Virtual Supported Education Program

The Virtual College Program at CooperRiis

Virtual individualized educational supports are available to our Residents at The Farm, and the Asheville Community Program, who identify educational goals as part of their recovery. We designed this program for individuals whose college experience has been interrupted or inhibited by mental health challenges and integrates educational services with our steadfast approach to mental health treatment.

Online college and university course options are limitless, in addition to taking advantage of some of the region’s best educational institutions and their online offerings.

The program includes:

Discovery Process and Educational Coaching Sessions
One 2-4 credit hour class for residents at CooperRiis Healing Community
Support provided for any online program

Specialized Services for Students

The Virtual College Program at CooperRiis features specialized services designed to help residents who have made progress in their treatment and are ready to move toward their goal of having a successful college experience.

The Virtual Discovery Process

One-time fee of $600

Starting in the first 30 days as a new CooperRiis resident.

Gathering educational documentation
Formal and informal assessments
Collaborating to identify necessary supports and create the Supported Learning Plan (SLP)
Exploring appropriate educational options
Collaboration and communication with colleges, programs, and the CooperRiis clinical team to determine supportive next steps

Educational Coaching Sessions

$950 per month

Starting in the second month of stay (3-5 hours a week). Based on semester commitment.

Executive Functioning Support
- Tools and strategies
- Scheduling of tasks
- Activities for development
- Supported study time
Accountability and case management
- Daily check-ins and check-outs
- Follow up on assignment completion/submission and grades
Advocacy Support
- Communication with professors
- Connection with additional support services as needed (i.e., academic tutoring)

How it Works

CooperRiis offers a safe and structured environment to support an individual’s mental health recovery and healing.

Individualized Services & Supports

Residents participating in The Virtual College Program at CooperRiis receive an individualized recovery plan that includes specific supported education goals.

Each resident is assigned a Recovery Team, which monitors treatment progress and determines when the resident is ready to enroll in school. The Recovery Team includes a psychiatrist, therapist, a recovery coordinator that they will work with in person, and a supported education coach that they will work with online.

One-on-One Coaching

Once a resident is enrolled, the education coach collaborates with the college or university’s accessibility office to develop and implement a supported education plan. The coach works with the resident throughout the semester providing a variety of supported services, including weekly educational coaching sessions, online mentoring, and skills development.

Learn more about our Admissions process and program fees.

Ready to get started?

If the College Program at CooperRiis sounds like a good fit for your patient or client, here are the next steps in the CooperRiis Admissions Process:

Why have a dedicated College Program?

Studies show a rise in mental health issues among young people on the nation’s college campuses.

One in four students has a diagnosable illness*

1 %

of freshmen do not return for their sophomore year*

1 %

have become so anxious that they struggled in school*

75% of people with anxiety disorder will have their first episode before age 22†

1 %

do not seek help

1 %

feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities*

*The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
†Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

Educational Support with Experience

Eric A. Levine has more than 30 years of experience developing educational programming and helping young people with emotional and behavioral disabilities and their families find appropriate support services. He has a doctorate in Education Leadership (Ed.D.), an Ed.S. in Career Transition and Assessment, and a master’s degree in Special Education from George Washington University, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Association for Community Integration Programs, and is founder of Eric A. Levine and Associates, an educational consulting firm in the Washington-Baltimore metro area.

“At CooperRiis, we believe recovery from mental illness is best achieved when residents are motivated by their own hopes and dreams. This exciting new program provides the supports for success for those whose dreams include returning to school, or going for the first time.”

About CooperRiis Healing Community

Since 2003, CooperRiis has been helping individuals, ages 18 and up, overcome social-emotional issues and mental illness to achieve their highest levels of functioning and fulfillment.

We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, addiction and substance use, in supportive residential settings on two campuses and in community group homes.

The Virtual College Program is based at the Asheville Community Program, located minutes from three area universities and colleges, and The Farm campus in Mill Spring.