Burrell parent signs agreement in STL

Burrell Behavioral Health parent company Brightli Inc. has inked a new partnership.

Through the agreement, St. Louis-based Places for People would become a subsidiary of Brightli, according to a news release. The partnership is expected to be finalized this summer and go live July 1.

“Joining forces with an organization with the reputation and legacy of Places for People is an outstanding opportunity for Brightli and the people of St. Louis,” said C.J. Davis, CEO of Brightli and Burrell, in the release. “By adding services in the heart of St. Louis, I truly feel we are creating the most accessible and high-quality network of mental health services in the Midwest, if not the nation.”

Places for People would join Brightli subsidiary Preferred Family Healthcare Inc. to comprise Brightli’s Greater St. Louis Region.

Places for People would remain an independent entity and continue to serve the city and county of St. Louis. Tony Hilkin, who is currently a senior vice president, is becoming CEO of Places for People as current leader Laura McCallister transitions into the role of executive vice president of financial planning and analysis for Brightli, according to the release. Hilkin also would be president of Brightli’s Greater St. Louis Region.

“This partnership will allow us to deliver high-quality services to more people than ever before while preserving and growing Places for People’s legacy,” Hilkin said in the release. “Places for People and Preferred Family Healthcare will partner to serve the St. Louis region more effectively."

Burrell and PFH formed Brightli in early 2022, according to past reporting.

Indianapolis-based Adult & Child Health is slated to become a Brightli subsidiary on March 1, said Burrell spokesperson Matt Lemmon. Brightli announced its agreement with Adult & Child Health in December.

Brightli, which serves more than 100,000 individuals with total annual revenues of around $500 million, also has Comprehensive Mental Health Services and Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health under its umbrella, according to the release.