Whole Health Action Management
COMING FALL 2026
100% FREE
The Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) program is an evidence-based, peer-led training intervention designed to empower individuals with behavioral health and substance use challenges to actively self-manage their physical health and wellness. Developed by the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions and championed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the program bridges the gap between mental and physical healthcare through a structured, strength-based curriculum. Participants begin by exploring 10 Whole Health and Resiliency Factors—ranging from stress management, restful sleep, and healthy eating to service to others and finding a sense of meaning—allowing them to identify personal assets and areas for growth. Rather than accepting passive, top-down clinical instructions, individuals use these factors to co-create an explicit Person-Centered Goal based on their own motivations and values.
The true engine of the WHAM model is its peer-to-peer delivery: certified peer specialists with lived experience facilitate the initial curriculum and guide subsequent 8-week peer support groups. In these weekly sessions, members celebrate successes, collaboratively troubleshoot behavioral barriers, and master practical mind-body skills like eliciting the relaxation response or preparing for medical screenings. Ultimately, WHAM fosters shared decision-making and sustainable lifestyle habits, proving that lasting physical and emotional recovery thrives when driven by personal autonomy and community connection.