Private equity-backed behavioral health provider Health Connect America has announced the acquisition of First Home Care in Virginia and North Star Counseling of Central Florida, marking the company’s fifth acquisition since being acquired by Palladium Equity Partners in 2021. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. These acquisitions highlight the company’s continued focus on behavioral health services growth in key U.S. markets.
Strengthening Behavioral Health Services in Virginia
First Home Care, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, brings its established therapeutic foster care programs into Health Connect America’s network. Operating across four Virginia locations, First Home Care has long supported children and families navigating complex behavioral health needs. Before this acquisition, First Home Care was owned by Universal Health Services (UHS), a publicly traded healthcare management company with more than 400 facilities nationwide.
The acquisition enhances Health Connect America’s ability to deliver behavioral health services growth in Virginia, particularly in therapeutic foster care, providing children with structured, supportive environments tailored to their individual needs.
Expanding Reach in Florida
In Florida, North Star Counseling of Central Florida adds to Health Connect America’s expanding footprint. North Star offers services such as mental health assessments, targeted case management, and behavioral health rehabilitation services, helping to meet growing demand in the region. By integrating North Star Counseling, Health Connect America is strengthening its behavioral health services growth, ensuring that more families have access to high-quality care.
Commitment to Personalized Care
Health Connect America emphasizes personalized service and family involvement in treatment. Kristi Shain, president and CEO, said:
“As we plan our future, we take seriously our responsibility that every individual who comes to Health Connect for assistance is unique. This demands of everyone here to understand the importance of the personalized service we render in addressing our clients’ needs, as well as those of their family and other significant people in their lives.”
Health Connect America provides behavioral health services for adults, children, teens, and families, with a focus on conduct disorder, substance use, autism disorder, and emotional disturbance. Its multi-state platform serves more than 21,000 children and families, showcasing ongoing behavioral health services growth across the U.S.
Strategic Growth Under Palladium Equity Partners
Since acquiring Health Connect America in 2021, Palladium Equity Partners has supported the company’s M&A strategy, including purchases of Georgia HOPE, Pinnacle Family Services Holdings, and Healing Educational Alternatives for Deserving Students. These moves have fueled continued behavioral health services growth for youth and family-focused providers.
Daniel Ilundain, partner and co-head of flagship funds at Palladium, said:
“We are pleased to support Health Connect’s M&A growth strategy, particularly as the company continues to build its platform and extend valuable health care services, especially those that serve our nation’s most vulnerable communities.”
Looking Ahead
The acquisitions of First Home Care and North Star Counseling are strategic steps that reinforce Health Connect America’s commitment to behavioral health services growth. By integrating these providers, the company can expand service availability in Virginia and Florida while maintaining its focus on personalized, family-centered care.
With continued support from Palladium Equity Partners, Health Connect America is well-positioned to drive behavioral health growth nationwide, serving vulnerable populations and ensuring that children, teens, and families receive the care they need.
