(321) 978-4041
MEET THE FOUNDER
Drew’s journey in behavioral health began long before he even realized it—growing up as a child of a single mother diagnosed with co-occurring medical, mental health, and substance use disorders. When he was nine years old, his mother, Linda, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease and later developed interstitial lung fibrosis. Following her medical diagnosis, she also developed Major Depressive Disorder in addition to preexisting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Over time, Drew was exposed to her maladaptive coping mechanisms, particularly her struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder.
Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Drew endured significant emotional, mental, physical, interpersonal, and family systems trauma. Without the tools to cope, he began experimenting with alcohol, following in the footsteps of his mother and other family members. This led to early interactions with the legal system, as well as social and academic struggles.
At the age of eighteen, Drew’s mother lost her battle with cancer. They had not spoken for a significant period before her passing. Shortly afterward, Drew’s grandfather also passed away. Still a teenager and working as a bartender at the time, Drew struggled to cope with the trauma, guilt, and shame. He descended into a lifestyle of partying, drinking, and fighting—behaviors that contributed to depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other mental health challenges.
After multiple encounters with the legal system—including county jail and a brief stay in state prison—Drew realized he wanted something more from life. During his final interaction with the legal system, and with the support of his attorney (now a close colleague), Drew agreed to participate in a Department of Corrections Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment Program. While in treatment, he earned his Associate of Arts in Psychology from the College of Central Florida.
He went on to attend Saint Leo University, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After gaining field experience as a bachelor-level therapist at the very treatment center where he had once been a patient, Drew enrolled in graduate school at Webster University. There, he earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
With over ten years of experience working in various modalities, with various populations and presentations —as both a Primary Therapist and a Program Director—Drew founded Beachside Behavioral Health Services out of necessity. Beachside was created to help families and their loved ones navigate a system that is often fragmented and difficult to understand. That mission continues to drive Drew and the Beachside team every day.
Thank you for the opportunity to walk alongside you and your family on the path to healing.
OUR PURPOSE + VISION
The Beachside Purpose
Beachside Behavioral Health Services is dedicated to providing ethically driven, evidence-based mental health counseling and behavioral healthcare services that empower individuals, families, and communities to lead healthier, more meaningful, and fulfilling lives. Through professional counseling, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, consultation, family support, clinical case management, behavioral health assessment, forensic services, and expert witness services, we help people navigate life's challenges with dignity, resilience, and hope.
At the heart of our mission is counseling. We believe that meaningful therapeutic relationships create the foundation for healing, growth, and lasting change. Whether individuals are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, family conflict, or other behavioral health concerns, our clinicians provide compassionate, person-centered care grounded in clinical excellence and proven therapeutic approaches.
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We help individuals and families better understand their experiences, recognize their strengths, process difficult emotions, and develop practical tools for creating healthier patterns of living. Our goal is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to support people in building lives that are aligned with their values, goals, and fullest potential.
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Our approach is rooted in clinical competency, ethical practice, and individualized care. We utilize each person's unique strengths, needs, abilities, preferences, and lived experiences to develop realistic, viable, and clinically appropriate treatment plans and support strategies. From outpatient counseling and family services to specialized trauma care, crisis response, consultation, and forensic evaluation, we remain committed to providing comprehensive support tailored to each individual's circumstances.
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As a community-rooted organization, we recognize that mental health and wellness extend beyond the counseling office. We are committed to strengthening families, reducing barriers to care, advocating for vulnerable populations, and serving as a trusted behavioral health resource for our community. Through collaboration with leading clinicians, organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and community partners, we strive to expand access to quality mental health services and improve outcomes for those we serve.
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We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of professional excellence, clinical integrity, and ethical responsibility. Our commitment is simple: to provide exceptional counseling and behavioral healthcare that promotes healing, strengthens families, and contributes to healthier, more resilient communities.
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​We at Beachside Behavioral Health Services maintain a specific vision and duty to significantly disrupt the social stigma associated with mental health and substance use disordered treatment through exhibiting integrity, authenticity, transparency, and advocacy in all that we do. We are here to reinstall credibility to the field through education and insight. We strive to help families appropriately navigate through and disrupt the dangerous and unethical bullshit that occurs within the industry including, but not limited to, patient brokering, insurance fraud, and human trafficking; moreover, we aim to restore integrity to the treatment services industry by building and collaborating with a cohort of ethical, professional, and qualified providers.
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Finally, we hope to act as a catalyst and movement to spread the message that it is "Ok to not be ok."
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"The world I believe in is one where embracing your light does not mean ignoring your dark."
- Kevin Breel​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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The Beachside Vision
Contact Beachside Behavioral Health Services
1640 Florida A1A, Suite C & D
Satellite Beach, FL 32937
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201 N. Magnolia Ave, Suite A
Ocala, FL 34475
(321) 978-4041
