Acadia Healthcare, the largest standalone behavioral healthcare company in the United States, announced on January 20, 2026, that Debra K. Osteen has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The announcement came from Reeve Waud, Chairman of Acadia’s Board of Directors, who praised Osteen as “a mission-driven executive with a commitment to patients who helped transform Acadia into the leading provider of behavioral healthcare in the U.S.”
Osteen succeeds Chris Hunter, who departed the company and its Board of Directors. Her return marks a homecoming of sorts-she previously served as Acadia’s CEO from December 2018 to March 2022 and remained on the company’s board until 2024.
Experienced Executive Returns to Helm
Debbie Osteen brings more than 35 years of senior leadership experience to her second tenure at Acadia Healthcare. Before joining Acadia in 2018, she served as Executive Vice President of Universal Health Services, Inc. and President of UHS’s behavioral health division for 19 years. During that time, she helped build UHS’s behavioral health arm into one of the nation’s largest networks of freestanding behavioral health facilities.
Her industry credentials extend beyond corporate roles. Osteen has served as an executive committee member of the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare for more than 20 years, including two terms as president of its board. She also served on the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
Osteen’s Background and Recognition
Modern Healthcare magazine has named Osteen among the “Top 25 Women in Healthcare” multiple times, most recently in 2015. She was also recognized as one of the Top 100 Executives in Healthcare in 2019, 2020, and 2021, according to company disclosures.
“I am excited to step back into the role of CEO of Acadia,” Osteen said in the company’s announcement. “As the largest stand-alone behavioral healthcare company in the U.S., and with joint venture partnerships with deeply respected health systems across the country, the Company is poised for long-term success.”
Waud’s Vision for Acadia’s Future
Reeve Waud has been instrumental in Acadia Healthcare’s development since founding the company in 2005. His continued role as Board Chairman reflects his ongoing commitment to the organization he built from the ground up.
According to his statement, the board believes “now is the right time to transition leadership” as Acadia “continues to take decisive steps to optimize its growth investments and existing portfolio amidst ongoing macro headwinds facing many healthcare providers.”
The company, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, operates 278 behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 12,500 beds across 40 states and Puerto Rico. Acadia employs roughly 25,500 people and serves more than 82,000 patients daily through its network of inpatient psychiatric hospitals, specialty treatment facilities, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics.
Reeve Waud indicated that Osteen will serve while the board conducts a comprehensive search for a long-term successor, though her track record suggests she brings the operational expertise needed during this period of transition.
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