Acadia Healthcare is eyeing more acquisitions in 2024.
At an investor presentation on March 13, Acadia CEO Chris Hunter said mergers and acquisitions will be a major focus for the company in 2024 and beyond.
Smaller behavioral providers are facing more challenges amid Medicaid redeterminations and rising interest rates, Mr. Hunter said.
"It's been a challenging operating environment, and I think we are increasingly seen as an acquirer of choice."
Acadia recently acquired two comprehensive treatment centers in North Carolina, Mr. Hunter said. The Franklin, Tenn.-based behavioral health operator acquired a 72-bed treatment center in Utah in February.
The company also operates 21 joint ventures with existing health systems.