Missouri Owner of Burrell Behavioral Health to Merge with Tennessee Provider

Expansion of Behavioral Health Services Through Strategic Merger

Brightli, a behavioral health provider based in Springfield, is set to merge with Centerstone, a nonprofit organization that operates across several southeastern states. If the merger receives regulatory approval, it will establish the largest nonprofit behavioral health network in the United States. Both organizations have announced that the merger is expected to be finalized by November.

This strategic partnership aims to enhance the ability of both companies to scale their resources and expertise, ultimately providing more effective care for patients. The combined network will encompass 360 locations across nine states. Both entities have assured that patient services will remain unaffected, and they anticipate total combined revenues exceeding $1 billion. However, the specific financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

A History of Growth Through Mergers

Neither Brightli nor Centerstone is unfamiliar with the process of mergers or acquisitions. Brightli and its affiliated companies have overseen 25 mergers within their coverage network. This latest move is part of a broader trend in the industry, where organizations seek to consolidate to better meet the growing demand for mental health and substance use treatment services.

Brightli was formed in 2022 through the merger of Burrell Behavioral Health, a state-designated community mental health center, and Kirksville-based Preferred Family Healthcare. Since then, it has expanded significantly, now employing over 6,000 people at more than 220 locations across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Kansas. As the parent company of other well-known Missouri-based providers, such as Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Clarity Healthcare, and Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Brightli plays a vital role in the region’s mental health landscape.

Centerstone, on the other hand, serves communities in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee. With over 4,300 employees and 140 locations, the organization has a long history of growth, having participated in 20 mergers over the past three decades.

Addressing Workforce Challenges in Behavioral Health

Like many sectors of healthcare, the behavioral health field is facing a significant shortage of qualified professionals. According to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration, there are 256 mental health professional shortage areas in Missouri alone, with 110 such areas in Kansas. These shortages have prompted many organizations to explore mergers as a way to efficiently deliver care to the estimated 123 million Americans who live in regions with limited access to mental health professionals.

In response to these challenges, Missouri has taken steps to change how it responds to individuals in crisis. The introduction of the 988 nationwide crisis hotline has shifted the approach to emergency mental health situations. Instead of relying on law enforcement or first responders, trained mental and behavioral health specialists are now available to assist those in need. This shift has increased the demand for adequately staffed mental health and substance use treatment providers.

To support this transition, Missouri is developing a behavioral health mobile crisis response network, which includes Brightli and its affiliates. State funding helps cover the costs of trained specialists dispatched to crisis situations. However, despite these efforts, serious gaps in coverage still exist.

Limited Access to Opioid Treatment Programs

Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals that only 25 of Missouri's 246 behavioral health providers offered treatment programs for opioid use in 2023. Additionally, 200 of the state's 246 substance use treatment providers are run by private nonprofits, accounting for nearly 80% of the patients seen statewide.

Experts believe that the merger between Brightli and Centerstone could help address some of these challenges. Chuck Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, highlighted the potential benefits of the partnership: “By combining resources, expertise, and innovative approaches to care, these organizations are poised to not only expand access, but they’re also setting a new standard for how high-quality, community-based mental health and substance use treatment can be delivered at scale.”

The collaboration is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce the overall cost of care, and create a more sustainable model for behavioral health delivery. As the industry continues to evolve, such partnerships may play a critical role in addressing the growing demand for mental health services across the country.