The behavioral health industry continues to see rapid expansion as providers open new facilities across the country to meet the growing demand for services. From substance use disorder (SUD) treatment clinics to autism therapy centers, organizations are strengthening their networks and expanding access for individuals and families in need. Below is a look at the latest developments among leading providers in addiction recovery and autism therapy.
Spero Health Expands In Ohio
Spero Health has announced the opening of two new outpatient substance use disorder clinics in Lima and Marion, Ohio. These additions further solidify Spero Health’s presence in the state and build upon its extensive network of more than 40 clinics across Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, and Virginia. Headquartered in Nashville, Spero Health is privately held by Heritage Group, Health Velocity Capital, South Central, Inc., and Frist Cressey Ventures. As one of the largest office-based opioid treatment providers in the nation, Spero Health currently serves more than 7,500 patients each month.
The company provides a hybrid care model that combines in-person and telehealth services, increasing accessibility for patients who may face transportation or scheduling challenges. Spero Health is also in-network with Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans, which helps reduce barriers to care. In addition to the new clinics in Lima and Marion, Spero Health has plans to expand further with upcoming locations in Mansfield and Findlay, Ohio. This ongoing growth reflects the organization’s mission to address the opioid epidemic with evidence-based, accessible treatment.
Wellpath Opens OUD Treatment Center In California
Wellpath, a healthcare provider known for delivering services in correctional facilities and other challenging clinical environments, has entered the community care market with a new center in Roseville, California. The facility is dedicated to treating opioid use disorder and will offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), widely recognized as the gold standard of care for opioid addiction. Patients will have access to both in-person and telehealth services, and the center accepts California Medicaid along with select private insurance plans.
Headquartered in Nashville, Wellpath provides medical and behavioral health services across 36 U.S. states as well as in Australia. The company is owned by private equity firm HIG Capital. With the addition of the Roseville center, Wellpath is taking meaningful steps to expand its reach beyond correctional settings and into the broader community, offering critical treatment for individuals battling opioid addiction.
Summit BHC Adds New Center In Pennsylvania
Summit BHC, a Brentwood, Tennessee-based behavioral health and addiction treatment provider, has expanded its footprint with the opening of French Creek Recovery Center in Pennsylvania. This new facility increases Summit’s portfolio to 21 treatment centers across 15 states. With a 50-bed capacity, the French Creek Recovery Center offers a full continuum of services, including detoxification, residential treatment, and continuing care programs.
Summit BHC is backed by Lee Equity Partners and FFL Partners, giving it the financial strength to continue expanding its services nationwide. The new Pennsylvania center is the company’s fourth location in the state and marks its first new facility to open in 2020. By investing in comprehensive treatment programs, Summit is addressing the need for expanded recovery options, particularly in areas hit hard by substance use disorders.
Outreach Recovery Grows In The Mid-Atlantic
Outreach Recovery continues to strengthen its presence in the Mid-Atlantic region with the opening of a new clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. With this addition, Outreach now operates 18 locations across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey, making it one of the largest medication-assisted treatment programs in the area.
Outreach specializes in treating patients with co-occurring disorders, recognizing the complex relationship between mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The organization also has plans for further expansion, with new Baltimore-area clinics expected to open by late 2020 and early 2021. This growth demonstrates Outreach’s commitment to ensuring more patients in the region have access to effective, integrated care.
Rogers Behavioral Health Announces New Research And Resource Center
Rogers Behavioral Health, a non-profit provider headquartered in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, has revealed plans to build a new research and resource center on its hospital campus. Made possible by a $2 million donation from the Ladish Co. Foundation, the new facility will be named in the foundation’s honor and is expected to open in the summer of 2021.
The center will house the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation, Rogers Research Center, and provide hospitality and spiritual care services. Rogers currently operates 20 locations across nine states, offering treatment for a wide range of mental health and substance use conditions. The new research and resource center will allow Rogers to advance its clinical knowledge, improve patient outcomes, and further its mission as a leader in behavioral healthcare.
Lighthouse Autism Center Deepens Indiana Footprint
In the field of autism therapy, Lighthouse Autism Center is expanding its presence in northern Indiana with three new locations set to open in Plymouth, Warsaw, and Goshen. Lighthouse, backed by private equity firm Abry Partners, specializes in applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism. With these new additions, Lighthouse becomes the largest ABA provider in northern Indiana.
The organization already operates more than a dozen centers across Indiana and Michigan, with a strong reputation for delivering individualized, evidence-based care. By opening additional facilities, Lighthouse is ensuring that families across the region have greater access to ABA therapy, which is considered one of the most effective interventions for children with autism.
First Children Services To Open New Autism Center In Pennsylvania
First Children Services has announced plans to open a new autism treatment center in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Set to open on November 1, the facility will provide assessment, diagnostic, and treatment services tailored to children with autism.
Operating in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, First Children Services focuses on combining health and special education supports to meet the needs of children and families. The addition of the new Pottstown center reflects the growing demand for specialized autism services in the region and the organization’s mission to provide comprehensive, community-based care.
Behavioral Innovations Expands In Colorado
Behavioral Innovations, a well-established provider of ABA therapy, has added two new centers in the Denver metro area, located in Arvada and Highlands Ranch. These facilities mark the company’s second and third entries into the Denver market, with additional locations currently in development.
Founded in 2003 with its first center in Dallas, Texas, Behavioral Innovations has grown into a leading provider with more than 50 centers across Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. The organization is owned by private equity firm Shore Capital Partners. According to Chief Growth Officer Dave Briedis, the company is committed to creating safe, welcoming, and conveniently located facilities designed to meet the needs of children and families while offering a positive environment for clinicians.
By expanding in Colorado, Behavioral Innovations is helping meet the increasing demand for autism therapy services, especially in rapidly growing metropolitan areas.
Expanding Access To Behavioral Healthcare
The expansion of both SUD treatment centers and autism therapy providers reflects a larger trend in behavioral healthcare: the urgent need to expand access. Communities across the country continue to face rising rates of substance use disorders, while the demand for autism services has grown steadily as awareness and diagnoses increase.
Providers like Spero Health, Summit BHC, and Outreach Recovery are tackling the opioid epidemic by offering evidence-based care through MAT, detox, and residential treatment. Meanwhile, organizations such as Lighthouse Autism Center, First Children Services, and Behavioral Innovations are broadening their reach to support children with autism and their families through ABA therapy and other specialized services.
These new facilities represent more than just buildings; they are lifelines for individuals and families seeking help. As private equity firms, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare providers invest in new treatment centers, the pipeline for behavioral healthcare expansion remains strong, promising greater access and better outcomes for those in need.
