 The objective of this randomized trial is to assess the effectiveness of an intervention involving education, self-efficacy, and social support in improving quality of life outcomes among 296 adult asthma patients treated in the emergency room. The main outcome will be a comparison of within-patient change in quality of life between enrollment and 8 weeks. Secondary objectives will be to assess the effectiveness of the intervention in decreasing the need for rescue inhaled beta agonists, in improving peak flow meter rates, and in decreasing the number of days lost from work or school due to asthma. These outcomes will be measured again at 16 weeks to determine if benefits are sustained. Additional outcomes at 16 weeks and 1 year will be to assess the effectiveness of the intervention in decreasing urgent resource utilization for asthma and cost effectiveness. 