EXHIBIT 23(c)
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-50423 of Magellan Health Services, Inc. ("Magellan") on Form S-3, dated
April 17, 1998 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