Guide to Mental Health Professionals

NEW: Guide to Local Support Groups and Internet Resources

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Following a Natural Disaster or Other Trauma

Family Support Services

Respite Services for Youth

Services for Adults

Information and Referral Services

Community Education

Starlight Peer Advocacy Center for Empowerment (SPACE)

The Story of the Bell

Links to Related Sites

Do you want to learn strategies to avoid or lessen the effects of stress on your life?

Are you recovering from an addiction and find yourself in dangerous situations?

Do you have a difficulty dealing with certain emotions and/or have a mental illness?

Do you want to discover what you know about how to keep yourself feeling well?

Do you want to understand what causes you to feel overwhelmed and find healthy ways to interrupt a downward spiral?

What is WRAP?

The Wellness Recovery Action Program (WRAP) was developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, MS, MA, author of numerous self-help psychology books. Copeland explains: "WRAP is a structured system for monitoring uncomfortable and distressing symptoms and, through planned responses, reducing, modifying or eliminating those symptoms." When we feel "well" and/or are in recovery many of us know, or with help can figure out, what causes us stress: a large bill, not enough sunshine, not enough sleep, too much work, certain relatives, an exam, being in a caretaking role, and so forth. We may even know what can help us feel better, or how we can avoid becoming overwhelmed. This is the time to plan how we can respond to those stresses to avoid "burn-out" and/or lessen our risk for serious illness.

What if I don't see a therapist or have a diagnosis,
but I would like some help in dealing with stress?

Anyone who wants to live healthier and/or learn to take better care of themselves can benefit from doing WRAP. Even though this program was designed for people with psychiatric symptoms, it can certainly be used by people with different kinds of health problems, or people who just want to stay healthy. We all experience stress in our lives. Sometimes when we are experiencing it, we don't think so clearly about what we need to do to take care of ourselves. We may forget to eat, or eat too much. We might sleep too little or too much. We may isolate ourselves from friends and loved ones because we feel "bad." This can make things worse for us, and make it more difficult to focus or function in our lives. WRAP can help us to recognize what we need to stay healthy and lessen the risk of emotional and/or physical collapse.

What is the difference between the Wellness Recovery Action Plan and the Wellness Recovery Action Program?

The Wellness Recovery Action Program is the actual process of determining how you can stay healthy. During the Wellness Recovery Action Program, we will discuss what it means to you to feel well...and how you can avoid or lessen the effect of certain triggers and/or stress. We may only meet once, or we may meet many times; it depends on the individual and his/her needs. The Wellness Recovery Action Plan is what comes out of this process - you will have developed your own "plan." You will have a physical reference (like a binder) with the information you have worked on, detailing the steps you need to take to stay healthy and what to do when uncomfortable symptoms begin.

WRAP is not about someone else telling you what you need to do: it is to help you figure out what you need to do to help yourself feel better. You can safely use this plan along with any other health care you're receiving. It is not a replacement for medications or psychotherapy. If you are using medications, do not stop using them without consulting your physician. The information in your Wellness Recovery Action Plan is yours alone; you can share as much or as little as you like. You will have possession of it at all times, and strict confidentiality is assured.

How do I set up my own WRAP?

Call (607) 273-9250 to set up an appointment to meet privately with the Wellness Program Director at the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County.

How much does this cost?

All services are free. However, if you are interested in purchasing the materials to work with on your own or for an agency, you will be charged a small fee.