WSM can be provided by mental health staff and peer specialists who have received WSM training.

How long will WSM last?
The length of time varies based on a number of factors including the treatment setting, the length of stay of people in the treatment program, individual or group modality, use of the entire or selected parts of the curriculum, and frequency and pace of meetings. In general, it takes about a year to complete the entire curriculum in groups that meet weekly for about an hour. Some programs may offer WSM more than once a week. It is important to remember that there is not a correct length of time for the program.

Yes. The person involved in the WSM program is offered an opportunity to identify friends or family members he/she might want involved. Family or friends may help by providing encouragement, discussing topics of interest with the consumer, providing assistance with reading the material, and completing action steps.

• Belief that recovery is possible
• Emphasis on personal strengths and health
• Emphasis on informed decision making, self determination, choice, and growth
• Cultural respect
• Consistency with research-informed approaches

No! Participation in WSM is voluntary.

Yes! The decision to continue to participate in WSM is left up to the individual.

The workbooks are currently available in English (including large-print version), Spanish, and Chinese.

Yes. The WSM program respects each participant's values and beliefs. It does not criticize or judge a person’s cultural or religious points of view. Rather, the WSM workbook provides participants with opportunities to better understand how their religious or cultural background affects their decisions about mental and physical health services. In this way, a person is in a better position to make informed health care decisions that work.

No. If someone finds it difficult to read, he or she can attend, listen, and share ideas in the WSM group. People who have difficulty reading have successfully participated in WSM groups. This has been accomplished by the person:

• Meeting with his/her group leader before the group to review the lesson
• Meeting with a family member or friend before or after the group to read or reread the lesson
• Working with another member of the group who can help with the material

If working in a group program is not preferred, WSM can be provided in individual meetings

Yes. Getting involved in the WSM program is a person’s choice. It's not the same as school that insists on homework or gives a grade. Participants are given opportunities to continue their learning outside the group, but that decision is left to the individual.

Participants are not given a grade but, rather, invited to set some goals on aspects of their lives they would like to improve as they participate in the WSM program. WSM is something people freely choose because they have decided to explore opportunities to support their mental and physical health.

The WSM workbook is available through the Center for Practice Innovations, by clicking here. Please follow registration instructions provided. Once you have registered, you will be taken to the “Purchase CPI Products” section, where you will be able to download an electronic copy of the WSM workbook at no cost and purchase bound, paper copies.