Recovery Model

Definition of Recovery

There exists no single definition of the term Recovery as it relates to mental health.  The word Recovery is one that is debated among consumers and professionals.  Opponents of the word Recovery feel like it misleads people to believe that Recovery happens when a person is cured from his/her illness or when s/he is able to return to a state of functioning prior to the onset of his/her "illness".  Neither of these descriptions, however, is accurate.  Some people think that a more appropriate term for the process of self-acceptance, self understanding, and strength that a person goes through in Recovery is transformation, survival, healing and overcoming. 

In general, Recovery is a process. It is a process of re-establishing an identity other than patient, of gaining the knowledge, insight and wisdom to direct one’s own treatment, and of being empowered to make decisions and develop meaning and purpose in one’s life.  One thing that is universally agreed upon is that Recovery is individual, unique, and is a process.