Best Alcohol and Drug Rehab FL in Gulfport, FL

Naz Andekian Joined 1st Step in 2014 as Director of Program Development. After working 4 years as director of admissions in steps to recovery, Naz brought his expertise and knowledge to First Step Behavioral Health. Naz was a client in 2010 and says he knew this place had the ability to save and change many lives. “I am grateful to have been given this opportunity to work for the very place that saved my life, and now work with humility as part of a team that helps others to save their own on a daily basis.” Naz is convinced that he works for the best treatment center in the nation, and is proud to be part of such a caring team of individuals who always put the needs of our clients first.

Ryan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has spent the past 10 years helping individuals and families struggling with addictions, mental illness and trauma. With a specialization in mindfulness based coping strategies, Ryan is passionate about helping empower clients to regain balance and control of their lives. While a student at the University of Central Florida, Ryan earned his bachelor’s of science in Psychology and then completed his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. Since then Ryan has worked as a clinician, advocate and public speaker encouraging holistic recovery and wellbeing. Currently, aspects of mindfulness based stress reduction, relapse prevention, movement-eco based therapies and somatic trauma resolution therapies, have been his main source of clinical interests.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University and two masters degrees in psychological counseling from Columbia University, Alexia became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Throughout her career, Alexia has worked with a diverse population, treating individuals suffering from addiction, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, and stage of life issues. Alexia has worked at some of South Florida’s most respected drug & alcohol treatment centers and has acquired a breadth of knowledge and experience working alongside leaders in the substance abuse community. Alexia marries client-centered interventions, empowerment counseling, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to provide her clients with a well-rounded and comprehensive treatment approach.