Discovery Behavioral Health Inc., one of the nation’s leading providers of evidence-based behavioral health services, has taken another significant step in its growth journey with the acquisition of Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry. Based in Huntington Beach, California, Anew Era operates 12 specialized outpatient clinics offering psychiatric services, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ketamine therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The acquisition allows Discovery Behavioral Health to further extend its clinical reach across California and Texas—two of the largest and most critical markets for mental health care. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the strategic alignment is clear. This move strengthens Discovery’s outpatient psychiatric division, Discovery MD, and underscores its commitment to scaling access to specialized mental health treatment. As one of several high-profile Behavioral Health Treatment Expansions, the acquisition reflects Discovery’s ongoing strategy to combine organic growth with targeted acquisitions that enhance its service portfolio and geographic coverage.
A Strategic Match to Accelerate Growth
Discovery Behavioral Health CEO John Peloquin emphasized how well the two organizations complement each other. “In each of our service lines, our primary growth driver is organic,” Peloquin stated. “We do several transactions a year that make strategic alignment. This one aligned well: a good quality operator, couple that with what we’re already doing—it makes sense.”
This acquisition not only boosts Discovery MD’s infrastructure but allows the company to embed its broader continuum of care—including substance use disorder treatment, mental health programs, and eating disorder services—within the existing Anew Era locations. This kind of integration is foundational to Discovery’s philosophy and central to its approach to Behavioral Health Treatment Expansions.
The Role of Discovery MD in Driving Innovation
Discovery MD, launched in March, is Discovery Behavioral Health’s fourth division and focuses on delivering professional outpatient psychiatric care. Its services include advanced treatments like TMS, ketamine therapy, and MAT—cutting-edge options for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
The acquisition of Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry allows Discovery MD to rapidly scale operations by integrating Anew Era’s experienced providers, infrastructure, and patient base. This growth is a crucial part of Discovery’s larger plan for Behavioral Health Treatment Expansions that address gaps in psychiatric care throughout the country.
TMS, in particular, is a non-invasive, FDA-approved procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions responsible for mood regulation. It’s become a preferred treatment option for those who haven’t found success with traditional therapies. With Anew Era’s clinical expertise in delivering TMS, Discovery MD is well-positioned to meet increasing demand and expand this offering nationwide.
Expanding the Behavioral Health Footprint in CA and TX
With Anew Era’s 12 clinics, Discovery Behavioral Health gains immediate presence in key areas of California and Texas—two states with soaring mental health needs and limited access to specialized psychiatric care. These additions mark yet another milestone in Discovery’s series of Behavioral Health Treatment Expansions, which aim to make care more accessible, timely, and effective.
Earlier in 2024, Discovery acquired the Dan Med TMS Neuro Institute in King County, Washington, and opened new DiscoveryMD clinics in West Los Angeles and Tacoma. These efforts build on momentum from previous years, including a 2021 expansion that saw the addition of 10 new treatment centers across seven states, plus acquisitions in Houston and Kansas City.
Today, the company operates over 145 treatment centers and contracts with more than 100 payers and managed care organizations—allowing it to serve a broad and diverse patient population across the U.S.
Private Equity Support and a Track Record of Growth
Discovery Behavioral Health’s continued success in Behavioral Health Treatment Expansions is underpinned by financial and strategic backing from Webster Equity Partners. Webster first invested in Discovery in 2011 and has since supported the company’s transformation from a regional provider into a national behavioral health leader. With a long-term growth mindset and a dedication to scalable models, Discovery has become a key player in modernizing the delivery of mental health and substance use treatment.
Leadership and Clinical Excellence
To support its rapid growth and increasing operational complexity, Discovery Behavioral Health recently appointed Dr. Matthew Ruble as its new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Ruble brings decades of experience in psychiatric medicine and integrated care delivery models, which are vital to Discovery’s mission and critical to executing future Behavioral Health Treatment Expansions.
Peloquin also confirmed that Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry was previously owned by Jeffrey Poulton and Suzanne Jessee. Their years of expertise and focus on quality made Anew Era a highly attractive acquisition target. Under the Discovery MD umbrella, these clinics will not only retain their clinical identity but benefit from additional operational support and integration with Discovery’s national systems.
Patient Impact and Access to Integrated Services
For current patients at Anew Era, this acquisition opens doors to more comprehensive care options. In addition to continuing to receive psychiatric services, patients may now be referred into Discovery’s larger network for intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), residential treatment, and additional therapies based on clinical need.
This model exemplifies how Discovery Behavioral Health views Behavioral Health Treatment Expansions: not just as a business growth strategy, but as a way to improve the continuum of care and outcomes for patients struggling with complex mental health challenges.
Moreover, Discovery’s payer relationships and experience working with insurance networks ensure that care remains accessible to a broad demographic—including those covered by commercial plans, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Setting a New Standard in Outpatient Psychiatry
The acquisition of Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry also reinforces a growing industry trend: the increasing importance of outpatient psychiatric services and non-invasive treatments like TMS and ketamine. With more patients seeking alternatives to traditional medication and inpatient care, Discovery MD’s expansion reflects a commitment to evolving with the times and meeting patients where they are—literally and figuratively.
By continuing to integrate services and scale efficiently, Discovery is positioning itself to set a new standard for psychiatric care nationwide. As more providers look for ways to participate in the transformation of behavioral health, Discovery’s model of integrated Behavioral Health Treatment Expansions offers a compelling blueprint for success.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Discovery?
With a solid infrastructure, growing national reach, and strong financial backing, Discovery Behavioral Health shows no signs of slowing down. The acquisition of Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry is just the latest in a string of smart, strategic moves that support a bigger vision: creating a national network of high-quality, accessible behavioral health services that span the entire continuum of care.
For patients, clinicians, and communities, Discovery’s continued focus on Behavioral Health Treatment Expansions represents real hope. Hope for faster access. Hope for better outcomes. And hope for a behavioral health system that finally meets the needs of the people it serves.
