Addiction treatment provider BayMark Health Services continues its rapid expansion by acquiring Indianapolis-based Lucina Treatment Centers through its affiliate, AppleGate Recovery. This strategic move further strengthens BayMark’s footprint in Indiana and across the country, bolstering access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in regions severely affected by the ongoing opioid crisis. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in opioid treatment expansion in Indiana.
Lucina Treatment Centers: A Growing Presence in Indiana
Founded in 2016, Lucina Treatment Centers has established itself as a trusted provider of opioid addiction care throughout central and northeastern Indiana. Operating five clinics in key cities—including two locations in Indianapolis, as well as facilities in Kokomo, Fort Wayne, and Muncie—Lucina focuses exclusively on outpatient treatment for OUD.
The core of Lucina’s treatment approach centers on medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which uses FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine and vivitrol to manage opioid dependence. Alongside MAT, Lucina offers comprehensive support services including individual and group counseling, alcohol cessation programs, and methadone transition assistance. This multifaceted approach aims to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, improving long-term recovery outcomes.
Notably, Lucina has traditionally operated outside the insurance reimbursement system, requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket. However, the organization recently announced plans to begin accepting insurance, a move that could significantly broaden access to care by reducing financial barriers for many patients.
AppleGate Recovery and BayMark: Committed to Fighting the Opioid Epidemic
Michael Saul, President of AppleGate Recovery, highlighted the urgent need for expanded opioid treatment access, stating, “There is no state, county or city in this country that hasn’t been touched by the opioid epidemic.” AppleGate Recovery, which manages outpatient OUD programs across eight states, plays a vital role in delivering accessible treatment to communities in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The acquisition of Lucina’s clinics enables AppleGate—and by extension BayMark—to extend their evidence-based treatment model into Indiana, a state grappling with high rates of opioid misuse and overdose deaths. Saul expressed pride in BayMark’s role, saying, “BayMark is proud to be bringing its expertise and support to these programs as they continue to do life-saving work in areas with significant need of opioid addiction treatment services.”
This strategic acquisition exemplifies BayMark’s ongoing commitment to opioid treatment expansion in Indiana, ensuring more residents have access to high-quality care.
BayMark Health Services: A Nationwide Leader in Addiction Treatment
BayMark Health Services, headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, is among the nation’s largest providers of addiction treatment services, operating over 350 clinics across 36 states and three Canadian provinces. Its expansive network offers a broad spectrum of care options, including medication-assisted treatment, counseling, sober living programs, and intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) levels of care.
In Indiana, BayMark already serves patients through two MedMark Treatment Centers located in Lafayette and Kokomo. The Northwest Indiana Treatment Center in Merrillville also provides OUD treatment using MAT drugs like suboxone and methadone. With the addition of Lucina’s five clinics, BayMark significantly increases its capacity to serve Indiana residents seeking opioid addiction care.
This acquisition directly supports BayMark’s goal of sustained opioid treatment expansion in Indiana, growing its presence and enhancing patient access.
Expansion Strategy: Strengthening Regional Impact Through Acquisitions
The acquisition of Lucina is part of a larger growth strategy that BayMark has pursued aggressively over the past year. The company has acquired several regional treatment providers, including Granite Recovery Services in New Hampshire, New Day Recovery in Louisiana, and Hope for Tomorrow in West Virginia. These transactions have helped BayMark broaden its geographic footprint and diversify its service offerings.
BayMark’s parent company, Webster Equity Partners, has also made strategic investments in the behavioral health sector, recently announcing a new capital partnership with Oceans Healthcare. This investment signals confidence in the increasing demand for addiction and mental health services and positions BayMark for continued growth.
These moves illustrate BayMark’s dedication to opioid treatment expansion in Indiana and nationwide, ensuring more patients have access to vital services.
The Importance of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Combating Opioid Addiction
Medication-assisted treatment remains the gold standard in treating opioid use disorder, combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Drugs like buprenorphine, vivitrol, and methadone help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for patients to engage in recovery. BayMark and Lucina’s emphasis on MAT aligns with clinical best practices and national guidelines, reflecting a commitment to effective, evidence-based care.
By offering a range of MAT medications and integrating supportive services, BayMark ensures patients receive personalized treatment plans tailored to their needs. This comprehensive approach increases the likelihood of sustained recovery and reduces the risk of relapse—key goals in advancing opioid treatment expansion in Indiana.
Addressing Barriers to Care and Increasing Accessibility
One of the biggest challenges in treating opioid addiction is ensuring that care is accessible and affordable. Lucina’s recent move to accept insurance plans will likely reduce financial hurdles for many patients who previously had limited options. Combined with BayMark’s existing network, which already accepts multiple insurance providers, this acquisition helps create a more seamless continuum of care for Indiana residents.
BayMark’s expansion also brings the benefit of increased operational support, resources, and clinical expertise to Lucina’s clinics, which can translate to enhanced patient outcomes and improved program quality. These improvements are integral to ongoing opioid treatment expansion in Indiana.
Looking Ahead: BayMark’s Role in the Future of Opioid Treatment in Indiana and Beyond
The acquisition of Lucina Treatment Centers marks a significant milestone in BayMark Health Services’ mission to provide accessible, high-quality opioid use disorder treatment nationwide. As the opioid epidemic continues to impact communities across Indiana and the U.S., providers like BayMark play a crucial role in expanding access to life-saving treatments.
By integrating Lucina’s clinics into its network, BayMark not only increases its treatment capacity but also strengthens its ability to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of each community. This acquisition underscores the importance of collaboration and growth in addressing one of the nation’s most urgent public health crises.
The ongoing opioid treatment expansion in Indiana through acquisitions such as this ensures that more individuals and families can find hope and healing.
Conclusion
BayMark Health Services’ acquisition of Lucina Treatment Centers highlights a clear trend of consolidation in the addiction treatment sector, driven by the need to expand access, improve care quality, and meet rising demand. Through this strategic expansion, BayMark reaffirms its position as a leader in opioid addiction treatment and reinforces its commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.
With ongoing investments in clinical services, insurance acceptance, and geographic reach, BayMark is poised to make a lasting impact on the fight against opioid addiction—not just in Indiana, but across the United States—continuing its vital mission of opioid treatment expansion in Indiana.