How to Apply:

After an initial inquiry by a prospective resident, his or her family and mental health professional or treating psychiatrist are invited to submit Application Forms to CooperRiis’ Admissions Coordinator. It is best to submit the forms by private fax to (828) 894-7111 or by regular mail (click here for the CooperRiis mailing address). 

  • The referring psychiatrist or mental health professional fills out and sends the CooperRiis Treatment Team the application form.
  • The Family Form describes the family’s responsibilities and is completed by the applicant’s immediate family, consisting of natural or adoptive parents, spouse, and/or guardian.
  • Although an applicant is welcome to submit the Resident Form in writing, this is not necessary.  He or she will have ample opportunity for dialogue upon visiting CooperRiis.

The Exploratory Visit:

A Monday-Tuesday or Wednesday-Thursday exploratory visit provides the prospective resident and family members with a hands-on experience of the CooperRiis community.

The visiting family is encouraged to arrive at CooperRiis by noon on the appointed day for an introductory lunch.  The prospective resident and family are given a tour of the community by a staff member known as the Recovery Coach.

The prospective resident then begins the CooperRiis experience, joining the Life Skills Program in the afternoon, socializing in the evening, spending the night in a private room in one of the Lodges and awakening to a morning session of exercise and rejoin the Life Skills Program.

Family members generally leave CooperRiis by early afternoon after the tour (The CooperRiis office has a listing of local accommodations).  Until lunch the following day, the family is free to enjoy western North Carolina.

Family members return for lunch with the applicant the following day.  After lunch the family members and the applicant will each have about an hour’s interview time with a therapist.  The applicant may also be asked to interview with the addictions counselor.  The family will also meet their Family Liaison and may schedule a meeting with our Executive Director.  A decision is typically made on the second day.

The Admission

If CooperRiis agrees and the Resident and his/her family decide to join CooperRiis, an admission process occurs.  Necessary paper work is completed, including a "Willingness to Participate" form, and CooperRiis guidelines are explained.  A room is assigned and keys, a private phone extension, voicemail and email address are given.  

During the first two weeks the Resident will have a chance to experience all the Life Skills programs and the initial one is determined.  Usually, the therapist who conducted the exploratory visit will be asked to continue.  

Importantly, a Resident Mentor and a Lodge Advisor will be introduced who will join together to be sure that the early experience at CooperRiis is a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The CooperRiis Admissions Process