Teen and young adult behavioral health provider Newport Healthcare has announced the acquisition of pediatric mental health provider PrairieCare, marking a significant expansion of its services in Minnesota. While the financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition reflects Newport’s strategic commitment to teen mental health treatment and building a comprehensive network of care for adolescents.
PrairieCare Brings Comprehensive Services
PrairieCare brings nine established locations across Minnesota to the table, along with a wide range of services. These include mental health screenings, clinic services, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and residential treatment. By integrating PrairieCare’s expertise and facilities, Newport aims to enhance teen mental health treatment and provide a full continuum of care for adolescents and young adults.
Rising Demand for Teen Mental Health Treatment
The timing of this acquisition is particularly notable. Demand for teen mental health treatment is skyrocketing across the U.S. According to the Office of Population Health Affairs (OASH), nearly half of all teens experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, and substance use. This rising need highlights the importance of expanding access to high-quality teen mental health treatment.
Newport’s Commitment to Expanding Care
“Individuals and families are struggling to find appropriate, available mental health care. PrairieCare’s outstanding reputation and clinical sophistication complement our existing services,” said Joe Procopio, CEO of Newport Healthcare. “Through a combination of development and acquisition, we are expanding access to treatment with a full continuum of care, creating more opportunities to positively impact countless lives. The acquisition of PrairieCare will solidify Newport’s growing presence in Minnesota and create a hub for teen mental health treatment in the Midwest.”
Founded in 2008, Newport Healthcare focuses on treating patients aged 12 to 18 who are living with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. The organization offers both residential and outpatient programs, providing a variety of options for teen mental health treatment depending on each patient’s needs. Newport now operates in 15 metropolitan areas across 11 states, including Minnesota.
Industry Trends and Acquisitions
This acquisition is part of a broader trend in the youth behavioral health sector, where providers and investors are increasingly focused on expanding teen mental health treatment. In 2021, private equity firm Onex Partners acquired a majority stake in Newport Healthcare, taking 60% ownership and valuing the company at approximately $1.3 billion. This investment has provided Newport with the financial support needed to pursue strategic growth and acquisitions like PrairieCare.
The focus on adolescent and young adult behavioral health isn’t limited to Newport. Over the summer, Mindpath acquired Acacia Counseling and Wellness, a virtual and outpatient behavioral health provider that specializes in services for college students. Similarly, Vistria Group invested in Sandstone Care, a provider dedicated to behavioral health services for youth and young adults. These moves underscore the growing demand for teen mental health care nationwide.
Federal Support for Youth Mental Health
Federal support for youth mental health further strengthens the outlook for providers. In July, the Biden administration pledged nearly $300 million to expand mental health services in schools, signaling a public commitment to improving access to teen mental health treatment.
Improving Access and Quality of Care
For families and communities, the acquisition of PrairieCare by Newport Healthcare represents more than just a business transaction—it is a step toward improving access to critical teen mental health treatment. By combining resources, expertise, and clinical capabilities, Newport aims to create a robust hub for adolescent psychiatric services, ensuring more teens receive timely, high-quality care.
As Newport continues to expand its reach across the U.S., this acquisition strengthens its ability to provide evidence-based programs that address a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. With adolescent mental health concerns on the rise, the integration of PrairieCare’s services into Newport’s network could serve as a model for how behavioral health providers can scale care while maintaining clinical quality and sophistication.
Leading the Way in Teen Mental Health Care
With the PrairieCare acquisition, Newport Healthcare is positioned to lead the way in teen mental health care, providing a blueprint for comprehensive, high-quality care that can adapt to the changing needs of communities across the Midwest and beyond.
