Best Practices: Wellness Self-Management: An Adaptation of the Illness Management and Recovery Program in New York State

Abstract

Wellness Self-Management (WSM) is a recovery-oriented, curriculum-based practice designed to help adults with serious mental health problems make informed decisions and take action to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. WSM is an adaptation of the illness management and recovery program, a nationally recognized best practice. WSM uses comprehensive personal workbooks for group facilitators and consumers and employs a structured and easy-to-implement group facilitation framework. Currently, more than 100 adult mental health agencies are implementing WSM in New York State. The authors describe the development and key features of WSM and an initiative to promote widespread adoption and sustainability.