Magellan Federal

When we think of the armed forces, we often picture the might and power that form the backbone of our nation’s defense. But behind every mission, operation, and success is a person: a soldier, a service member, a military spouse, or a family. These are the individuals who give their all for the nation, and it is crucial that their needs, both medical and non-medical, are fully supported. The well-being of these individuals is not just an afterthought; it is the foundation on which operational readiness, and the safety of our nation, is built.

Magellan Federal, a subsidiary of Magellan Health, understands this deeply. The company has emerged as a trusted partner to federal agencies and a lifeline to service members, their families, and the federal civilian community. With its commitment to delivering scalable, clinically grounded, and human-centered services, Magellan Federal has created an ecosystem for the U.S. military and federal agencies to embed support where it is needed most.

Whether on a military installation, within a federal office, at a Department of Defense school overseas, or through 24/7 call centers and digital platforms, the company ensures that help is accessible and effective. This emphasis on meeting people where they are defines Magellan Federal’s approach. It is not simply about service delivery but about embedding solutions into the environments where people live, work, and serve, removing barriers and reducing stigma around seeking help.

Where Expertise Meets Experience

Magellan Federal provides comprehensive support services that address both professional and personal needs. For mental health and wellness, they offer counseling services, employee assistance programs, and stress management support for service members and federal employees.

Their specialized programs include performance coaching, recovery services for wounded, ill, or injured service members, athletic reconditioning, and resilience training—all designed to improve workplace productivity and mental fitness.

Family-focused services include advocacy programs, support for new parents through home visits, and assistance for adolescents facing challenges. They also handle essential administrative functions like contact center operations, benefits navigation, and personnel support.

This range of services demonstrates Magellan Federal’s dual focus: delivering mission-critical operations while prioritizing the human element through whole-person care.

What sets Magellan Federal apart in the crowded military health and productivity landscape is its deep subject matter expertise and its ability to tailor solutions to the unique needs of federal and military missions. The company’s mature business and IT systems ensure compliance, data integrity, and operational efficiency.

At the same time, its mission-aligned workforce, composed of more than 2,000 clinicians—many of whom are veterans, military spouses, or former federal employees—brings a rare combination of professional expertise and lived experience. This personal connection fuels authenticity and trust, allowing Magellan Federal to deliver solutions that resonate with the communities it serves.

Resilience through Care

James Thornbrugh, president of Magellan Federal, captures the essence of this philosophy when he says, “We don’t just serve our nation’s military and federal families—we stand with them in their most critical moments. Delivering mission-ready behavioral health and productivity solutions isn’t just our business; it’s our sacred duty to those who sacrifice everything for our country.”

The impact of Magellan Federal’s services can be seen in tangible outcomes. Their counselors, for example, apply evidence-based interventions that help individuals navigate the complex stressors of military life and federal service. Among those who reported moderate to severe problems before counseling sessions, the vast majority showed measurable improvement in managing their issues.

In 2025, the organization provided support for more than 300 critical incident responses, including support following the Washington, D.C. midair collision. These interventions highlight the company’s ability to respond quickly and compassionately during times of crisis.

Breaking Barriers to Care

Equally powerful is the work Magellan Federal does through the Adolescent Support and Counseling Services (ASACS) program, operated in partnership with the Defense Health Agency. Embedded in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools overseas, ASACS counselors provide behavioral health support, prevention education, and resiliency training for middle and high school students.

In the most recent contract year, ASACS counselors conducted nearly 1,500 prevention education lessons, reaching close to 40,000 students, family members, and community members. The results speak for themselves: 82 percent of participants reported learning new skills, and 81 percent planned to use them to build healthier lifestyles. Outreach efforts, including media events on the Armed Forces Network, further amplified the program’s reach, ensuring that critical messages about healthy behaviors and resiliency extended across entire military communities.

These examples underscore how Magellan Federal does more than deliver services; it solves problems that directly impact mission success. By supporting military families in managing stress, addressing behavioral health concerns, and improving financial literacy, the company reduces distractions at home and empowers service members to focus on their duties. By embedding culturally competent and confidential support in the environments where people live and work, Magellan Federal reduces barriers to care and helps normalize conversations around mental health.

Innovation with Purpose

Looking ahead, the company remains focused on shaping the future of federal health and productivity. Strategic growth, innovation, and deeper integration across federal systems are central to its plans. Magellan Federal is expanding its footprint across war, veteran, and civilian agencies, ensuring that its solutions remain accessible wherever they are needed most.

The company is enhancing its platforms to better connect communities to resources and to provide agencies with measurable outcomes that demonstrate impact. With workforce readiness and resilience continuing to rise as federal priorities, Magellan Federal is well-positioned to lead by continuously refining its models to meet emerging challenges.

At the heart of Magellan Federal’s success is a culture rooted in purpose and people. The organization places strong emphasis on transparency and accountability, backing its promises with measurable results. By proving its impact through meaningful metrics, the company strengthens trust with its federal partners and with the communities it serves. The combination of clinical expertise, operational excellence, and lived experience ensures that every solution is both effective and empathetic.

Empowering People, Enabling Missions

Magellan Federal’s journey is defined by its commitment to mission readiness through human readiness. By meeting people where they are and delivering solutions that align with both the operational demands of federal agencies and the personal needs of individuals and families, the company continues to set the standard for military health and productivity solutions. Its ability to integrate compassion with compliance, and innovation with impact, positions it not only as a service provider but also as a true partner in national readiness.

With its eyes set on the future, Magellan Federal remains dedicated to helping federal agencies achieve their mission goals while ensuring that the human beings behind those missions receive the care, support, and resources they need to thrive.

In a space where the stakes are high and the challenges complex, Magellan Federal stands out as a trusted ally, proving that the path to mission success begins with people.