US HealthVest announced the acquisition of Ridgeview Institute, a leading non-profit provider of mental health and addiction services in the Atlanta region.  Ridgeview Institute was founded in 1976 and has served more than 70,000 patients.

"We are delighted to add Ridgeview to our strong portfolio of hospitals," said Richard Kresch, M.D., President and CEO of US HealthVest. "Ridgeview is a premier provider of behavioral health services and we look forward to offering the same high quality of care that has distinguished this institution for so many years. This acquisition offers strategic growth and strengthens our service offering in the Atlanta region."

Located on a 37-acre campus with ten buildings, Ridgeview is licensed for 148 psychiatric hospital beds.  Ridgeview provides a full continuum of mental health and addiction treatment to adolescents, adults and seniors.  Ridgeview, which has earned a national reputation in its 40 years of existence, offers many specialized programs including services for youth, recovering professionals and women affected by eating disorders.

Atlanta is a core market for US HealthVest due to strong population growth and an increasing and unmet need for psychiatric care.  US HealthVest is opening a 70-bed psychiatric hospital in Monroe, Georgia later this month and is developing a 75-bed psychiatric hospital in Newnan, Georgia.  The Ridgeview acquisition allows US HealthVest to strengthen its position in the Atlanta market by offering comprehensive service offerings and solidifying relationships with payers and providers.