Wellness Recovery Action Plan

Download a free Wellness Recovery Action Plan Template, a comprehensive guide for proactive mental health management.

By Gale Alagos on Aug 2, 2025.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

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What is a Wellness Recovery Action Plan Template?

A Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Template is a structured tool designed to help individuals develop a personalized plan for managing their mental health and well-being. Created by mental health advocate and author Mary Ellen Copeland, this is used a helpful resource with wellness tools. It is often integrated into mental health services and support programs, especially for individual with mental health difficulties.

The WRAP template typically consists of several key components:

Wellness toolbox: This section encourages mental health service users to identify and compile a list of strategies and activities that promote their mental health and well-being. It may include activities for physical health, coping mechanisms, relaxation techniques, and activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Daily maintenance plan: In this part of the template, individuals outline specific actions they can take daily to maintain wellness. These could include routines, habits, and practices that contribute to overall well-being.
Triggers and early warning signs: Participants identify factors or situations that may act as triggers for their mental health challenges. They also list early warning signs that indicate their mental health may be deteriorating. Recognizing these signs can help individuals proactively prevent a crisis.
Crisis plan: This section outlines a step-by-step plan for dealing with a mental health crisis. It includes details such as emergency contacts, healthcare preferences, and strategies for coping during times of heightened distress.
Post-Crisis Plan: Individuals also consider and document their preferences for personal wellness and support after a crisis. This may involve identifying resources, activities, or individuals who can offer assistance and comfort.

The WRAP template is a personalized and collaborative tool that empowers individuals to actively participate in their mental health recovery. It can be adapted to unique needs, preferences, and situations and used in consultation with mental health professionals, friends, and family members.

Wellness Recovery Action Plan Template

Wellness Recovery Action Plan PDF Template

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How does the Wellness Recovery Action Plan Template work?

The following are steps you can follow to use this tool in your private practice and empower personal responsibility and proactiveness among clients:

Step 1: Access the template

Click the "Use template" button within this guide to access the tool within the Carepatron app, where you can customize it. You can also click "Download" for a fillable PDF template.

Step 2: Introduction and orientation

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the purpose and structure of the WRAP template. Introduce this to clients and encourage them by highlighting the benefits of having an action plan. Discuss the different parts of the template and their significance.

Step 3: Let clients complete the template

You can guide clients to accomplish the template during a session or let them complete their WRAP as homework. After this, you can

Step 4: Review and update

Remind clients to review and update their WRAP to reflect changes in their mental health needs, preferences, or support network.

When would you use this template?

The WRAP Template is a valuable resource that can be employed in various situations and by different practitioners to support individuals in managing their mental health. Here are scenarios and contexts in which the WRAP Template is particularly beneficial:

Personal mental health management: Individuals can use the WRAP template to manage their mental health daily. It provides a structured framework to identify triggers, early warning signs, and coping strategies, fostering a sense of self-awareness and empowerment in their own lives.
Mental health treatment settings: Mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, can incorporate the WRAP template into treatment plans. It is a collaborative tool that allows practitioners to work with clients to develop personalized strategies for maintaining and improving mental well-being.
Support groups and peer-led initiatives: Peer support specialists and leaders of mental health support groups can introduce the template as a resource for group members. It facilitates a shared understanding of individualized coping mechanisms and encourages mutual support within the community.
Crisis intervention and emergency services: Emergency responders and crisis intervention teams can utilize the template during and after crises. Access to an individual's WRAP can guide responders in providing targeted and supportive interventions based on the person's preferences and strategies outlined in the plan.
Workplace mental health programs: Employers and workplace wellness programs can encourage employees to create individual WRAPs as part of a comprehensive mental health initiative. This promotes a culture of well-being, self-care, and open communication about mental health in the workplace.
Transitioning from inpatient care: Individuals transitioning from inpatient psychiatric care to community living can use the template to establish a post-discharge plan. This aids in the continuity of care and helps individuals navigate the challenges associated with the transition.

For comprehensive management, consider using related templates such as a crisis plan, an action plan, or a guide on relaxation techniques to complement the WRAP and support overall mental health.

Commonly asked questions

To create a Wellness Recovery Action Plan Template, identify your wellness toolbox, daily maintenance plan, triggers, early warning signs, crisis plan, and post-crisis plan. For a user-friendly experience, utilize a structured template or app, such as Carepatron.

Wellness Recovery Action Plan Templates are used proactively for daily mental health management and reactively during challenging times. They guide individuals to navigate their mental health journey, providing strategies for prevention, crisis intervention, and post-crisis support.

Individuals use the templates to document personalized strategies for maintaining mental well-being. They include activities, coping mechanisms, and crisis interventions. Mental health professionals may also incorporate these plans into treatment, and individuals can share them with support networks for better understanding and assistance.