A topic that has traditionally been taboo, or at least stigmatized, has come to prominence over the past year: mental health. Maybe we can thank the pandemic for letting the topic become one that is openly discussed — although the pandemic is a big part of why.
Even before the pandemic, the need for mental health and addiction services was on the rise. Look at the data regarding suicide rates, the increasing consumption of alcohol and the opioid epidemic, which clearly show that behavioral health concerns are paramount. Access to and availability of behavioral health services underpin the support of Americans. The industry has evolved rapidly, especially in the use of telehealth services to reach individuals who might not be able to attain care. At Magellan Health, we strongly promote the use of collaborative care, an evidence-based set of services designed to support providers, deliver mental healthcare and alleviate some of the pressure on the behavioral health system. Finally, through analytics, we can identify individuals at risk for suicide and addictions and usher them into behavioral healthcare. The pandemic exposed a hole in care delivery, but I am excited that our field is at the forefront in bringing needed change!
While mental health impacts all aspects of our lives, the focus of In Business Magazine’s cover story is mental health as a workplace/workforce issue. Direct providers, insurance carriers and benefits experts discuss the increasing demand for mental health services as well as how and why employers are addressing this.
Among the stressors business leaders deal with are taxes and partnership disagreements. As this month’s Economy feature, “Tax Tips in Prep for Next Season,” Phil Wuollet offers tips on the former; and Justin M. Brandt addresses the latter in the Legal feature “Put Your Plan on Paper – Avoid Partnership Disputes Later.” Stress itself has been the focus of Jen Butler’s series, which continues this month with Team Synergy: The Science behind High-Performing Teams.”
Family is often the safe place to get away from the stresses of business. But what if the business is a family enterprise? In “What’s the Secret for a Successful Family-Run Business?,” Liz Agboola discusses approaches to relationships and responsibilities in a family business.
A new series debuts this month on space — exploring architecture and interior design of the ever-evolving workplace.
Articles on leadership, technology, commercial real estate and new business concepts are among the varied content that makes In Business Magazine a valued resource to help strengthen our business community. I’m pleased to help bring you this October edition, and believe you’ll find it a worthy read.
Sincerely,
Dr. Caroline Carney
Chief Medical Officer
Magellan Health
A board-certified internist and psychiatrist, Caroline Carney, M.D., is the chief medical officer at Magellan Health. She is a published author and co-author for more than 100 peer- and non-peer-reviewed publications and frequently speaks about behavioral health, integrated and collaborative care and well-being. She earned her medical degree and masters’ degree from the University of Iowa, where she directed the Med-Psych residency program. Dr. Carney continues to practice clinical work with a behavioral health team at a federally qualified health center.
