Burrell parent company expands

Burrell Behavioral Health parent company Brightli Inc. has expanded with the addition of another company under its umbrella.

Farmington-based Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health Inc. signed documents finalizing a partnership with Brightli, according to a news release issued this morning. The partnership makes SEMOBH a division of Brightli, like Burrell and Preferred Family Healthcare.

“Our goal is to be the community health care provider and employer of choice in the nation, and that is advanced by becoming a true statewide leader in Missouri,” Brightli CEO C.J. Davis said in the release.

Matthew Lemmon, vice president of communications for Burrell, said via email the SEMOBH deal is essentially an acquisition, though he said no money changed hands as part of the agreement.

Similar to when Burrell and PFH joined forces under the Brightli name at the start of 2022, SEMOBH is keeping its name and more than 200 staff who serve patients in southeast and east-central Missouri, according to the release. SEMOBH's home offices are in Farmington, and it has clinical hubs in Salem and Poplar Bluff.

Dr. Barron Pratte, who has led SEMOBH since 1978, will stay on board as a corporate adviser. SEMOBH specializes in the areas of substance-use disorders, psychiatric and behavioral health, community services and employment services.