At Best of Best Review, we spotlight organizations that don’t just promise impact—they deliver it with consistency, precision, and purpose. For 2025, we are honored to recognize Atlantic Health Strategies as the Best Behavioral Health Advisory Firm in the United States. This recognition reflects their exceptional ability to transform behavioral health organizations through real-world experience, operational expertise, and a hands-on approach to execution.

A Firm Built on Experience, Not Theory

Atlantic Health Strategies is more than a typical consulting firm. They are an execution partner to providers and investors navigating one of the most highly regulated and high-stakes areas of healthcare. Their clients, which range from startup operators to national treatment networks, turn to Atlantic not for advice alone, but for real, on-the-ground support that drives results.

What sets Atlantic apart is its leadership team. Composed of former CEOs, COOs, clinical directors, and compliance officers, this is a group of professionals who have not only written policies but have personally overseen survey preparations, handled payer audits, managed state-level challenges, and stabilized operations in real time. Their perspective is grounded in reality, shaped by decades of running behavioral health programs from the inside.

National Reach, Customized Impact

With more than 75 behavioral health facilities supported across all 50 states, Atlantic has built a national footprint without sacrificing attention to detail. Their work spans mental health, substance use disorder, eating disorder, and psychiatric care. From launching a new facility to scaling a multi-state platform, Atlantic delivers advisory services that are fast, compliant, and tailored to each client's unique needs.

For licensure and accreditation, they provide full-scope support including policy development, program design, mock surveys, and readiness consulting for both JCAHO and CARF. After licensure, clients continue to rely on Atlantic for managed services across compliance, HR, IT, and procurement. Their team conducts regular chart audits, builds compliance workplans, and implements real-time tracking systems to prevent risk and ensure long-term stability.

Managed Services that Scale with You

What truly makes Atlantic a standout is their ability to scale with clients. Whether you're a 10-bed PHP or an expanding multi-state operation, they provide right-sized support that grows as you grow. Their fractional leadership services allow providers to access senior-level expertise in HR, IT, and operations without the cost of full-time executives.

They also support EMR implementation and optimization for platforms like Kipu, Sunwave, Lightning Step, and Alleva, ensuring providers not only choose the right systems but also maximize their functionality. In the M&A space, Atlantic serves both buyers and sellers with diligence, compliance audits, deal structuring, and post-close stabilization. Their operational guidance helps protect both valuation and patient care outcomes.

Trusted by Providers and Investors Alike

Atlantic Health Strategies has earned its reputation as the go-to firm for behavioral health advisory and execution. Every single client that has engaged them for licensure has continued with the firm for ongoing services. This 100% post-licensure retention rate is rare in any industry, and it speaks to the trust, reliability, and value they provide.

Sariah Hopkins, CEO and co-founder of Atlantic Health Strategies, explains it clearly:

“Behavioral health is one of the most regulated and misunderstood sectors in healthcare. What makes us different is that we don’t just know the rules, we understand how to operationalize them in a way that protects revenue, elevates care, and positions organizations to scale responsibly.”

Leah Kendall, co-founder and Chief Compliance Officer, adds,

“Too often, behavioral health strategy is siloed into either clinical quality or business viability. In reality, those things are inseparable. Our approach connects licensure, operations, quality assurance, and compliance into one continuous framework. That’s how you build a program that survives and scales.”

A Growing Voice in Behavioral Health Leadership

Beyond client engagements, Atlantic Health Strategies is also emerging as a thought leader in behavioral healthcare infrastructure. Their executives are frequently invited to present at national conferences, lead educational webinars, and speak on expert panels. Their insights on multi-state licensure, compliance frameworks, post-close M&A strategy, and payer audit response have become trusted resources within the industry.

Why This Award Matters

This recognition is not just a milestone for Atlantic Health Strategies. It’s a reflection of the changing standards in behavioral healthcare advisory—away from generalized consulting and toward actionable, accountable execution. In a field defined by urgency, regulation, and mission-driven work, Atlantic continues to deliver outcomes that matter.

You can learn more about Atlantic’s services by visiting atlanticbehavioral.com or connecting with them on LinkedIn.