region/plan-specific news
: Pennsylvania HealthChoices
Magellan hosted behavioral health symposium on crisis stabilization and justice-involved care
On Dec. 5, 2025, Magellan hosted a half-day behavioral health symposium, “Cross-System Approaches to Crisis Stabilization & Justice-Involved Care,” at Lehigh-Valley – Muhlenberg Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, in Bethlehem.
The event brought together behavioral health providers, county partners, crisis service providers, judicial representatives and community stakeholders from Lehigh and Northampton counties to strengthen coordination across systems serving individuals in crisis and those involved in the justice system.
Participants actively engaged in presentations, panel discussions, and interactive reflection activities focused on practical strategies, shared challenges and innovative approaches across the behavioral health and forensic continuum.
Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania Medical Director Jennifer Sokol, DO, MPH, opened the symposium by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of cross-system collaboration in advancing person-centered, sustainable solutions.
The keynote speaker, Justice Kevin Doughertyof the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, also moderated a panel discussion, “Justice-Involved Intercepts and Forensic Coordination,” which explored the Sequential Intercept Model and highlighted early intervention, warm handoffs, appropriate diversion and coordinated crisis services. Attendees contributed questions and insights, reinforcing shared accountability across systems.
Open discussion surfaced common challenges — including capacity, workforce training, and cross-system communication — while identifying opportunities to strengthen data sharing, pilot new approaches and improve coordination across counties.
The symposium concluded with a collaborative discussion on how the Pennsylvania Courts can further support individuals experiencing mental health crises and those who are justice-involved. Participant feedback and recommendations will help inform Justice Dougherty’s ongoing statewide efforts to strengthen crisis and forensic care pathways.