Behavioral health crises are on the rise across the country. We sat down with Matt Hardin, crisis system director, Idaho, and Rebecca Mutchler, senior director business development, Magellan Healthcare, about how Magellan Crisis Connect 360 is closing gaps in crisis response and helping states build coordinated, community-based systems that improve access, strengthen accountability and support lasting recovery.

Why is an effective behavioral health crisis system so important right now?

Rebecca: Communities across the country are facing growing mental health and substance use challenges. Emergency departments and law enforcement are often the first to respond, even though they aren’t designed for behavioral health crises.

Matt: An effective system ensures:

• Timely access to care when it’s needed most
• Safe, community-based alternatives to hospitalization or incarceration
• Improved coordination between providers, payers and public agencies

Ultimately, it’s about saving lives and helping people recover in the least restrictive setting possible.

What is Magellan Crisis Connect 360?

Matt: Magellan Crisis Connect 360 is our coordinated approach to managing behavioral health crisis care for states and regions. It connects call centers, mobile response teams, and crisis stabilization facilities and units under a single accountable entity to deliver truly coordinated care.

Rebecca: The goal is simple—ensure people get the right care faster, reduce reliance on emergency rooms and law enforcement and improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

What shared challenges do states, communities and providers face in delivering crisis services?

Rebecca: Most crisis systems operate in silos with different agencies managing various parts of the response. This typically leads to:

• Confusion about who’s responsible for what
• Delays or gaps when people move between services
• Limited data sharing or outcome tracking

Addressing these challenges requires consistent standards, strong partnerships and clear accountability across all parts of the crisis system.

How does Magellan Crisis Connect 360 address these challenges?

Matt: We bring all parts of the crisis system together under one coordinated structure called a single accountable entity. That means one organization oversees the entire continuum of care, from the first call through post-crisis follow-up, so everyone knows who’s responsible for what.

Rebecca: Crisis Connect 360 also strengthens coordination between providers and agencies, ensuring individuals move seamlessly between services without gaps in care. Our shared data systems and public-facing dashboards promote transparency and collaboration, helping states track outcomes, identify trends and continuously improve performance.

How does the single accountable entity approach benefit communities and stakeholders?

Matt: By placing accountability and coordination under one umbrella, the single accountable entity approach ensures decisions are made with the entire system in mind. It streamlines communication, reduces administrative complexity and keeps partners aligned around shared goals.

Rebecca:  For communities, that translates into:

• Expedited connections to crisis services
• Consistent quality and experience across providers
• Stronger collaboration between behavioral health, emergency and community-based services

What makes Magellan Crisis Connect 360 different from other crisis response models?

Rebecca: Many crisis models focus on individual components, like call centers or mobile response, without fully connecting the system. Magellan Crisis Connect 360 takes a more comprehensive approach, integrating people, processes and technology into a single accountable framework.

Matt: The model is clinically informed, guided by standardized assessments and evidence-based practices that ensure consistent, high-quality responses. Real-time coordination connects crisis lines, mobile teams and stabilization services, while public dashboards provide transparency and accountability.

Rebecca: As a leader in crisis care transformation, Magellan brings decades of experience building data-driven, community-based systems that strengthen system-level resilience and help reduce unnecessary emergency room use and justice system involvement. It’s more than a response model. It’s a connected, sustainable system designed to improve outcomes and long-term recovery.

What are the core components of the Magellan Crisis Connect 360 model?

Matt: At its core, Crisis connect 360 brings together the people, tools and technology  needed to make crisis care seamless and effective. The model includes:

• Around-the-clock crisis response through a dedicated call center available to respond via call, text or chat, GPS-enabled mobile dispatch and follow-up to make sure people stay connected to the support they need.
• Consistent assessment tools that help determine a person’s level of risk and guide the right response at the right time.
• Personalized crisis plans and follow-up that are designed around each person’s needs and the resources available in their community.
• A compassionate workforce with lived experience that offers peer support, so individuals get help navigating services from someone who truly understands.
• Transparent public dashboards that share performance data and outcomes to help systems improve and stay accountable.

How does the model integrate with 988, behavioral health crisis lines and other community resources?

Matt: Crisis Connect 360 was built on SAMHSA’s best practices. Our crisis call center offers a place to call for individuals and families to outreach during a crisis. Calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or behavioral health crisis lines are triaged and routed directly to local crisis teams.

Rebecca:  Community partnerships ensure individuals receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This connected approach helps reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and keeps people supported within their own communities.

What role does technology play in ensuring timely, coordinated crisis response?

Matt: Technology really is the backbone of Crisis Connect 360. It’s what keeps every part of the system connected and responsive. Our platform supports real-time triage and routing, so people get help faster. It also gives providers shared access to the same information, which helps everyone stay on the same page.

Rebecca:  Public dashboards promote data transparency and track outcomes so states and communities can see how their systems are performing and make informed decisions about where to focus resources.

What evidence or data shows that Magellan Crisis Connect 360 improves outcomes?

Matt: The model is grounded in evidence-based practices, and we’re already seeing measurable improvement in Idaho where Crisis Connect 360 has been in place for over a year. Current data shows:

• 83% of crises are resolved over the phone, meaning most callers receive the help they need without requiring in-person intervention.
• 86% of crises involving a mobile response team are resolved in the field. This avoids unnecessary hospitalization or law enforcement involvement.
• 92% of individuals served through stabilization programs are discharged back to the community after receiving short-term support.

Rebecca:  These outcomes demonstrate the power of a coordinated system that connects people to timely community-based care and supports recovery beyond the initial crisis.

How does the model help improve efficiency and quality of care?

Rebecca: Crisis Connect 360 is designed to make the best use of every dollar invested in behavioral health crisis care. By coordinating services under a single accountable entity, the model reduces duplication, directs resources where they’re most effective and supports community-based care over higher-cost emergency settings.

Matt: Transparent performance dashboards give partners a clear view of outcomes and resource use, helping guide smarter reinvestment in programs that deliver results. This accountability and visibility make Crisis Connect 360 a financially sustainable approach to improving access, quality and long-term impact.

Can you share a real-world example of the program making a difference?

Matt: One story that really stayed with our team came from an elderly man in a small Idaho community. A friend called the crisis line out of concern for his safety and wellbeing. Our mobile response team arrived within 20 minutes and spent nearly three hours talking with him. He shared that he was experiencing emotional abuse and neglect in his home, with limited access to food and basic needs.

Although he declined additional services at that time, the team recognized the seriousness of the situation and contacted Adult Protective Services and Child Protective Services to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. Several months later, the team happened to run into him in the community. He told them, with support from APS, he had moved to a safe and stable home and said he “had not been this happy in years.”

It’s a reminder that even when outcomes aren’t immediate, coordinated crisis response can change the course of someone’s life.

Looking ahead: Sustainability, adaptability and what’s next

Rebecca: Crisis Connect 360 is designed not only to improve outcomes today but to stay sustainable and adaptable for the future. By coordinating every element of crisis response under a single accountable entity, states and communities can maximize impact and ensure resources are used where they matter most.

Matt: The model’s flexibility allows each state, region or community to tailor its approach, expanding mobile response in rural areas, deepening community partnerships in urban settings and customizing care for youth, older adults and individuals with complex needs.

Rebecca: Looking ahead, Magellan Healthcare is focused on scaling the model across more states, deepening data transparency and continuing to strengthen partnerships that drive faster, more coordinated care across the public sector.

To learn more about how Magellan Crisis Connect 360 is transforming crisis visit here.

Gifting presence: Making time for self-care

The holiday season often comes wrapped in ribbons of joy—but also tangled in stress, unrealistic expectations and exhaustion. This year, focus on reducing seasonal stressors and prioritizing wellbeing, connection and quality time.

Slow down and approach the holidays with more heart and less hustle, remembering that the most valuable gift you can give is your full, present self.

Self-care is essential, not selfish

Too often, we put ourselves last on the to-do list. But remember, your emotional wellbeing is the foundation for being able to truly show up for those you love. Here are five simple ways to nurture yourself each day:

1. Start each day with intention. Even 10 minutes of quiet can shift your energy.
2. Say no, gracefully. Boundaries are a beautiful act of self-respect.
3. Establish tech-free time. Be authentically there. Listen fully and laugh freely.
4. Move your body mindfully. Stretch. Walk. Breathe.
5. Rest unapologetically. Renewal comes through sleep, stillness and true downtime.

Choose peace over perfection

You don’t need a perfect dinner or fancy decorations to make the holidays special. Focus on connection, laughter and shared moments. Order takeout, wear comfy clothes and do what nourishes you, not what drains you. The holiday season can be joyful, but it can also bring stress. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a calmer, happier holiday:

• Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Don’t aim for perfection; simplify and downsize wherever possible.
• Avoid heavy debates. If someone brings up an uncomfortable topic, stay calm and politely change the subject.
• Try new traditions. If old holiday rituals feel burdensome, experiment with new ways to celebrate.
• Stay active. Physical activity is a strong stress reliever and helps burn extra holiday calories. Consider going for a walk before or after meals.
• Moderate alcohol consumption. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, or choose non-alcoholic beverages.
• Take breaks during events. Step outside for a few minutes to reset if social situations feel stressful.

Working on emotional wellbeing

An important part of emotional wellbeing is being able to regulate our moods, thoughts, impulses and choices in
all kinds of situations. People with high emotional wellbeing actively manage their feelings when confronted with
change, uncertainty and even hardship.

To better control your emotions, try mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing. When you experience
upsetting emotions, remind yourself to calm down, breathe and think clearly. Don’t react until you feel like you have
your emotions under control.

In a season full of noise, choose presence. Give yourself permission to rest, breathe and just be, so you can show up fully for the ones who matter most. Take care of yourself this season. You deserve a stress-free holiday!

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/2025-Holidays for more information and helpful resources.

Family caregivers are the unsung heroes who provide vital support to older adults and people with disabilities. In the U.S., over 53 million family caregivers (up from 43.5 million in 2015) give unpaid care to loved ones—often while juggling jobs, family and their own wellbeing.

• 61% manage caregiving while working full- or part-time.
• 60 – 70% are women.
• 72% skip regular doctor visits because of their responsibilities.
• 41% report low overall wellbeing, and nearly half (47%) have experienced anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges in the past year.
• 45% have faced at least one financial hardship due to caregiving.

Experts remind caregivers: you don’t need to be perfect. Focus on what you can control, take one day at a time and make space for your own care. Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

Working on Social Wellbeing

• Those people with social wellbeing have strong interpersonal relationships and have love in their lives that gives them positive energy. It helps to maintain multiple close relationships that encourage you to achieve, be healthy and enjoy life.
• It’s wise to cultivate your existing relationships: strengthen your family bonds and nurture your friendships. Always seek out new connections and participate in your community. Share your talents for the benefit of those around you.

Mental health plays a crucial role in every aspect of life: work, relationships, physical health and overall wellbeing. Mental health screenings are a simple and effective way to check in on how you’re feeling and identify whether symptoms of conditions like depression or anxiety might be present. A mental health screening is a brief questionnaire designed to spot signs of potential concerns. It’s not a diagnosis, but it can help you or a loved one decide if it’s time to reach out for professional support.

Why screen?

• Depression and other mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of age, background or lifestyle.
• Screenings can catch early signs before symptoms become more serious.
• Early support can lead to better outcomes and prevent long-term impacts.
• Treatment can improve daily functioning and quality of life at work, school and home.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

On July 29, 2025, Kimberly Elias, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Partnership Executive at Magellan Health, led a 15-minute webinar titled Improve Your Self-Esteem. Whether you joined us live or are just catching up now, this recap highlights the key takeaways from her thoughtful discussion. 

How do you define self-esteem, and why is it so important in daily life?
Self-esteem is an individual’s overall evaluation of their own worth and value as a person. It’s a core part of who we are and often takes root in childhood. While it’s deeply ingrained, it’s not necessarily fixed and can shift depending on the life events and circumstances we experience. 

Having healthy self-esteem is important because it affects our overall quality of life. When our self-esteem is low, it can hold us back from pursuing goals, taking risks or fully enjoying life. It can create a constant inner dialogue of self-doubt that limits our potential. 

What’s the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence?  

Self-confidence is more about believing in your ability to accomplish a specific task or succeed in a particular situation. Self-esteem is your overall sense of self-worth. 

For example, someone might feel very confident in the kitchen. They can follow a recipe, prepare a healthy meal and serve it to their family with ease. But when they receive compliments for that meal, they might struggle to accept them. Deep down, they may not feel worthy of the praise or even worthy of enjoying the meal themselves. That’s low self-esteem, despite high confidence in a particular skill. 

The reverse is also true. A person can have healthy self-esteem but still lack confidence when trying something new or unfamiliar.  

What does low self-esteem look like in someone’s day-to-day life? 

Someone who’s struggling with low self-esteem will often experience persistent negative self-talk. This internal dialogue can be overly critical and, at times, excessive. People with low self-esteem often engage in people-pleasing, have a hard time trusting their own decisions and struggle to advocate for themselves. They tend to compare themselves to others constantly, which reinforces feelings of inadequacy. Setting healthy boundaries can also be a major challenge. 

What does healthy self-esteem look and feel like in action? 

Healthy self-esteem is rooted in an internal sense of worth, not external achievements or opinions. A person with healthy self-esteem doesn’t define themselves by what’s happening around them. 

Take the example of someone training for a marathon. Let’s say they didn’t hit the time they were aiming for. Instead of seeing that as a personal failure or a reflection of their worth, they’re still able to view themselves in a positive light. They recognize the effort they put in, celebrate the progress they made and maintain their sense of self-worth regardless of the outcome. 

People with healthy self-esteem believe they have value simply because they exist, not because they checked a box, earned an award or met someone else’s expectations. That belief empowers them to take on challenges, bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward without letting self-doubt take over. 

What are some simple tools and strategies someone can use to build stronger self-esteem? 

If you’re struggling with low self-esteem, there are several practical things you can try to start rebuilding that inner sense of value. 

Get Out of Your Head and Into the World
People with low self-esteem often get stuck in their heads, cycling through negative thoughts. One of the best antidotes to that mental chatter is action, especially helping others. Volunteering for a cause you care about, helping a neighbor or spending time at an animal shelter can help you feel purposeful and valued. And in giving your time or skills to someone else, you’re also showing yourself that you matter. 

Limit Social Media Intake
If you find yourself constantly scrolling and feeling worse about yourself afterward, it might be time for a digital detox. Try reducing the time you spend on social media or even taking a break altogether. Many people report a boost in self-worth and clarity once they’re no longer comparing themselves to the highlight reels of others. 

Use Affirmations with Action
Affirmations can be powerful, but only when backed by real behavior. Simply repeating “I am a healthy person” won’t move the needle unless you follow it up with choices that reinforce that belief. 

For example: 

• Affirmation: I am a healthy person. 

• Supporting behaviors: 
  • Go for a 20-minute walk daily
  • Replace soda with water
  • Meditate five days a week

Commit to reinforcing your affirmation with action for 30 days. You’ll start to notice meaningful changes not just in how you feel, but how you show up. 

Reflect Daily on What You Did Well
Take a few minutes each evening to write down two or three things you did well. This simple habit trains your brain to recognize your strengths and efforts, which boosts self-esteem over time. 

Remove Barriers That Undermine Your Self-Worth
Sometimes, improving self-esteem isn’t just about what you do, it’s also about what you stop doing. If there are toxic relationships, excessive drinking or unhealthy environments holding you back, begin taking steps to distance yourself from them.

Try Mental Check-Ins Throughout the Day
Here’s how it works: 

• Set an alarm to go off every 2–3 hours during your day. 

• When it rings, pause and ask yourself: 
  • What have I been thinking about?
  • What’s the quality of those thoughts? Are they helpful or hurtful?
  • How am I feeling emotionally and physically right now?
  • What do I need in this moment?

Maybe it’s a glass of water, a five-minute break in the sun or simply a deep breath. This practice builds self-awareness, helps reframe negative thoughts and encourages self-care in real time. 

Building self-esteem isn’t about becoming someone different, it’s about remembering who you are underneath the noise of self-doubt, comparison and outside expectations. It’s a lifelong process of learning to value yourself, advocate for your needs and show up with self-compassion, even on the hard days. 

If you missed the Magellan Minute, listen to the recording here. 

As summer winds down, it’s time to gear up for the school year ahead. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make the transition smoother for both kids and parents:

• Start easing into the school routine early—adjust bedtimes gradually a week or two before the first day.
• If your child is starting at a new school, schedule a tour to help them feel more comfortable in the new environment.
• For nervous kids, share encouraging stories (even your own!) about overcoming back-to-school jitters.
• Keep everyone on track with a visible family calendar in a common space like the kitchen.
• Fuel focus and energy with a healthy breakfast that includes protein.
• Set up a consistent, distraction-free space at home for homework and study time.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

Working on Career Wellbeing

Career wellbeing means doing meaningful work that fits your strengths and feeling supported while doing it. But even high achievers can struggle with imposter syndrome. If self-doubt creeps in:

• Focus on facts, not fear. Track your wins and revisit positive feedback.
• Talk to a mentor or peer for perspective.
• Remember: your work matters, and so do you.

Confidence grows when you align with purpose and recognize your progress.

Good nutrition has a major impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Certain foods and nutrients help your brain make chemicals that can improve your mood, attention and focus, while less healthy foods sap your energy.

• Foods that provide a quick energy boost but can leave you with low energy and mood later on include flour-based items such as breads, crackers and baked goods, plus sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks.
• A meal that effectively fuels your mood is one that combines complex carbohydrates with lean proteins and colorful produce. For example, complex carbohydrates from whole foods (like sweet potatoes, rolled oats, beans and quinoa) can boost the feel-good chemical serotonin in your brain.
• Protein consumption (from foods like fish, beef, chicken, turkey, tofu, beans, eggs and unsweetened yogurt) has been linked to higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine—brain chemicals that impact your mood, motivation and concentration.
• Fruits and vegetables are high in nourishing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and have also been shown to boost happiness.

Working on wellbeing: Working on emotional wellbeing

• Being emotionally well is key to your overall wellbeing. People with high emotional wellbeing know and apply their natural strengths, are resilient when faced with challenges, and regularly utilize positive self-talk.
• Support your emotional health by learning things outside of your comfort zone, connecting supportively with others, being physically active, offering forgiveness, embracing your successes and being kind to yourself and others.

On May 29, 2025, Dr. Nicoletta Tessler, CEO of BeMe Health, led a powerful and engaging 15-minute webinar titled Practice Healthy Social Media Use. Whether you joined us live or are just catching up now, this recap highlights the key takeaways from her thoughtful and timely discussion.

When Is It “Too Much”?

We all know that technology and social media are deeply ingrained in our daily lives. But how do we know when it becomes too much? According to Dr. Tessler, the tipping point is personal, but a useful indicator is when social media starts to interfere with your quality of life, relationships or mental health. She walked us through several signs that it may be time to reassess your usage:

• Diminished Presence: Difficulty staying focused on conversations or activities without checking your phone.
• Mental Health Impact: Increases in anxiety, depression, loneliness or low self-worth triggered by online comparisons or seeking validation.
• Sleep Disruption: Nighttime device use affecting sleep quality and next-day energy.
• Productivity Loss: More time spent consuming content than creating or doing meaningful work.
• Relationship Strain: Loved ones feeling neglected or disconnected because of your screen time.
• Impulse Use: Reaching for your phone out of habit rather than intent.
• Physical Symptoms: Eye strain, poor posture and other device-related discomfort.

If these sound familiar, ask yourself: Is this enhancing or diminishing the life I want to lead? If it’s the latter, it may be time to set some healthier boundaries.

Emotional and Mental Health Impacts

Dr. Tessler emphasized the profound emotional and mental effects of excessive social media use:

• Anxiety and Stress: Constant notifications increase stress and feed the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).
• Depression: Exposure to idealized, filtered lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
• Loneliness: Virtual overuse often replaces meaningful real-world connection, ironically increasing isolation.
• Low Self-Esteem: Social comparison and the pursuit of online validation can erode internal confidence.
• Cognitive Fatigue: Frequent multitasking and content switching train our brains for distraction, reducing focus and deep thinking.
• Sleep Issues: Late-night screen time disrupts circadian rhythms and melatonin production.
• Emotional Dysregulation: Overexposure to intense content can heighten emotional reactivity or dull it.
• Addictive Patterns: Social media use activates dopamine-driven reward cycles, creating compulsive habits.

So, What Can We Do?

Dr. Tessler offered a multi-part framework for building a healthier relationship with technology.

Set Clear, Intentional Boundaries

• Establish time limits on social media use.
• Create device-free zones, especially in the bedroom.
• Set a tech curfew, and honor it, even on weekends.

• Before picking up your phone, ask yourself: Why am I doing this?
• Avoid grazing on content throughout the day. Schedule your social media time.

• Share your boundaries with others to normalize healthy tech use.
• Be a role model, not just for others, but for yourself.

Make Time for Real Connection

• Schedule regular in-person time with friends and family.
• Use your device to call or FaceTime, not just text.

Focus on What Adds Value

• Try a digital detox—start with 15 minutes, an hour or a day.
• Replace doom-scrolling with meditation or mindfulness apps.

• Turn off non-essential notifications to reduce distractions.
• Rearrange your home screen to hide attention-grabbing icons.

• Unfollow or mute any accounts that don’t make you feel good.
• Audit your tech use weekly or monthly.
• Ask yourself: Is this helping or harming? Make small adjustments as needed.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Start Somewhere… Just, START

Dr. Tessler closed the session with this reminder: The goal is not to eliminate technology, but to become more conscious about how we use it. Here are her parting words of wisdom:

• Recognize early signs. Just like with physical health, mental wellbeing requires proactive care.
• Start somewhere. You don’t need to be perfect, just begin.
• Have self-empathy. You’d be patient with a friend starting something new; be just as kind to yourself.

You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Taking one small step toward better balance is how meaningful change begins.

If you missed the Magellan Minute, listen to the recording here.