Acadia Healthcare (Nasdaq: ACHC), the largest behavioral health provider in the United States, has long been at the forefront of delivering comprehensive care across a range of mental health and addiction treatment services. With a broad spectrum of offerings that include inpatient and outpatient mental health care, comprehensive addiction treatment, substance use disorder (SUD) services, eating disorder care, and more, Acadia is well-positioned to address the complex needs of a diverse patient population. A key component of Acadia’s success is its strategy of integrating service lines to ensure that all aspects of a patient’s health—both mental and physical—are effectively addressed.
This integration strategy is vital for treating the high rates of comorbid conditions that patients often face. Many individuals seeking treatment for one condition may be experiencing multiple, interconnected health issues. By recognizing the overlap between these conditions, Acadia is able to offer more holistic care that not only addresses the primary concern but also supports patients’ overall well-being.
The Importance of Integrating Service Lines
Acadia’s diverse service offerings include inpatient and outpatient programs for mental health and addiction recovery, along with specialized treatment for eating disorders. However, as CEO Chris Hunter has emphasized, patients often face multiple, simultaneous conditions that require coordinated care. In fact, research has shown that individuals who seek treatment for one disorder are highly likely to also struggle with a co-occurring condition. For example, many patients receiving care for mental health issues may also have an underlying substance use disorder (SUD), often without even realizing it.
“I think we’ve been very intentional around cross-selling. We know that somebody who comes to one of our specialty facilities and admits, 70% of the time, will also have an underlying opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnosis,” Hunter explained at the Leerink Partners Healthcare Crossroads Conference. “That interplay between the lines of business is something we’ve been very intentional about.”
The ability to cross-sell services between various treatment programs has proven to be a powerful way to ensure that patients receive the full spectrum of care they need. By recognizing the interconnected nature of these health issues, Acadia has been able to improve treatment outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and ultimately help more individuals recover. Through comprehensive addiction treatment offerings that address not only the addiction but also any co-occurring mental health concerns, Acadia ensures that each patient receives the full spectrum of care for long-term success.
For instance, a patient seeking help for a mental health crisis may also benefit from substance abuse treatment or eating disorder care, depending on their personal history and symptoms. Acadia’s intentional approach to cross-selling ensures that patients who may need these additional services are informed about their options and can receive treatment that addresses all of their health needs in a coordinated manner.
Expanding Outpatient Programs: A Central Component of Integration
As part of its ongoing efforts to integrate its service lines, Acadia has been working to expand its outpatient care offerings. This is particularly important for patients transitioning out of inpatient care. For many individuals, the time immediately following discharge is critical. Without continued support, patients are at an increased risk of relapse or a worsening of their condition. Acadia is addressing this challenge by expanding its intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), which are designed to offer ongoing care for individuals who no longer need full inpatient treatment but still require a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy.
“Clinically, a majority of our patients indicate that there is an opportunity post-discharge for some PHP or IOP programming. We’ve been very intentional in the past year of adding those programs,” Hunter said.
Acadia has already added more than 40 new outpatient programs to existing markets in the past year and an additional 15 programs this year alone. These programs play a vital role in ensuring that patients have access to the support they need during the often-challenging transition from inpatient care back into their everyday lives.
One of the primary advantages of outpatient care is its ability to provide flexibility and continuity for patients who no longer require the intensity of inpatient treatment but still need regular support. PHP and IOP programs offer structured, supportive environments that help individuals maintain their recovery, build coping skills, and address any ongoing mental health or substance use challenges. These offerings are a core component of comprehensive addiction treatment, as they allow for consistent care even after an inpatient stay.
The expansion of these outpatient services is part of Acadia’s broader strategy of integrating care across its service lines. By ensuring that patients have access to outpatient services as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, Acadia can offer a more seamless transition from inpatient care to recovery, improving long-term outcomes for individuals across the nation.
However, Acadia is quick to acknowledge that the integration of service lines is still a work in progress. While significant strides have been made, especially in the expansion of outpatient programs, the company recognizes that there is still much to do in order to fully integrate all aspects of care. As Hunter explained, “We’re very early in working through that,” underscoring the company’s commitment to continual improvement in its approach to service line integration.
The Future of Integrated Behavioral and Physical Health
In addition to its internal efforts to integrate mental health and substance use disorder services, Acadia is also looking toward the future of integrated behavioral and physical health care. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the interconnectedness between mental health and physical health. For individuals with co-occurring disorders, it’s not enough to focus solely on treating the mental health or substance use condition in isolation. Physical health concerns—such as chronic illnesses, pain, or other medical conditions—can have a significant impact on a patient’s recovery, and vice versa.
“We love the idea of an integrated behavioral health model,” Hunter said. “A big part of our strategy is joint ventures and working very closely with these health systems in the integration between physical and mental health.”
Acadia is actively pursuing partnerships with health systems to better coordinate care between behavioral health providers and primary care physicians. By integrating these two areas of care, Acadia can offer patients a more holistic approach to health and recovery. This integration is not only beneficial for patients but also helps to streamline the care process, reducing inefficiencies and improving outcomes.
Acadia’s commitment to integrated care is further demonstrated by its focus on joint ventures and collaborations with other healthcare providers. By working closely with these systems, Acadia is helping to create a more seamless experience for patients who need both behavioral and physical healthcare services. This collaborative model allows for better coordination of care, improved communication between providers, and a more cohesive treatment plan for patients.
CMS and the Future of Integrated Care Models
Acadia is also keeping a close eye on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and their recent efforts to develop integrated care models. In February, CMS unveiled a new model of care designed to connect adults with mental health conditions or substance use disorders to physical, behavioral, and social supports. This new model prioritizes collaboration between physical and behavioral health providers, aligning with Acadia’s vision for the future of healthcare.
“Overall, we think the movement toward integrated care is exciting for our comprehensive treatment center (CTC) business, especially in the areas of PHP and IOP,” Hunter noted. “But I think overall, we just need to see the details of the program before making any decisions.”
While CMS’s new integrated care model is still in the early stages, Acadia is optimistic about the potential benefits it offers. If the details of the program align with the company’s goals and priorities, Acadia is eager to participate and help shape the future of integrated care.
The integration of physical and behavioral health services is an exciting development for the healthcare industry. As more organizations, including Acadia, move toward this collaborative model, patients will benefit from more comprehensive, well-rounded care that addresses all aspects of their health. Whether it’s through expanded outpatient programs, joint ventures with health systems, or participation in CMS’s integrated care models, Acadia is paving the way for a more integrated, patient-centered approach to behavioral health care.
Conclusion
Acadia Healthcare’s focus on integrating service lines is a crucial part of its strategy to provide comprehensive addiction treatment for patients across the United States. By expanding outpatient services, prioritizing the integration of behavioral and physical health, and staying ahead of industry trends like CMS’s integrated care models, Acadia is positioning itself as a leader in the behavioral health space. Through its intentional and strategic approach, Acadia is improving the way care is delivered, ensuring that patients receive the full spectrum of support they need to recover and thrive.
As the largest behavioral health provider in the country, Acadia’s efforts to integrate care across its various service lines are setting a new standard for the industry. With a continued focus on innovation and patient-centered care, Acadia is poised to shape the future of behavioral health treatment for years to come, offering the comprehensive addiction treatment that patients need to overcome their challenges and reclaim their lives.
