CooperRiis is a healing community in beautiful western North Carolina where individuals with mental illness and emotional distress learn new ways to improve functioning, gain independence and attain fulfillment in life through a comprehensive program that addresses mind, body and spirit.

As of January 18, 2010

There are now two entry points to CooperRiis’ progressively-staged, multi-site therapeutic community with a combined residential capacity of 60 residents. Like our Healing Farm, the new urban 85Z campus is a therapeutic community providing a broad array of services and staff.

Our rural campus in Mill Spring, NC, which has been running since 2003, is centered on a ‘healing farm’, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just south of Asheville.

The new campus, “85Z”, is located on three wooded acres in the quiet, historic Montford neighborhood near the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA).

Entry to 85Z can be direct or via transfer from the CooperRiis campus in Mill Spring. Each campus will have the same admission criteria, with the caveat that individuals with substance abuse history or the need for a ‘quieter’ start will begin their CooperRiis experience in our rural setting. Step-down programs are available from each campus to assist with community re-integration.

Residents are at least 18 years of age with no upper limit.  Each is motivated to recover and is assisted in defining and reaching their goals.  Typical diagnoses include: Schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder and all mood disorders. Some residents have borderline personality disorder and/or a history of substance abuse and addiction.

Recovery outcomes are documented through rigorous measurement. Approximately 80% who use the multiple steps of the CooperRiis program are able to transition successfully to their desired employment, education, and/or living situation.

Generous scholarships are available for those who are unable to pay our standard fees.

CooperRiis Healing Community provides:

• An intensive program serving up to 60 residents on our two main campuses, ‘step-down’ programs for another 24 residents in surrounding communities and support services for numerous non-residential clients. Our commitment is to facilitate residents’ achievement of their dreams for happier and more meaningful lives and for greater independence.
• Staff of about 110, all of whom have been chosen for their kindness, for their ability to believe in and have hope for our residents, and for their mental health expertise and ability to find and appreciate the strengths of vulnerable people.
• Meaning to donors as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization built entirely by philanthropic resources gathered through the inspiration of Don and Lisbeth Cooper, a couple that took action rather than giving into despair when faced by the mental illness of a family member.

We welcome you to join the therapeutic community of CooperRiis.

If you would like to donate to the CooperRiis Annual Fund please click this link.

Click here to visit the CooperRiis Contact Page for a listing of phone numbers, mailing address and directions to CooperRiis.

Click here for a Gallery of the CooperRiis Campuses

Our Spring Family Education Weekend is set for April 29th through May 1st 2010 and is open to all current families. Please mark your calendars now! Download a sample agenda here.