Beachside Recovery Interventions + Consulting

10/09/2025

🎙️ New Podcast Feature! 🎙️

We’re proud to share a powerful new episode of the Aligned Impact Podcast with Summer Huntington, featuring our Founder & Chief Clinical Officer, Drew D. Breznitsky, MA, HS-BCP, C-DBT, LMHC.

In this insightful conversation, and just two weeks out of brain surgery, Drew offers a candid look at the evolving landscape of mental health and addiction recovery, the intersection of mental health and criminal justice, and clinically competent ethical practice.

💬 In this episode, Drew discusses:

➡️ The importance of compassionate, person-centered approaches in intervention, evaluation, and individualized treatment.
➡️ How many graduate programs fail to prepare clinicians for real-world, community-based care.
➡️ The urgent need to integrate trauma-informed, hands-on training into academic settings.
➡️ The ongoing mission to break stigma and bring humanity back into behavioral healthcare.

This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, students, thought leaders, and advocates passionate about transforming how we approach recovery and community mental health.

Let’s continue building a culture of care grounded in authenticity, ethics, and experience. 💙🌊

🎙 Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4mh5HHU🎙 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Aligned Impact🌐 Guest Website: https://www.bricthestigma.com/📸 Guest Ins...

10/03/2025

Today Drew & Jill traveled out to Brevard County Jail to conduct a forensic evaluation for a patient we are collaborating on with Bogin, Munns & Munns, P.A.

This individual presents with co-occurring challenges: a mood disorder, psychotic symptoms, and substance use as self-medication. Cases like this highlight how untreated mental illness far too often intersects with the criminal justice system.

📊 Why this matters

• 43% of state prisoners report a history of mental health issues. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020)
• In local jails, about 44% of individuals have been diagnosed with a mental disorder. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020)
• Nearly half of incarcerated people with depression or psychosis also struggle with a co-occurring substance use disorder. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2019)
• Among men in jails, research has found that roughly 1 in 3 meet criteria for a major mood or psychotic disorder, yet only a minority receive treatment. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2019)

These statistics underscore a painful reality: men with untreated or undertreated psychiatric conditions are disproportionately at risk of ending up behind bars rather than receiving the care they need.

🧠 Our role

Through this evaluation, Drew & Jill worked to:
1. Assess the patient’s current psychiatric state and treatment needs.
2. Clarify how mental illness may have contributed to alleged behaviors.
3. Provide the court with expert insight that emphasizes both legal fairness and clinical care.

Every time we step into a correctional facility for an evaluation like this, we’re reminded: mental illness is a health issue, not a criminal one.

Lastly, we want to thank Commander Steven Fernez for implementing systems to help inmates access programming for various mental health and psychosocial needs.

10/02/2025

✨ Collaborative Care in Action ✨

At Beachside Recovery Interventions + Consulting, we believe in working alongside ethical, clinically competent, and compassionate partners in our community.

Today, our Founder and Chief Clinical Officer, Drew Breznitsky, LMHC, and Denny Kolsch, LMHC, Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of our community partner Peace Club, had the privilege of visiting Rocket Health Care’s new primary care clinic in the heart of the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGADLife).

We are proud to share a meaningful partnership:
🤝 Beachside Recovery Center for Trauma + Anxiety
🤝 Peace Club
🤝 Rocket Health Care

Together, we’re building a collaborative model of medicine—treating the whole person. We know that physical health and mental health are equally vital in the journey of wellness.

We’re grateful for the leadership and expertise of:
🌟 Ashley Seguna, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC – Director of Medication Management at Beachside Recovery
🌟 Dr. Summerpal Kahlon, MD – Medical Director at Peace Club

Their dedication helps us expand access to comprehensive care and strengthen our community’s well-being.

If you’re in EGAD for First Friday, stop by Rocket Health Care’s new office to say hello and see the amazing work they’re bringing to our neighborhood!

Learn more: https://www.rockethc.com/

09/25/2025

✨ Another full day in the field for Beachside Recovery Interventions + Consulting.

This morning, Drew and Jill traveled to Brevard County Jail to complete final forensic assessments for a young man charged with DUI with bodily injury and possession. He has long struggled with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, bouncing through multiple private treatment centers in South Florida. Each time, he left with a different, often contradictory diagnosis—and no clear clinical direction.

Because of these misdiagnoses, he now sits in jail instead of receiving proper care. Today, after careful evaluation, we were able to provide a solid clinical impression and develop an individualized treatment plan. This plan secures him long-term dual-diagnosis residential treatment, fully funded by the state.

👉 Did you know? Studies show that nearly 50% of people with substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Yet, when misdiagnosed, patients often receive the wrong treatment or are discharged prematurely. Unfortunately, some treatment centers—especially in South Florida—have been flagged for unethical practices such as recycling patients through programs without addressing root causes. This results in wasted time, insurance dollars, and lives placed at further risk.

From there, they traveled to Orange County Jail, where they evaluated a young man whose struggles began with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Over the years, he developed ADHD and experienced developmental trauma, which compounded into mood disorders.

Sadly, his history reflects a common cycle:

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): FAS is the leading known preventable cause of intellectual disability in the U.S. Children exposed prenatally to alcohol often face challenges with memory, impulse control, and social skills—all of which can increase vulnerability to substance use and legal involvement later in life.

• Research Shows: Over 90% of individuals with FASD will experience a mental health condition, with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders being among the most common.

• Bullying and Trauma: Boys with developmental and behavioral differences are disproportionately targeted by bullying, which significantly increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-medication through substances.

• Incarceration and Mental Health: Research shows that over 40% of incarcerated individuals have a diagnosable mental health disorder, with many never having received adequate treatment. Those with developmental conditions like FAS are at an even higher risk of cycling through the justice system without proper intervention.

At Beachside Recovery, we believe these evaluations are more than paperwork—they are opportunities to rewrite stories. With accurate diagnoses and evidence-based treatment plans, we can turn hopeless situations into a path toward true recovery.

💙 Every person deserves care that sees them fully, not just their charges.

09/20/2025

This week Drew, Jill, Kate, and Erica had the privilege of attending “What We’ve Learned So Far: A Conversation About Growth, Healing, Relationships, and All Things Therapy.”

As a team, we deeply believe in the power of community collaboration to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Coming together for open and authentic dialogue is how we learn to better serve our communities and one another. 💙

One of the most impactful takeaways was the reminder of the middle path—honoring the value of old-school academic theory while also showing up authentically in the therapy room. At Beachside, we strive to balance being ethical, compassionate, patient-led, and clinically competent with bringing our real, human selves into the healing process.

A huge thank you to Graham Barrett of Family First Adolescent Services for hosting such a thoughtful event, and to Aaron and Stephan of Solace Counseling for facilitating a truly meaningful and authentic conversation. 🙏

Here’s to continuing to grow together, challenge stigma, and create spaces where healing conversations can thrive. 🌱

09/05/2025

Today, Drew and James had the privilege of completing another court-ordered transport for a patient from Orange County Jail in Orlando to Peace Club in Cocoa Beach, where they will begin the next step of their recovery journey.

We want to sincerely thank Attorneys Christina Hedley and Matthew Boomershine of Bogin, Munns & Munns, P.A. for their hard work, dedication, and advocacy in making this possible. Your tireless commitment continues to open doors for those who might otherwise be left behind.

We are also deeply grateful to Denny and Megan at Peace Club for their collaboration and commitment to making treatment accessible. It takes a true community effort to bridge the gap between incarceration and healing, and your partnership makes all the difference.

One of the largest barriers to mental health treatment is access—particularly for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and for young men.
• For those in the lower socioeconomic class, factors such as lack of insurance, transportation challenges, financial strain, and limited availability of affordable providers can delay or prevent care.
• Young men often face additional barriers due to stigma, cultural expectations around masculinity, and underdiagnosis of mood and behavioral disorders—especially when symptoms are expressed through anger, substance use, or risk-taking behaviors rather than sadness or anxiety.

By breaking down these barriers through legal advocacy, clinical support, and community partnerships, we can change the landscape of mental health and ensure treatment becomes not just available, but truly accessible.

Together, we are building a future where healing is possible for everyone.

08/29/2025

Today was a full day of advocacy and action. Drew and James picked up a patient from Osceola County Jail for court ordered safe transport to residential treatment at Lifeskills South Florida. This was only possible through the excellent collaboration and dedication of attorneys Matt Boomershine and Christina Hedley and their paralegal Kevin of Bogin, Munns & Munns, P.A.—we are grateful for their partnership and commitment to client care.

Meanwhile, Jill was at Brevard County Jail evaluating a new patient for a case alongside the legal team at The Law Offices of Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC.

Our mission is clear: to change the landscape of how the criminal justice system interacts with mental health. Unfortunately, the gaps in this area are stark:

• Roughly 44% of people in jail and 37% in prison have a diagnosed mental illness (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2017).

• Fewer than 1 in 3 individuals with a mental health condition receive adequate treatment while incarcerated (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

• Community-based diversion programs and treatment-first approaches are proven to reduce recidivism, improve recovery outcomes, and lower costs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Every case like today’s is a step toward building a system where individuals with mental health needs are met with care, not just confinement.

✨ Together, with committed legal partners and treatment providers, we are working to create a model where justice and mental health truly intersect for the good of individuals and the community.

08/23/2025

Today, Drew joined attorneys Matt Boomershine and Christina Hedley of Bogin, Munns & Munns, P.A. at the Osceola County Courthouse to advocate for a patient during a bond hearing in a complex multi-jurisdictional case in which they are currently being held on no bond status. Attorneys Hedley and Boomershine made important progress in moving our patient closer to accessing needed treatment.

Following the hearing, Attorney Boomershine and Drew traveled to the Osceola County Jail to meet with another patient being held on pretrial detention, where they collaborated on treatment coordination and legal strategy planning.

Understanding Pretrial Release & Bond

• Pretrial release allows individuals charged with a crime to remain in the community while awaiting trial, provided they comply with court-ordered conditions.
• Bail is financial collateral set by the court to help ensure return for hearings. If the individual complies, the money is returned; if not, it may be forfeited.
• Bond reduction hearings give the defense an opportunity to request lowering the bail amount if the original amount is excessively burdensome or prevents access to treatment and stability.
• ROR (Release on Recognizance) means the judge allows release without requiring money, based on the individual’s promise to appear in court and follow conditions.
• Pretrial detention occurs when a judge determines the individual must remain in custody while awaiting trial, often due to safety risks or flight concerns.
• No bond cases mean the person is held without the option of release, usually in serious offenses or when public safety is at risk.

These legal determinations impact not only courtroom outcomes but also access to care, treatment, and rehabilitation opportunities. By bridging the gap between clinical needs and legal processes, we work to ensure patients are supported both in their healing journey and their justice process.

https://supremecourt.flcourts.gov/content/download/328585/file/09-159_013009_Appendix%20B.pdf

Disclaimer: Information in the above post is not intended as legal advice but only general information provided from refrenced cited source. Always seek representation if facing criminal charges.

08/22/2025

Today, Drew and Jill were at the Osceola County Jail to evaluate a patient presenting with mood disordered behavior while navigating the difficult intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system.

Unfortunately, many young men experiencing undiagnosed or untreated mood disorders end up interacting with the justice system instead of receiving timely mental health care. Research shows:

• Young men are statistically less likely to seek help for emotional or psychological concerns, often due to stigma or lack of access to resources.

• Mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, and related conditions can contribute to impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and high-risk behavior when untreated.

• A significant percentage of incarcerated individuals in the U.S. live with a mental health diagnosis, many of which were undiagnosed prior to incarceration.

Encounters like today are a sobering reminder of how essential it is to identify and treat mood disorders early—not only to improve quality of life but also to reduce the likelihood of justice system involvement.

At our practice, we remain committed to bridging this gap, advocating for care, and ensuring individuals are seen for their humanity and potential, not just their struggles.

08/20/2025

Drew and Jill were honored to be present at the Titusville Courthouse to assist in a clinical guardianship case. We are always grateful for the opportunity to support individuals and families navigating important legal and mental health processes, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests are upheld.

08/17/2025

We were honored to be invited to a small community event focused on wellness, where the emphasis was on bringing together ethical and competent providers who genuinely care about our community. Beachside is our home, and we are dedicated to doing everything we can to support mental and emotional well-being in our community.

Thank you to Shannon Lynch, Realtorand Indi Yard for putting this important event together.

07/03/2025

Throwback to circa 2019, when it all started. On The Black Dog Confessional, our founder Drew Breznitsky, MA, LMHC, shares his story of emotional resilience, his experiences in the field of mental health and substance use treatment, and how Beachside Recovery Interventions + Consulting was conceived.

Throughout the last six years, we have expanded our services from interventions and forensic assessment/mitigation to forensic evaluations and qualified expert witness services in criminal, family, and administrative law across four states. We have also added outpatient mental health counseling that has served not only the general community but also provided accessible services to community-rooted 501(c)3’s working with special populations such as unaccompanied youth and survivors of human trafficking. We conceptialuzed and implemented a true daily outpatient primary mental health DBT program in Beachside Recovery Center for Trauma + Anxiety. With valued partners in the community we developed Waves of Wellness Surf Camp, a 501(c)3 surf camp for kids struggling with mental health symptoms. We provide organizational health and have begun to engage in critical incident and trauma deployment. Lastly, we have provided practicum, internship, and training to over fifteen developing clinicians while building training relationships with over ten highly respected graduate schools.

We are grateful for our roots and the learning experiences along the way that helped shape us into the niche, multi-service agency we are today. We’re not just a team of clinicians, we’re a team of humans, helping other humans. Thank you to everyone who has supported us since this podcast 🙏🏼

Today we welcome Drew Breznitsky to the show. Drew takes us down the bumpy road he traveled to get to where he is today. He talks about how dealing with his ...