In a significant move forward for behavioral healthcare inclusivity, Acadia Healthcare, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, has implemented comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusive care initiatives across its treatment network. These programs represent a major evolution since the company’s 2005 founding and demonstrate its commitment to providing specialized care for all patients.
“Whatever views people have, we do treat our clients with the dignity and respect they deserve, and that’s it,” explains Peter Pennington, Chief Executive Officer at The Refuge, one of Acadia’s specialized treatment facilities. This philosophy guides Acadia’s approach to LGBTQ+ care across its network of 260 facilities in 40 states and Puerto Rico.
Key elements of Acadia’s LGBTQ+ inclusive care program include:
Specialized Clinical Programs
- LGBTQ+-specific process groups
- Peer-led evening support groups
- Trauma-informed care approaches
- Specialized counseling services
Staff Training Initiatives
- LGBT clinical best practices training
- Gender-affirming care protocols
- Inclusive language guidance
- Cultural competency development
Facility-Level Implementation
- Safe space designations
- Inclusive intake procedures
- Gender-affirming room placement policies
- Comprehensive staff training
“When we focus on listening to the patient in front of us, affirming their identity and ensuring their safety, we affirm Acadia’s purpose to Lead Care with Light,” says Rachel Legend, Division President overseeing 11 facilities. The company has undertaken extensive staff training to ensure consistent, respectful care delivery across all locations.
The implementation of transgender-affirming policies represents a particular area of focus. These policies address:
- Proper pronoun and name usage
- Room placement considerations
- Group therapy inclusion
- Family support services
- Discharge planning with specialized resources
Training programs have been completed at multiple facilities, covering topics such as gender-affirming care, inclusive room placement, and family therapy approaches that acknowledge diverse family structures. This comprehensive approach ensures that care remains inclusive from admission through discharge.
Patient feedback has played a crucial role in developing these initiatives. The company actively seeks input from LGBTQ+ patients to identify areas for improvement and expand services. This feedback loop has led to several program enhancements, including:
- Partnership with LGBTQ+-specific healthcare providers
- Development of specialized aftercare resources
- Creation of inclusive family therapy programs
- Enhancement of staff training protocols
“We can normalize our uniqueness by sharing that we all know what it feels like to come out,” Legend notes, emphasizing how this understanding helps create space for alternative identities and experiences within treatment settings.
From its origins in Franklin, Tennessee, Acadia Healthcare has grown into a leader in behavioral healthcare, serving approximately 75,000 patients daily through its various facilities. The company’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusive care reflects its broader mission of providing accessible, high-quality treatment to all patients regardless of their identity or background.
Looking ahead, Acadia continues to expand its LGBTQ+ care initiatives through:
- Ongoing staff training programs
- Enhanced clinical protocols
- Community partnerships
- Specialized treatment tracks
- Support group development
As healthcare needs evolve, Acadia Healthcare remains committed to ensuring all patients receive appropriate, respectful care that acknowledges their unique identities and experiences. Through these comprehensive initiatives, the company continues to set new standards for inclusive behavioral healthcare delivery across the industry.
