The clinical programming of CooperRiis is highly influenced by the Enhanced Recovery Model that was created by CooperRiis psychologist Sharon Young, PhD and embraces the Seven Domains of Recovery. It consists of multiple components including individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family support and education, wellness counseling, psycho-education, and ongoing psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring.  All staff members are trained in the recovery process methods and facilitate each resident’s recovery. 

a. Social/Community Connectedness
b. Spirituality
c. Purpose/Productivity/Fulfillment
d. Empowerment/Independence
e. Emotional and Psychological health
f. Physical Wellness
g. Intellectual/Learning/Creativity

Robert A. Swoap, Ph.D. (and Family, pictured)
Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC.

Between January and June of 2006, Dr. Bob Swoap and his family lived at CooperRiis while Bob conducted a research study examining processes of recovery in serious mental illness.  Bob is Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Warren Wilson College in Asheville.  He is also a clinical psychologist and has conducted several training sessions for the staff of CooperRiis. 

Bob conducted over 30 in-depth interviews and found these common themes: 

1. Residents value the safety and inclusion they feel living within the CooperRiis Community, which is also home to many of its staff.

2. Another common theme is that “CooperRiis gets you up, moving and not isolated. I felt needed right away.”

3. Residents “regain hope from hopelessness” and feel “incredibly accepted.”

For a report on Dr. Swoap’s research, please click here.

To access the Warren Wilson College website please click here.