Acadia Healthcare controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Timberline Knolls misconduct allegations
Acadia announced closure of Timberline Knolls after allegations involving employee misconduct and lawsuits brought by former patients, including allegations of sexual assault.
2024
Highland Ridge safety violations
Utah officials required independent monitoring at Highland Ridge Hospital after safety violations and later increased the monitoring requirement. Acadia announced the facility would close.
2024
Senate report on child safety and incentives
Senate Finance and HELP committees concluded that Acadia and another for-profit provider endangered children and argued that revenue-focused incentives contributed to inadequate safety and treatment. The findings were disputed in the broader public debate over behavioral-health facility oversight.
2024
SEC enforcement settlement
The SEC settlement addressed allegations including billing for medically unnecessary inpatient services and conduct that restricted whistleblowers from reporting concerns.
2024
Methadone-clinic investigation
A New York Times investigation reported alleged falsification of medical records used for billing, treatment of some patients who allegedly lacked opioid addiction, and counselor caseloads above certain state limits.
2023
Desert Hills litigation settlement
Acadia reached a $400 million settlement resolving three lawsuits connected to alleged abuse at Desert Hills, without admitting liability.
2019
Medicaid billing allegations
Federal prosecutors in West Virginia alleged that Acadia overbilled Medicaid for blood and urine tests. The company paid $17 million to resolve the allegations.
2019
Abuse allegations at Desert Hills
Acadia closed its former Desert Hills facility in New Mexico after revelations of sexual abuse. Several lawsuits followed, including litigation brought on behalf of minors.