Centerstone and Brightli Merge to Create $1 Billion Behavioral Health Nonprofit

Centerstone and Brightli, two of the largest behavioral health and addiction treatment nonprofits in the U.S., have announced their merger into a single organization set to take place in November. This strategic move is expected to create an organization with a combined annual revenue of $1 billion, positioning them as a major player in the industry.

Following the completion of the merger, Brightli, based in Springfield, Missouri, and Centerstone, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, will expand their operations to nine states. With a workforce of approximately 10,300 employees spread across 360 locations, the newly formed entity will have a significant presence in the behavioral health and addiction treatment space.

It’s important to note that the merger does not include Centerstone’s international network of providers outside of the U.S. However, Brightli’s seven subsidiaries and affiliates will be part of the consolidation, allowing for a comprehensive integration of resources and expertise.

CEOs David Guth Jr. of Centerstone and C.J. Davis of Brightli emphasized that the merger was driven by the evolving landscape of behavioral health, characterized by reduced stigma and increased demand for services. They see this as an opportune moment to combine their efforts and leverage their collective strengths to deliver better care to those in need.

With a projected annual revenue of $1 billion post-merger, the organization anticipates significant organic growth. This growth will be focused on expanding clinical teams to meet the escalating demand for services in light of the nationwide staffing shortage affecting the industry.

Both CEOs underscored the importance of adding the right partners and pursuing organic growth within their existing states of operation. By targeting partnerships in local markets and nurturing a commitment to their communities, they aim to enhance the quality and accessibility of care for their patients.

Furthermore, the merger will empower the organization to engage proactively with payers, advocating for innovative programs and services that can improve the health outcomes of plan recipients. By taking a data-driven approach and demonstrating the value of their offerings, they hope to drive positive change within the behavioral health landscape.

As part of the integration, Centerstone’s Institute for Clinical Excellence and Innovation will extend its resources to Brightli, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. By sharing best practices and developing cutting-edge tools, the organization aims to push the boundaries of innovation in behavioral health care.

While the merger is still in the due diligence phase, the CEOs are already looking ahead to the post-merger priorities, which include staff support, operational efficiency enhancements, and ongoing progress monitoring. Expanding telehealth support, school mental health services, and military population services will be key focus areas, as the organization seeks to address the evolving needs of their communities.

Ultimately, the CEOs and their boards will measure success through key performance indicators such as timely access, patient satisfaction, and staff satisfaction. By maintaining a strong focus on delivering high-quality care and adapting to emerging trends in the field, the newly merged organization is poised to make a significant impact on behavioral health and addiction treatment.