Vertava Health, a leading national behavioral healthcare system for mental health and substance use disorders (SUD), today announced the acquisition of Memphis-based Integrated Addiction Care Associates (IAC), an outpatient behavioral health provider that offers top-notch care to patients through locations in Memphis, Jackson and Covington, Tennessee. The acquisition increases Vertava Health's presence in the Midsouth and further strengthens the organization's integrated full continuum of care with the expansion of medication assisted treatments (MAT), intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and primary care services in the outpatient setting. IAC also directs the region's largest Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited fellowship program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration for training addiction medicine physicians.

"We're thrilled to welcome Integrated Addiction Care Associates' renowned team to Vertava Health," said Matt Morgan, CEO of Vertava Health. "Broadening Vertava Health's presence and reach in Memphis and communities in the Midsouth underscores our focus on providing vital care through a full continuum of mental health and substance use services."

With this acquisition, recognized industry leaders IAC Co-Founders Drs. Shawn Hamm and David Stern will assume new leadership roles with Vertava Health. Dr. Stern will serve as regional medical director for SUD services and will focus on improving patient care and strengthening hospital partnerships. Dr. Hamm will serve as medical director at Vertava Health's inpatient Mississippi location and continue to provide outpatient care. He will also continue to train addiction medicine doctors and see patients in the Baptist Memorial hospitals.

"Joining Vertava Health aligns with our team's vision and commitment to providing critical support, reinforcing sustainable recovery," said Dr. Stern. "Combining our teams' experience in residential care, together we will continue to provide expanded, invaluable support to our community moving forward."

"As part of Vertava Health's comprehensive behavioral healthcare system, we have greater access to resources and complementary areas of expertise, allowing us to further improve upon the quality of service we provide," said Dr. Hamm. "We're so excited about the future of our work together in the Midsouth, ensuring greater access to transformational care."

The acquisition follows Vertava Health's continued expansion with the recent opening of four new outpatient behavioral health and wellness centers in Ohio and Tennessee.