Planning guidance only—not a guarantee. Requirements, network capacity, contracting, and payer review can affect timing and effective dates.
Magellan Health is a behavioral health specialty managed care organization that manages mental health and substance use disorder benefits for health plans, employers, and government programs. As a Centene Corporation subsidiary, Magellan provides behavioral health carve-out services and operates its own behavioral health provider network covering millions of lives across the country.
Enrollment with Magellan is distinct from enrollment with a general commercial payer because Magellan's network is exclusively behavioral health — serving psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and addiction specialists. The credentialing requirements reflect this specialization: Magellan requires documentation of clinical training, supervision hours (for non-physician clinicians), and specific treatment modalities offered.
Magellan manages behavioral health benefits as a carve-out for several major health plans. This means that when a patient with a health plan that uses Magellan for behavioral health calls for mental health services, they are directed to Magellan's provider directory rather than the general health plan directory. Being enrolled with the health plan does not include Magellan participation — behavioral health enrollment with Magellan is separate and required.
One important operational note: Magellan uses utilization management processes that may require prior authorization for certain behavioral health services. Understanding Magellan's authorization requirements before accepting Magellan patients is essential for appropriate claims payment and patient care planning.
The enrollment path
Documents to have on hand
Frequently Asked Questions
What provider types can enroll with Magellan Health?
Magellan credentialing is exclusively for behavioral health providers including psychiatrists (MD/DO), psychologists (PhD/PsyD), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), advanced practice nurses with psychiatric focus, and substance use disorder treatment facilities.
If I'm enrolled with a health plan, do I need separate Magellan enrollment?
Yes. If a health plan uses Magellan as a behavioral health carve-out, you must enroll separately with Magellan to appear in the behavioral health network. Being in-network with the general health plan does not include Magellan participation. Common plans that use Magellan include several Centene subsidiaries and government programs.
Does Magellan require prior authorization for behavioral health services?
Magellan uses utilization management for certain behavioral health services, particularly inpatient psychiatric care, intensive outpatient programs, and partial hospitalization. Outpatient therapy visits up to a certain number per year typically do not require prior authorization. Review Magellan's current PA requirements in your provider agreement.
These state links are related Arctic Health credentialing guides for this profile’s listed markets. Product availability, plan or network participation, provider types, and open panels vary by location; confirm current requirements directly with the payer before relying on a market listing.
Reviewed by Arctic Health Team , Credentialing Specialists
Last reviewed: September 2026
Information on this page reflects our experience as of September 2026. Credentialing requirements, payer processes, and state regulations may change. Contact us or check the relevant state medical board and payer websites for the most current requirements. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.