Acadia Healthcare (NASDAQ: ACHC), the largest stand-alone provider of behavioral health services in the United States, has recently expanded its footprint with the acquisition of three opioid treatment clinics in South Carolina. The facilities, now rebranded under Acadia’s Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC) division, include the Clinton Comprehensive Treatment Center, Easley Comprehensive Treatment Center, and Ridgeland Comprehensive Treatment Center. This strategic move marks Acadia Healthcare’s debut in South Carolina’s opioid treatment landscape and continues the company’s growth strategy to address the rising demand for opioid use disorder treatment.

Acadia Healthcare’s Growing National Presence

As of June 2024, Acadia Healthcare operates 258 behavioral health facilities across 38 states and Puerto Rico, treating approximately 75,000 patients daily. The company’s acquisition of these three South Carolina clinics aligns with its broader mission to provide critical behavioral healthcare services in underserved areas. These facilities will offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, a key component of Acadia’s approach to comprehensive addiction care.

The clinics, formerly known as Recovery Concepts, Recovery Concepts of the Carolina Upstate, and Clear Skye Treatment Center, will be integrated into Acadia’s established network of 165 CTCs, which operate across 33 states. By adding these facilities to its portfolio, Acadia Healthcare enhances its ability to deliver high-quality care to a growing population in need of specialized services. These clinics provide medication-assisted treatment along with counseling and vocational services, ensuring that patients receive both medical and therapeutic support in their journey to recovery.

South Carolina: A New Market for Acadia

South Carolina is a state with an unmet demand for opioid addiction treatment, making Acadia Healthcare’s expansion into this region a timely decision. These centers will not only serve privately insured patients but also Medicaid beneficiaries, expanding access to essential services for a wider demographic.

This is not the first time Acadia Healthcare has focused on the Carolinas. Earlier in 2024, the company acquired three comprehensive treatment centers in North Carolina, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach in regions that face significant challenges related to opioid addiction. The recent acquisitions in South Carolina are part of a broader strategy by Acadia to prioritize its CTC division, with plans to open 14 new centers across the country by the end of the year.

Strengthening Acadia’s Commitment to Opioid Treatment

Acadia Healthcare’s move to acquire these three clinics comes at a time when the opioid crisis continues to affect communities across the U.S. With overdose rates at record highs, the need for effective treatment options has never been more pressing. The company has prioritized the expansion of its CTC business as part of its long-term growth strategy, which includes mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and new facility developments.

The South Carolina acquisitions represent a significant step in Acadia’s plan to expand its footprint in the opioid treatment space. These newly rebranded facilities will provide medication-assisted treatment alongside behavioral therapies, supporting patients at various stages of their recovery. By integrating these clinics into its national network, Acadia Healthcare (NASDAQ: ACHC) strengthens its role as a key provider of addiction treatment services, meeting the needs of patients and communities struggling with opioid use disorder.