolescent counseling.

Drew soon moved into a position as Program Director and Primary Therapist for a new startup PHP/IOP treatment center in Cocoa Beach, Florida, called Peace Club. It is here where Drew found his passion to give back to his local community by providing quality mental health and substance use treatment services. During his time at Peace Club and after, Drew noticed significant gaps in the continuum of care, specifically with regard to the criminal justice system and with regard to families and adolescents. It is during this time that Beachside Recovery Interventions + Consulting was born.

Drew completed his final internship with Agape Therapy Institute, a private mental health practice in Orlando, Florida. This is also where Drew met Susan Deane, who took an interest in Drew’s cause and came aboard the BRIC team as Licensed Supervision Consultant.  During this time, Drew began working very closely with the criminal justice system in mental health and substance use-related criminal justice reform.  He was awarded the Pastor Mark Swallow Service Award by the Brevard Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Drew went on to move into a Program Director and Primary Therapist role for a new startup Detox and Residential facility, St Johns Recovery Place, in Crescent City, Florida. During this time, Drew continued to grow BRIC and work toward community collaboration with a goal to build a cohort of ethical and qualified individuals to help his local community.

​Drew recently returned to Peace Club where he is currently Director of Clinical Operations and Primary Therapist while simultaneously running BIRC. Drew serves as co-chair of the Brevard County Opioid Task Force Treatment Subcommittee. He recently graduated from Webster University with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.

In his spare time, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife, Carmen, children Kylie and Evan, and doggie Nixon. When able, Drew enjoys surfing, traveling, getting tattooed, and going to punk rock shows.