The behavioral health landscape is evolving rapidly as technology plays an increasingly important role in how care is accessed, delivered, and experienced. One of the latest examples of this transformation comes from a strategic partnership between Magellan Health, a leader in behavioral health management, and Livongo, a digital health management company. The collaboration is designed to expand access to behavioral health services, empower members with self-directed care, and ultimately improve outcomes in an era where mental health needs are growing at an unprecedented pace.
A New Model for Behavioral Health Integration
Magellan Health, based in Phoenix, Arizona, is a managed care organization (MCO) known for its expertise in behavioral health, complex populations, and specialty areas of healthcare. The company provides services to health plans, employers, labor unions, third-party administrators, and government agencies, positioning itself as a national leader in behavioral health management.
Livongo, on the other hand, has built its reputation in the digital health sector. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company focuses on empowering individuals to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. With a client base that includes over 30% of Fortune 500 companies, major health plans, and health systems, Livongo has already established itself as a trusted partner in digital health innovation.
The new partnership between these two organizations aims to merge Magellan’s deep clinical expertise with Livongo’s digital capabilities, creating a hybrid model of care that blends self-guided digital tools with traditional in-person support.
Digital Self-Care at the Forefront
At the heart of this partnership is Livongo for Behavioral Health, a consumer-driven digital platform designed to help individuals manage their mental health needs independently. The platform provides evidence-based, self-guided programs that address more than 15 common behavioral health conditions, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and substance use disorder.
These programs are available 24/7, offering users constant access to support when they need it most. By giving individuals tools to manage their mental health outside of traditional office visits, the platform promotes continuous engagement and empowers members to take control of their well-being.
Importantly, these digital tools are not meant to replace in-person therapy but to complement it. They serve as an additional layer of support that can bridge gaps between sessions, extend access to individuals who may not have immediate access to care, and help reduce stigma by offering a private, accessible pathway to support.
Magellan’s Vision for Self-Directed Care
Magellan CEO Ken Fasola highlighted the significance of the partnership in a press release, describing it as “a key step in self-directed care that will pave the way for the co-development of a new model of digital care.” His statement underscores Magellan’s commitment to reinventing the healthcare experience, enhancing value for customers, and meeting the changing needs of members.
The vision is to create an ecosystem where digital and in-person services work seamlessly together. For members, this means having a more personalized and accessible care experience. For payers and employers, it represents an opportunity to reduce costs associated with untreated behavioral health conditions, improve workforce productivity, and support healthier populations.
Livongo’s Expansion into Behavioral Health
While Livongo has long been known for its work in chronic disease management, the company has been expanding into behavioral health as part of its whole-person care strategy. In 2019, Livongo acquired myStrength, a Denver-based digital behavioral health provider, marking its first major investment in mental health. This acquisition laid the foundation for the development of Livongo for Behavioral Health.
By combining myStrength’s expertise in digital mental health solutions with Livongo’s proven platform for condition management, the company has created a robust and scalable solution that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of health. The partnership with Magellan now accelerates this trajectory, giving Livongo the opportunity to reach more individuals while strengthening its presence in behavioral health.
The Role of COVID-19 in Driving Demand
The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for accessible behavioral health solutions. Social isolation, economic uncertainty, and health fears have contributed to rising levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use. At the same time, many traditional providers have faced disruptions, with in-person visits limited or postponed due to safety concerns.
In this context, digital platforms like Livongo for Behavioral Health have become essential. They provide immediate, scalable access to support when in-person care may be unavailable. Livongo founder and Executive Chairman Glen Tullman emphasized this point, noting that the platform “provides a consumer-driven digital self-care solution people need during these challenging times, while also amplifying the impact of Magellan’s in-person therapy and behavioral health care.”
The pandemic has essentially accelerated the adoption of digital health tools, making them a permanent part of the behavioral health landscape.
Opportunities for Innovation and Growth
One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is its focus on innovation. In addition to offering existing solutions, Magellan and Livongo plan to co-develop new digital products that address emerging needs in behavioral health. This collaborative approach has the potential to create more personalized interventions, leverage data for predictive insights, and integrate behavioral health more deeply into overall health management.
For example, the companies could explore ways to connect behavioral health interventions with chronic disease management, recognizing the close link between physical and mental health. A patient managing diabetes may also struggle with depression or anxiety, and an integrated platform can address both conditions simultaneously, leading to better outcomes.
Implications for the Healthcare Industry
This partnership reflects a broader trend in healthcare: the shift toward integrated, technology-enabled care. Employers, payers, and providers are increasingly looking for solutions that combine digital convenience with clinical expertise, and the Magellan-Livongo collaboration exemplifies this model.
For behavioral health providers, the partnership is a reminder of the growing importance of digital tools in expanding reach and meeting demand. For payers, it highlights the potential of digital health to reduce costs and improve outcomes. And for patients, it signals a future where behavioral health care is more accessible, flexible, and personalized than ever before.
Looking Ahead
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Magellan Health and Livongo will likely become more common. By combining strengths, these organizations can create comprehensive solutions that address the complex and interconnected needs of today’s patients.
For Livongo, the collaboration provides an opportunity to expand its behavioral health footprint and demonstrate the power of digital health in managing mental health conditions. For Magellan, it offers a way to enhance its service offerings, improve member engagement, and solidify its role as a leader in behavioral health care.
Ultimately, the partnership is about more than just technology. It is about reimagining how behavioral health care is delivered, making it more proactive, patient-centered, and integrated into daily life. As demand for behavioral health services continues to rise, these types of innovative collaborations will be critical to ensuring that individuals receive the support they need—anytime, anywhere.
