[April 20, 2004] Magellan Health Services Combats Stigma with Web Resources; Redesigned Site Offers Privacy to Members Seeking Behavioral Health Information FARMINGTON, Conn. --(Business Wire)-- April 20, 2004 -- The latest figures indicate that 62 million Americans suffer from mental illness(1) and 22 million abuse drugs(2). Unfortunately, many of them are not getting the help they need because of the stigma associated with mental illness and substance abuse. In response, Magellan Health Services, the nation's leading manager of behavioral health and substance abuse services, recently launched its redesigned and enhanced Web site, providing its 58 million members with a secure and confidential setting to educate themselves about mental illness, substance abuse, and other complex life issues. By visiting www.MagellanHealth.com and clicking the link to Magellan's member site, members can: -- Access a comprehensive library of information about specific mental health conditions, from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and schizophrenia -- Perform self-assessments to find out whether or not they suffer from depression, substance abuse, sleep problems, or other conditions -- Follow personal self-help plans that address a variety of issues, from coping with life's challenges and managing stress to controlling anger and breaking bad habits -- Access information and tips on handling a wide range of life events, from getting in shape after a pregnancy and finding the right daycare to navigating the five stages of marriage and caring for elderly parents -- Find out about the different types of behavioral health providers and the kinds of care they provide -- Learn what to expect from a counseling session and how to prepare for it -- Find information on a wide variety of medications, consult a drug interaction database, and get contact information for free medication programs -- Look up the meanings of mental health and managed care terms Some Magellan members have access to a wider array of features. By taking advantage of the Web site's confidential login feature, they can access practical applications that allow them to: -- Access a customized "MyMagellan" page that includes information on their benefits program and links to frequently used features -- Search for a network provider -- Link to MapQuest(R) for maps and directions to providers' offices -- Obtain a referral for a session with an employee assistance program provider -- View information on their claims "Over the last 20 years, we've made incredible progress in the field of behavioral health, yet some people persist in viewing people who suffer from mental illness or drug abuse as flawed," said Alex Rodriguez, M.D., chief medical officer. "As a result, many people who need help never seek it out because they fear the reactions of their friends, family, co-workers, and employers. It is our hope that, by making this Web site available to our members, we give them a safe zone - a place where they can arm themselves with information and, should they need it, muster the strength to get help." "People with mental illness or substance abuse problems require a certain amount of anonymity when coming to terms with their condition," adds Jeff Emerson, chief information officer. "The Internet allows people the privacy and security they need to educate themselves, clear up misconceptions, and shed their fears." Magellan recently united its three web sites - www.MagellanAssist.com, www.MagellanProvider.com, and www.MagellanHealth.com - into a new 'Web suite' that serves as a portal to customized sections for members, providers and customers. In addition to the resources listed above, Magellan's member site also contains resources for managers and supervisors, including tips for supervisors and information about workplace laws and regulations, along with training programs on such issues as workplace violence, sexual harassment and workplace ethics. Headquartered in Farmington, Conn., Magellan Health Services (Nasdaq:MGLN), is the country's leading behavioral managed care organization. The company specializes in managed mental health and substance abuse services as well as employee assistance/work-life programs. Its customers include health plans, corporations and government agencies. (1) Mental Disorders in America, National Institutes of Mental Health and 2002 census data (2) 2002 National Survey on Drug Use & Health, Department of Health and Human Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]