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What is the program?

Taking Action is a self-care and recovery education program developed in 2014 by Dr. Mary Ellen Copeland. It is designed to lead people through the process of discovering what they need, want, and can do to support their own recovery. It teaches self-help concepts, skills, and strategies useful for adults with mental health issues or those with both mental health and substance use issues. Various research studies described in the program manual confirm the effectiveness of this kind of approach to mental health recovery, addiction recovery, and wellness. 

Taking Action includes 24 adaptable mental health recovery sessions that are designed to guide people through their recovery in a small group learning format. Many of the sessions can be used individually, and there are recommendations for certain sessions that can be grouped together for a shorter series or mini-courses. Information about training available to teach Taking Action is available from the Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery.
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Who can use it?

Taking Action is designed to be used by state, county, and local behavioral health delivery systems; for-profit and not-for-profit organizations; volunteer groups; support groups; peer support groups; and peer-run programs. Sponsors and program administrators can include peer support groups and programs; mental health and alcohol and drug treatment agencies; women's organizations; community groups; hospitals; institutions; mental health court and drug court programs; prisons; and jails.  
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How does it work?

Participants first learn about a series of key concepts essential to managing their lives such as hope, self-esteem, and empowerment. Next they learn about and practice using skills and strategies to support their ongoing recovery. They create detailed plans for prevention and self-management of their lives, including advance directives and post-crisis planning. Finally, they learn about wellness activities that can support the kinds of lives they want to lead. The following topics are covered.  ​
  • Introduction to Recovery
  • Self-Esteem
  • Hope
  • Education and Research
  • Empowerment and Self-Determination
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Building a Strong Support System
  • Assessing Personal and Community Resources
  • Diet, Exercise, Light, Sleep, and Smoking
  • Relaxation, Diversion, and Fun
  • Dealing with Troubling Thoughts, Feelings, and Experiences
  • Peer Support, Recovery Meetings, and Peer Counseling
  • Health Care and Medications
  • Finalizing Your List of Wellness Tools
  • Developing an Action Plan for Prevention and Recovery
  • Action Planning—Triggers, Early Warning Signs, and Difficult Times
  • Advance Directives, Part 1
  • Advance Directives, Part 2
  • Post-Crisis/Relapse Planning and Using an Action Plan for Prevention and Recovery
  • Addressing Difficult Life Issues
  • Employment
  • Overcoming Barriers and Challenges
  • Developing a Lifestyle That Supports Your Recovery and Wellness
  • Final Session: Personal Assessment, Motivation, and Celebration

What resources are needed?
As described in the manual, the process for adopting Taking Action requires the following.
  • At least 12 people who are committed to taking the course
  • Five people who are willing to serve on a Taking Action steering committee
  • At least 2 people with training expertise who are willing to train Taking Action program facilitators, and 5 people who are willing to be trained to facilitate it.
  • Administrative and program staff to provide support and supervision.
  • Funds and in-kind contributions to meet program needs
  • A large, accessible meeting room 
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What experience is needed?
Taking Action facilitators can be anyone willing to study the curriculum carefully and work cooperatively with a recovery committee, other facilitators, and the participants. As detailed in the manual, peers are often the best facilitators because they have lived experience of mental health and substance use difficulties. Training and certification to teach a new version of Taking Action called Taking Action for Whole Health and Well-Being is available from the Copeland Center.
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Helpful preparation also includes: ​ 
  • Reading the entire manual to become familiar with program content, facilitator training, and implementation processes. ​
  • Following all the steps described in the Curriculum Implementation and Facilitator Training sections including formation of a steering committee, conducting needs and capacity assessments, identifying and training facilitators, securing administrative support, assessing costs and fundraising, and establishing program quality control and evaluation.
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