Recovery & Peer Support

CONTACT INFORMATION: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Michael T. Lane
Director of Individual & Family Affairs

WHAM – Whole Health Action Management

It is no secret that individuals with mental health and substance use disorders – peers – are more likely to have chronic physical health challenges as well. High blood pressure, obesity, respiratory and digestive disorders are common physical ailments in people with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric illnesses. Preventive care and regular health screenings are lower in this group, often because of low income, lack of adequate health insurance or sedentary lifestyle.

Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) training is a peer-led program for people with chronic physical and behavioral health conditions that promotes adapting and sustaining healthier lifestyle choices.

Though anyone can benefit from engaging in the WHAM process to improve their health, the program is specifically designed to counter the high incidences of chronic physical health conditions, such as heart disease and obesity, among people living with behavioral health conditions.

During the training, WHAM participants learn to:

  • Identify strengths and supports in 10 science-based whole health and resiliency factors.
  • Write a concise whole health goal based on person-centered planning.
  • Create and log a weekly action plan.
  • Participate in peer support to create new health behaviors.
  • Elicit the Relaxation Response.
  • Engage in cognitive skills to avoid negative thinking.
  • Prepare for basic whole health screenings.
  • Use shared-decision making skills and tools for better communication with doctors.

For more information on WHAM, please call the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs at 703-207-7769.

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