EXHIBIT 23(a)
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-20371 of Magellan Health Services, Inc. ("Magellan") on Form S-3 dated
January 24, 1997 of our report dated November 14, 1997, appearing in this
Current Report Form 8-K/A of Magellan dated October 28, 1998. Such report
expresses an unqualified opinion on the consolidated balance sheets of Merit
Behavioral Care Corporation (the "Company") as of September 30, 1997 and 1996,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1997
and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the fact that effective
October 1, 1995, the Company changed its method of accounting for deferred
contract start-up costs related to new contracts or expansion of existing
contracts.
 
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
New York, New York
October 27, 1998