Use this Algorithm to refer patients to free online self-management education & support
Chronic Disease Self-Management Education is an evidence-based practice that is widely used in medicine. It gives patients knowledge and problem-solving skills to better manage their medical condition, maintain higher levels of health and functioning, and enhance their emotional well-being. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that all behavioral health patients be referred for recovery-oriented mental illness self-management education and support. IOM recommends further that patients' preferences for peer support be given high priority, and that providers maintain effective linkages with community resources to support patient illness self-management and recovery.
To help primary care providers follow these guidelines in the era of COVID-19, we created an algorithm to help them choose self-management programs that are now available virtually. Based on different phases of patients' emotional distress, it shows what kinds of knowledge their patients need, self-management programs that provide it, and how to locate these programs online. Modeled on the American Diabetes Association's patient education algorithm, our algorithm features peer-delivered self-management programs because of their strong evidence-base and successful use in managing mental health conditions.
To help primary care providers follow these guidelines in the era of COVID-19, we created an algorithm to help them choose self-management programs that are now available virtually. Based on different phases of patients' emotional distress, it shows what kinds of knowledge their patients need, self-management programs that provide it, and how to locate these programs online. Modeled on the American Diabetes Association's patient education algorithm, our algorithm features peer-delivered self-management programs because of their strong evidence-base and successful use in managing mental health conditions.
How do I Use the Algorithm?
Our algorithm identifies four critical junctures in a patient's experience of emotional distress, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis of mental illness. Types of education needed at each juncture are listed, along with programs providing this education virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. To use the algorithm, assess where your patients fall, discuss what types of education would be helpful, and refer them to specific programs based on their preferences. Most programs are available virtually during COVID-19. Determine availability at the links below or check with your county or state mental health authority.
Download and print the algorithm
Learn more about free peer-led mental health self-management programs
The following peer-led education programs are supported by research, demonstrate high patient satisfaction, and are available regionally or nationally. Learn more about each one so that you can match them with your patients’ needs and preferences, and show patients how to access them.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
(DBSA) provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have these mood disorders. DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support and services when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them—online 24/7, in local support groups, in audio and video formats, or in printed materials.
(DBSA) provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have these mood disorders. DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support and services when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them—online 24/7, in local support groups, in audio and video formats, or in printed materials.
Wellness Recovery Action Plan®
(WRAP®) is a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well, and make their life the way they want it to be. WRAP helps people to discover simple, safe wellness tools. People also identify upsetting events, early warning signs, and signs that things have gotten much worse, so they can develop action plans for responding constructively. They also create a crisis plan and a post-crisis plan.
(WRAP®) is a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well, and make their life the way they want it to be. WRAP helps people to discover simple, safe wellness tools. People also identify upsetting events, early warning signs, and signs that things have gotten much worse, so they can develop action plans for responding constructively. They also create a crisis plan and a post-crisis plan.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions, and informative videos.
Also check the NAMI web page for your state or local affiliate, since many are now offering virtual support groups.
NAMI Connection Recovery Support groups are free, peer-led support groups for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Participants gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who've been there. NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.
Also check the NAMI web page for your state or local affiliate, since many are now offering virtual support groups.
Download this list to share with your patients.
Peer Support for Mental Health Crisis or Pre-Crisis
During a Crisis
Before a Crisis
Warm Line
National Empowerment Center Warm Line Directory
Visit the directory
Warm lines provide peers to talk with pre-crisis
Warm Line
National Empowerment Center Warm Line Directory
Visit the directory
Warm lines provide peers to talk with pre-crisis
Who Else Can Use the Algorithm?
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Mental health clinicians
Substance use counselors Family members |
Peer supporters
Educators Nurses |
Law enforcement
Social workers Anyone else who wants to help |
Meet our Algorithm Workgroup
The algorithm was designed by Peggy Swarbrick and Patricia Nemec (Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey), Judith Cook and Jessica Jonikas (UIC Center on Integrated Health Care & Self-Directed Recovery); Benjamin Druss (Emory University); Matthew Federici (The Copeland Center); Maria Margaglione (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance); Sarah O'Brien (National Alliance on Mental Illness); and Sherry Jenkins-Tucker and Denise Hardy (Georgia Mental Health Consumers Network).
Views expressed on this web site do not necessarily represent those of our Center or any federal agency.