March marks National Social Work Month, a time to honor social workers, who have an essential role in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and complex life circumstances. Their dedication to advocacy and client-centered care strengthens those individuals, their families and communities. Social workers bridge gaps in care and promote recovery. This month we celebrate their commitment to helping individuals live healthy vibrant lives. We’re spotlighting two of Magellan Health’s social workers who share their experiences in this field:

• Tracy Felton, director of capture management, joined Magellan Federal in May 2015.
• David Bieschke, director, clinical care services, joined Magellan in April 2007.

Continue reading to learn more from Tracy and David on their experiences as social workers:

Why did you become a social worker and what is the most rewarding aspect of working in this field?

Tracy: I have always been passionate about helping people, even as a young child, as a babysitter, camp counselor and community volunteer. I saw disparities in the lives of people I served and felt I wanted to make a difference by helping people pursue the lives they wanted to have. The most rewarding aspect of this field is the flexibility of the various roles I have served as a social worker. From diverse populations with children and families impacted by substance abuse and behavioral health issues to military service members and their families whose quality of life is paramount to mission readiness. Working in Philadelphia, New Haven and Washington, D.C, brings complex challenges and great opportunities to see incredible resiliency at work in often dire circumstances.

David: I became a social worker initially because I was adopted and wanted to work with other adoptees and their families. The most rewarding aspect of working in this field is being able to help others realize they have healthy choices they can make in life, both at the micro and macro level.

What are some challenges you face being a social worker, and how do you overcome them?

Tracy: Continued funding for adequate staffing, competitive salaries and program resources has become more challenging post-COVID. The country’s behavioral health crisis has increased requirements for well-trained, experienced social workers in many service capacities. The shortage of social workers means services are not being rendered, and the most severely ill remain so. With this shortage, those who remain committed to the mission and work tirelessly are more apt to experience severe burnout.

David: There are many challenges, but one I work to overcome every day is the stigma of what a social worker is and what they do in their professional role. My professional achievements have been an example of what depth a social worker can have in their career. When the opportunity arises, I educate others about the various roles social workers play, most particularly, with managed behavioral healthcare.

Is there anything you’d like to highlight about working in this field?

Tracy: The resilience of the human spirit and the creativity individuals and families embrace to survive and thrive is always remarkable. Watching a new mother living in a housing project, whose utilities were turned off, have the ingenious idea to put breast milk in the snow outside her door to stay cold showed me she would persevere. Partnering with such clients has given me so much joy and gratitude.

David: The social work profession has come a long way since I received my bachelor’s degree in social work in 1984. The profession has grown and diversified in all areas of behavioral health, and now more than ever there are numerous opportunities for social workers to make an impact on people’s lives.

What does National Social Worker Month mean to you?

Tracy: This is a time when we stop, focus and celebrate the incredible contributions that social workers have made to help individuals, families and communities to reach their full potential. The theme “Social Work: Compassion + Action” highlights my dedication and commitment through many years of education and training, working with remarkable clients and brilliant colleagues. I view my professional world and everything I do in it through the lens of being a social worker first. I am proud to be a social worker!

David: It means an opportunity to acknowledge the profession and to honor my social worker colleagues for their commitment and good work they do every day.

Spotlight Magellan gives colleagues and those we collaborate with the opportunity to get to know Magellan employees beyond the surface through facilitated interviews that explore their personal interests, experiences, and aspirations. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan fosters a sense of community and connection, strengthening relationships and creating a more enriching shared experience.

This month, we’re getting to know Dr. Jamie Hanna, national senior medical director, children’s behavioral health. Dr. Hanna has been with Magellan since December 2020.

Continue reading to learn more about Dr. Hanna:

Do you have any secret talents/ something you’re very good at that would surprise others?

I played Division I soccer at the University of Alabama. I’m also pretty good at solving a Rubik’s cube.

What are you currently binge watching? Do you have a comfort show/ movie that you love to rewatch?

My favorite movies will always be the original Star Wars trilogy. The TV show I’ve enjoyed the most recently is Ted Lasso. Today, you’ll find me binge watching World War II documentaries and any other historical series I can find.

Do you have a favorite recipe you love to make (or have made for you)?

My favorite meal is Thanksgiving dinner. I love to be with family and friends and my mom’s gravy is the best. Making sure the cranberry sauce stays in the perfect shape of a can is my primary responsibility. It’s the one-time leftovers are better than the original meal.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

I love to spend time with my family on the weekends and am usually at my son’s soccer and baseball tournaments.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

To not let perfect be the enemy of good.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about what quirky personality traits your animals have!

We have four cats who are a big part of our family. Make Make spends most of his time chasing images on the television. Ceres is sweet and spends most of her time on my lap. Fox loves to play fetch and follows me wherever I go. Blue Star loves to take walks with my son, Jackson, in her stroller.

In today’s workplace environment, employee mental health has emerged as a critical factor affecting organizational performance and success. Digital mental health platforms are increasingly being adopted as effective tools to support employee wellbeing while simultaneously improving business outcomes. Magellan Healthcare’s Digital Emotional Wellbeing Program, powered by NeuroFlow, is a core component of our Employee Assistance Program and a strategic solution that transforms mental health support from a cost center into a productivity driver.

Understanding the Business Impact of Mental Health Challenges

Recent research has revealed the significant economic implications of mental health issues in the workplace:

• The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion annually in lost productivity (2022)
• Employees working while struggling mentally (presenteeism) experience an average 8% productivity decline (Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2023)
• Healthcare costs for employees with untreated mental health conditions are typically 20% higher (Milliman Research Report, 2020)
• Employee turnover related to burnout and mental health issues costs organizations an estimated $3,000 per employee annually (SHRM/Kronos Study, 2021)

How Digital Mental Health Solutions Are Addressing These Challenges Head-On

Modern digital mental health solutions deliver value across multiple dimensions:

1. Healthcare Cost Reduction – Digital tools that help employees track mood, sleep patterns and pain levels while building coping skills can identify mental health concerns before they escalate. The American Journal of Managed Care has found that early digital interventions can reduce overall healthcare costs by 15-23%.
2. Productivity Improvements – Access to evidence-based relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and stress management tools directly translates to improved performance and reduced absenteeism. A 2023 Deloitte analysis revealed that companies investing in digital mental health resources saw a $4.20 return for every dollar spent through productivity enhancements.
3. Talent Attraction and Retention Benefits – In today’s competitive labor market, organizations that demonstrate commitment to employee wellbeing gain an edge in recruiting and retaining valuable talent. According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report, 61% of employees consider mental health benefits “very important” when evaluating job opportunities.
4. Privacy and Accessibility Considerations – Effective digital mental health platforms should be HIPAA-compliant and accessible via multiple channels, ensuring all employees can benefit regardless of technology access. Strong confidentiality measures should protect sensitive health information while still providing organizational leaders with anonymized, aggregate insights.

A Strategic Business Decision

Mental health initiatives aren’t simply about compliance or expanding employee benefits—they represent strategic investments that directly impact operational excellence, innovation capacity and organizational resilience.

Investing in digital emotional wellbeing empowers employees to manage stress, build resilience and improve overall mental health—leading to a healthier, more productive workforce. Magellan Healthcare’s Digital Emotional Wellbeing Program, powered by NeuroFlow, offers accessible, evidence-based tools such as digital cognitive behavioral therapy (DCBT), mindfulness techniques and behavior tracking to support employees anytime, anywhere.

With proactive engagement features like gamification, rewards and automated check-ins, employees stay actively involved in their wellbeing journey. Employers also benefit from enterprise-level reporting that highlights workforce wellbeing trends while maintaining confidentiality. Prioritizing emotional wellbeing not only enhances workplace culture but also drives long-term business success.

By implementing comprehensive digital mental health solutions, organizations aren’t just supporting employee wellbeing—they’re making evidence-based investments in their company’s performance and long-term success.

Learn more about Magellan Employer Solutions.

Sources:

• World Health Organization. (2022). Mental Health and Work: Impact, Issues and Good Practices.
• Hemp, P. (2023). “Presenteeism: At Work—But Out of It.” Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 65(3), 252-263.
• Milliman Research Report. (2020). “How do individuals with behavioral health conditions contribute to physical healthcare costs?”
• Society for Human Resource Management & Kronos. (2021). “Employee Burnout: Causes and Cures.”
• Mordecai, D., et al. (2021). “Digital Mental Health Interventions: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.” American Journal of Managed Care, 27(5), 196-203.
• Deloitte UK. (2023). “Mental health and employers: The case for investment – pandemic and beyond.”
• Gallup. (2023). “State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report.”

Observed during the third full week of March (March 16-22), National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week aims to inspire dialogue and offer education about the science of drug use and addiction. A number of surprising facts illustrate the seriousness of the issue today.

• Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance and the third most common cause of death in the U.S. Although legal, alcohol kills over 95,150 Americans each year.
• Thirteen is the average age at which children experiment with drugs.
• An estimated 60% of poor work performance can be tied to drug or alcohol use.
• 138 million Americans age 12 and over drink alcohol, and 20.4% of them have an alcohol use disorder.
• Common reactions to substance use include needing to consume more to get the same effect; substance dependency; painful withdrawal symptoms; high blood pressure and stroke; problems with the liver and pancreas; development of certain cancers; loss of motivation; depression and anxiety.

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

Physical wellbeing: tips for maintaining a health body.

• Keep your physical wellbeing high on your priority list—it’s a foundation for thriving in all areas of life!
• Pay attention to how you feel and make adjustments as needed—rest when you’re tired and move when you’re restless.

Employees spend a significant amount of time at work. When they struggle with personal or professional challenges, their performance, engagement and overall wellbeing can suffer, directly impacting an organization’s success. Organizations that provide counseling services can create a more resilient, productive and healthy workplace.

The business case for employee counseling

When employees have access to mental health support, organizations typically experience:

• Reduced absenteeism and increased presenteeism.
• Improved workplace productivity.
• Enhanced employee retention.
• Stronger team dynamics.
• Lower healthcare costs.
• Increased employee engagement.
• Better workplace morale.

Counseling can transform lives

Counseling services, such as those provided by Magellan Healthcare, offer employees practical support, education and guidance on various issues. Common challenges include work-related stress and burnout, anxiety and depression, team conflicts, relationship issues, work-life balance struggles, family and parenting difficulties, grief and loss, substance use concerns and sleep problems impacting productivity.

Flexible solutions for today’s workplace

Counseling helps individuals understand challenging issues, learn more about themselves, learn more about how to develop and maintain healthy relationships, develop better coping skills and work toward meaningful solutions. It is essential to offer a variety of convenient formats. Magellan Healthcare’s counseling services are available in-person (i.e., in the client’s local area) or through virtual therapy (provided by BetterHelp) and can be accessed in the following formats:

• Live video sessions – times are scheduled with therapists, and include voice and video.
• Text messaging – therapists provide feedback, insights and guidance based on client messages submitted.
• Live chat – provides the convenience and privacy of messaging but in a “live” interaction that allows instant response and feedback from counselors.
• Live phone sessions – times are scheduled between members and counselors to talk about issues needing attention.

This flexibility ensures that employees can access support without disrupting their work schedules or compromising their privacy.

The path forward

Investing in employee mental health through counseling services demonstrates a commitment to workforce wellbeing. At Magellan Healthcare, we support employees and their household members by providing access to counseling that helps maintain mental health, manage work-related challenges and perform at their best.

Learn more about Magellan Employer Solutions.

Whether we believe in the concept of self-esteem or not, it is clear that feeling good about ourselves contributes to overall well-being. High self-esteem is associated with positive emotions, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose. Conversely, low self-esteem can lead to negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. So, how can you stay on the good side of the self-esteem ledger?

• Remember your “wins.” Remind yourself of the remarkable things you have done, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Know that you can succeed again!
• Always build a better you. As you examine your vision for the future, keep developing positive habits that help you achieve those desires. You’ll experience personal growth, plus meet your goals and achieve new heights.
• Wield compliments well. When someone praises you for your qualities or a job well done, fully accept those thanks and pass them on to help others feel good as well. Positivity is contagious!
• Don’t seek perfection. Remember that everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Pick yourself back up and keep pursuing your goals. They’re worth it!

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

Emotional wellbeing: An essential element of resilience

Here are some strategies to enhance emotional wellbeing and adapt to change:

• Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help you stay present and reduce stress.
• Set realistic goals. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps.
• Prioritize self-care. Make time for activities you enjoy, such as hobbies, exercise or spending time in nature.

On January 21, 2025, Dr. Annetta Davenport, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor, led an engaging 15-minute webinar designed to help participants restore balance and boost their overall wellbeing. This dynamic session, titled Reset Your Energy, offered practical insights into the importance of mental wellbeing, actionable strategies to improve outlook and simple techniques to rediscover positivity in daily life.

Whether you joined us live or are catching up now, this recap will highlight key takeaways from the session, empowering you to regain focus and approach each day with renewed energy and a positive mindset. Let’s dive into how small changes can lead to big transformations!

What is mental wellbeing and why does it matter?

Mental wellbeing is our sense of being present at any moment and is essential for thriving, not just surviving. Thriving supports growth, allowing us to expand our potential, adapt to change and live a meaningful life. Positive feelings like happiness, contentment and hope help us flourish, even when circumstances are challenging. Experts identify three components of mental wellbeing: emotional (our feelings and ability to manage them), psychological (values, sense of self and cognitive functioning), and social (our connections, relationships and sense of belonging). To nurture wellbeing, we can focus on nutrition, quality sleep and mental stimulation to support brain health while choosing positive approaches to challenges.

What are some ways to improve mental wellbeing and build resilience?

To enhance mental wellbeing, it is important to create a plan tailored to you. Start by monitoring your emotions, identifying patterns over time and expanding your emotional vocabulary to better understand your feelings. Next, prioritize regular social engagement—whether one-on-one or in groups—and focus on meaningful interactions by asking open-ended questions to deepen connections. Finally, support brain health through physical activities, mental exercises like puzzles or memory games and other practices that strengthen cognitive functioning. A deliberate approach to emotional awareness, social connection and mental stimulation can foster a balanced and thriving sense of well-being.

As we start a new year, many of us may feel the post-holiday slump or the “winter blues.” What are some simple strategies and techniques to help boost productivity and recharge during this time?

To combat the post-holiday slump or winter blues, one effective technique is using “I statements” to express emotions constructively. For example, saying, “I feel sad about missing the recital, but could you videotape it for me?” shares feelings, identifies their cause and invites social connection for support. Another approach is to focus on what’s working rather than dwelling on challenges. Redirect your energy to solutions and maintain a positive outlook by appreciating the resources and opportunities you already have. By shifting your mindset and engaging others, you can stay motivated and resilient.

What do you do when your natural disposition is that the glass is half empty?

If you tend to see the glass as half empty, forcing positivity isn’t the answer. Instead, start by acknowledging that your feelings are valid – it’s perfectly okay not to be naturally optimistic. Consider working with a counselor who can help you explore these feelings and develop strategies that feel authentic to you. A counselor can help you build skills to manage negative thoughts without pretending they do not exist. Small steps, like simply noticing one neutral thing each day (not even positive, just neutral), can be more helpful than trying to flip a switch to positivity. The goal is not to become a different person or to suddenly become optimistic – it is to develop tools that work for you while honoring who you are.

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

With the start of a new year, it helps to assess not only your physical health but your mental wellbeing, too. Mental wellbeing serves as a foundation for all your activities, and it is important to get your thoughts and emotions pointed in a positive direction.

• Check in with yourself. If the recent holidays have left you feeling mentally conflicted or rattled, confide in a supportive loved one or a mental health professional. You are not alone!
• Get a gratitude start. While it is easier to spot the negative aspects of life, do not forget to make note of the great gifts you have each day—health, family, friendships, purpose, appreciation of nature and more.
• Ramp up self-care, particularly during stressful times. To unplug from stress, decrease your screen time, get outdoor exercise and spend time with loved ones.
• Take a trip. The bleak midwinter can sometimes be a drag. So, schedule a long weekend away where you take in new sights and sounds. This refreshment is great for your mental wellbeing!

Emotional wellbeing: Managing your emotions.

Your ability to handle daily life and major life events is heavily influenced by your emotional wellbeing. Thus, it is important to find ways to keep your emotions on as even a keel as possible. When confronted with uncertainty, know that you have been resilient before and can use the tools of resilience again to minimize your levels of stress and anxiety.

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