In a move that strengthens its national footprint, Los Angeles-based Discovery Behavioral Health has announced the acquisition of New Life Addiction Counseling & Mental Health Services, located in Pasadena, Maryland. While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, this strategic acquisition highlights Discovery Behavioral Health’s continued commitment to expanding access to critical substance abuse and mental health services, particularly in areas where they are most needed.
Expanding Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Options
Discovery Behavioral Health has long been a leader in providing comprehensive behavioral health services, including substance abuse, mental health, and eating disorder treatment. Founded over two decades ago, Discovery has built a national reputation for offering residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs tailored to meet the needs of both teenagers and adults. With this acquisition of New Life, Discovery Behavioral Health continues its expansion into new markets, particularly the northeastern U.S., which will enhance the availability of these essential services in an area grappling with severe addiction challenges.
New Life Addiction Counseling & Mental Health Services, established 35 years ago, has specialized in providing outpatient treatment for adults struggling with substance abuse and addiction, as well as mental health disorders. The facility has earned its reputation for delivering high-quality care that empowers individuals to take control of their recovery journey. This acquisition represents a natural fit for Discovery, as it seeks to expand its portfolio of outpatient services, complementing its existing offerings in residential and intensive care settings.
With this new acquisition, Discovery Behavioral Health is significantly strengthening its capacity to provide critical substance abuse and mental health services to underserved populations, particularly in regions where these services are in high demand. The integration of New Life will bring additional resources, treatment expertise, and expanded care options to an area that has been deeply affected by the opioid crisis.
Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Maryland
One of the most compelling reasons for Discovery’s interest in acquiring New Life is its location in Maryland, a state that continues to struggle with the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic. The opioid crisis has wreaked havoc on communities across the United States, but Maryland has been hit especially hard. According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, Maryland ranks as the fifth-highest state for opioid overdose deaths. Despite national declines in opioid overdose deaths between 2017 and 2018, Maryland saw a nearly 15% increase in these deaths during the first half of 2018 alone.
As Joe Tinervin, the president of Discovery Behavioral Health’s substance use division, noted in the company’s press release announcing the acquisition, “This area of the country continues to suffer the brunt of the nation’s opioid epidemic. Too often, fatal overdose deaths are the result of a lack of available treatment.” The growing demand for effective substance abuse treatment is compounded by the urgent need for accessible care to help individuals battling addiction in the region.
By acquiring New Life, Discovery Behavioral Health is not only enhancing its ability to provide much-needed addiction treatment in Maryland but also expanding its service offerings to a population that has long faced barriers to accessing quality care. This move is part of Discovery’s broader strategy to address the opioid crisis head-on by increasing treatment options in areas most affected by addiction and mental health issues.
Enhancing Behavioral Health Services for a Broader Range of Needs
Beyond just substance abuse treatment, the acquisition of New Life Addiction Counseling & Mental Health Services further solidifies Discovery Behavioral Health’s commitment to offering a comprehensive array of behavioral health services. While New Life has long focused on outpatient treatment for addiction and mental health issues, Discovery Behavioral Health’s broader portfolio includes residential care, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient services. This enables Discovery to offer a full spectrum of care options, ensuring that patients have access to the right level of treatment at every stage of their recovery journey.
The integration of New Life into Discovery’s network also enhances the company’s ability to provide integrated care for individuals with dual diagnoses—those struggling with both substance abuse and mental health conditions. Many people with addiction issues also experience co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Offering both substance abuse treatment and mental health services in a holistic, integrated way is key to addressing the root causes of addiction and providing long-term recovery solutions.
Additionally, the acquisition helps Discovery Behavioral Health better serve not only Maryland but also surrounding areas in the Northeast, where the opioid crisis has taken a significant toll on public health. By adding New Life’s outpatient services to its network, Discovery can offer expanded access to care for individuals who may not need residential treatment but require outpatient or intensive outpatient care to manage their recovery effectively.
A Stronger Presence in the Northeast
For Discovery Behavioral Health, this acquisition is part of a larger strategy to strengthen its presence in key regions across the country. With an increasing number of individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse, mental health, and eating disorders, the demand for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services is higher than ever before. As states like Maryland continue to grapple with rising addiction rates, especially related to opioids, Discovery’s expanded network will make it easier for individuals to access the care they need, when they need it most.
This expansion also positions Discovery Behavioral Health to build on its reputation as a national leader in the behavioral health space. By acquiring established, reputable organizations like New Life, the company continues to diversify its service offerings, extend its geographic reach, and meet the growing need for behavioral health services in underserved communities.
Looking to the Future
As Discovery Behavioral Health moves forward with the integration of New Life Addiction Counseling & Mental Health Services, it will undoubtedly continue to focus on expanding access to essential behavioral health services for those who need it most. In particular, Discovery will remain dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis and other substance abuse issues in regions like Maryland, where the need for comprehensive treatment options remains critical.
With a shared commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care, the merger of these two organizations will strengthen Discovery’s position as a leading provider of addiction and mental health services in the U.S. By building a stronger, more connected network of care, Discovery Behavioral Health is helping pave the way for more individuals to find the support they need on their path to recovery.
As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, the acquisition of New Life Addiction Counseling & Mental Health Services represents a significant step toward providing better access to addiction and mental health treatment for those who are suffering and in need of help. With a stronger presence in the Northeast and expanded service offerings, Discovery Behavioral Health is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
