Mary Ellen Copeland, an author, educator, and mental health recovery advocate, has been a driving force in transforming mental health care by emphasizing personal empowerment, self-help, prevention, and recovery through natural supports, education, training, and research. Her dedication to making mental health resources accessible led her to develop the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) in 1997.
However, Mary Ellen’s vision of WRAP being freely available for all encountered challenges when the Copeland Center began monetizing it, requiring fees for facilitator training and materials. This departure from the initial intent of providing free access to WRAP prompted Mary Ellen to create a royalty-free alternative called Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery (APPR).
APPR emerged as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for accessible mental health resources. Unlike WRAP, APPR is designed to be freely available for anyone to use and adapt. Mary Ellen’s commitment to democratizing mental health support shines through in APPR, ensuring that individuals facing mental health challenges have access to effective tools without financial barriers.
The Essence of APPR
APPR draws inspiration from Mary Ellen’s extensive studies of how individuals cope with life challenges daily. Her approach emphasizes empowering people to use techniques and strategies that have proven effective for others, fostering a sense of personal agency in mental health recovery.
Post-Crisis Empowerment
In the post-crisis landscape, APPR stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Developed collaboratively with individuals who have lived experiences of serious mental health challenges, it provides a structured framework for individuals to regain control over their lives.
WRAP’s Evolution and Global Impact
While WRAP continues to be a widely adopted tool globally, Mary Ellen’s decision to create APPR has expanded the reach of her vision. Her work has touched millions of lives through books, media, and lectures, encouraging individuals to use WRAP or APPR as a personal guide to achieving the desired emotional state and creating the life they envision.
Recognition and Validation
The effectiveness of WRAP has not gone unnoticed. Extensive studies have led to its listing in the federal National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, validating its impact on mental health recovery. APPR, as an extension of this legacy, carries forward the principles of empowerment, self-help, and recovery.
In conclusion, Mary Ellen Copeland’s journey from WRAP to APPR represents a commitment to making mental health resources universally accessible. By providing a royalty-free alternative, she ensures that individuals facing mental health challenges have the support they need without financial barriers, ultimately fostering a global community focused on empowerment, prevention, and recovery.