Bradford Health Services, a prominent private equity-backed provider of addiction treatment services, has made another significant step in its growth strategy with the acquisition of Lakeview Health. This transaction expands Bradford Health Services’ network and service offerings, cementing its role as a leading national provider of addiction care. The deal comes less than a year after its previous acquisition and just five months after the appointment of Rob Marsh as the company’s new CEO. While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the acquisition is expected to have far-reaching implications for both organizations.
This move is just one part of Bradford Health Services’ larger expansion plan to increase its capabilities and better serve patients who are facing substance use disorders and need comprehensive drug and alcohol recovery services. As a national addiction treatment provider, Bradford Health Services operates a broad range of services, including inpatient detox, residential care, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), crisis response services, transitional living, and life skills programs. By acquiring Lakeview Health, Bradford Health Services now enhances its service offerings and strengthens its position as a comprehensive care provider in the drug and alcohol recovery space.
A Strategic Acquisition to Enhance Specialized Care
Lakeview Health, based in Jacksonville, Florida, operates a variety of specialized treatment facilities under one roof. These include separate buildings for male and female patients, an eating disorder treatment center, and a co-ed addiction treatment facility. Each of these programs provides tailored services to meet the unique needs of their patients. For Bradford Health Services, which previously operated 23 facilities across the country, Lakeview Health’s specialized services and Florida presence are particularly valuable additions. The acquisition of Lakeview Health marks Bradford’s first foray into Florida, a region that has seen increasing demand for drug and alcohol recovery services.
Rob Marsh, CEO of Bradford Health Services, emphasized the importance of the acquisition in expanding the company’s offerings, stating, “The acquisition of Lakeview Health is a significant milestone in our growth strategy, allowing us to expand our services and provide a broader range of specialized care options to our patients. Lakeview’s programs align perfectly with our vision of offering a full continuum of care that supports every stage of the drug and alcohol recovery journey.” This alignment is crucial for Bradford Health Services, as it strives to offer comprehensive and individualized care to meet the needs of patients at all stages of recovery.
Lakeview Health’s Unique Facilities and Services
Lakeview Health’s facilities are located on a single campus in Jacksonville, Florida, providing an integrated approach to addiction treatment. The facilities are designed with the needs of specific patient populations in mind, offering a safe and supportive environment for those in recovery. The separate buildings for male and female patients ensure that gender-specific needs are addressed while also fostering a sense of community and understanding. The eating disorder treatment facility, another key aspect of Lakeview Health’s offerings, provides specialized care for patients struggling with both addiction and eating disorders—a growing concern in the drug and alcohol recovery field.
The co-ed addiction treatment facility serves as a focal point for individuals seeking help with substance use disorders, offering both inpatient and outpatient care options. By acquiring Lakeview Health, Bradford Health Services is not only expanding its geographic reach but also broadening its ability to provide specialized care to patients who may need additional support for co-occurring mental health disorders, eating disorders, or other niche needs that are critical to drug and alcohol recovery.
Bradford Health Services’ Growth Strategy: Acquisitions and De Novo Expansion
Bradford Health Services’ acquisition of Lakeview Health is part of a broader growth strategy that includes both mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as well as de novo expansion. The company has demonstrated its ability to scale rapidly through strategic acquisitions while continuing to build new facilities to meet growing demand for drug and alcohol recovery services.
In addition to its recent acquisition of Lakeview Health, Bradford Health Services opened the Trinity River Recovery Center in Waxahachie, Texas, in August 2024. This new facility, located in a suburb south of Dallas, offers a range of services including detoxification, residential care, and medication-assisted treatment. The Waxahachie location expands Bradford Health Services’ footprint in Texas, one of the largest states in terms of addiction treatment needs.
In November 2023, Bradford Health Services acquired Vertava Health’s Mississippi location in Southaven from Blended Health, further strengthening its national presence. These strategic acquisitions allow Bradford Health Services to rapidly scale its operations and meet the increasing demand for drug and alcohol recovery services across the United States.
The Leadership of Rob Marsh and a Vision for Continued Growth
Rob Marsh, who took over as CEO of Bradford Health Services in May 2024, has played a key role in driving the company’s growth strategy. Under his leadership, Bradford Health Services has focused on expanding its offerings and reaching more patients through strategic acquisitions and new facility openings. When Marsh was appointed CEO, he outlined the company’s vision for continued growth, emphasizing that acquisitions would play a significant role in expanding its service footprint.
“Given that we’ve got a nice playbook for acquisitions, I expect that we’ll do more and more in the near future and into the future,” Marsh said in an interview with Addiction Treatment Business in May 2024. This forward-thinking approach signals that Bradford Health Services is committed to expanding its network and providing a comprehensive range of drug and alcohol recovery services to patients in need.
The acquisition of Lakeview Health is just the beginning, and Marsh’s leadership will likely continue to shape the company’s future growth. His strategic vision aligns with Bradford’s mission to offer a continuum of care that meets the diverse needs of those in recovery.
Private Equity Support: Fueling Bradford’s Growth
Bradford Health Services’ expansion has been supported in part by its acquisition by Lee Equity Partners, a private equity firm that acquired Bradford Health Services in October 2022. This partnership has provided Bradford with the financial resources and strategic guidance needed to pursue an ambitious growth strategy. With the backing of private equity, Bradford Health Services has been able to scale rapidly, acquiring regional addiction treatment providers like Lakeview Health and Vertava Health while also opening new centers like Trinity River Recovery Center.
As Bradford Health Services continues to grow, its ability to offer a full range of addiction treatment services—from detoxification to life skills programs—positions it as a leader in the drug and alcohol recovery industry. The company’s commitment to expanding its network of care providers and improving patient outcomes makes it a key player in the field for 2024 and beyond.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Bradford Health Services
Bradford Health Services’ recent acquisition of Lakeview Health underscores the company’s strategic vision of providing a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to drug and alcohol recovery. With the addition of Lakeview Health’s specialized programs and Florida presence, Bradford Health Services is better equipped to meet the diverse needs of individuals in recovery.
Looking ahead, Bradford Health Services is poised to continue its growth trajectory through both acquisitions and the development of new centers. With its strong leadership, a clear growth strategy, and private equity support, Bradford Health Services is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of the addiction treatment industry. The company’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality care and providing specialized treatment options for patients at every stage of recovery ensures that it will remain a major player in the field for years to come.
As the company’s network of treatment centers continues to grow, Bradford Health Services is sure to make an even greater impact in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction across the United States.
