Chris Hunter has departed his role as CEO of Franklin, Tenn.-based Acadia Healthcare, the largest standalone behavioral healthcare company in the U.S., effective immediately.
In response, Acadia has reappointed former CEO Debra Osteen to lead the organization, effective immediately. Ms. Osteen previously served as CEO from 2018 to 2022 and remained on the company’s board until 2024. She has also rejoined the board. Before her initial tenure at Acadia, she was executive vice president of Universal Health Services and president of its behavioral health division for 19 years.
“As Acadia continues to take decisive steps to optimize its growth investments and existing portfolio amidst ongoing macro headwinds facing many healthcare providers, the Board believes now is the right time to transition leadership,” Reeve Waud, chairman of Acadia’s board of directors, said in the release. “Debbie is the right person to step into the CEO role while the Board conducts a comprehensive search for a long-term successor and continues to evaluate all paths to deliver enhanced shareholder value.”
As of Sept. 30, 2025, Acadia operated 278 behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 12,500 beds in 40 states and Puerto Rico. The company employs about 25,500 people.
