I am not a patient, i am a visitor. I had been a mental health worker for 12 years, and a healthcare worker for 20 now. I went to cooper Riis to stay with a friend, who was an employee and lived on the campus.I would like to say, as a mental health professional that has worked in numerous facilities, public and private, profit and non profit, around the nation, that this was by far the best facility I have seen or been to. In a field where abuse is all too common, where pharmacology is the primary method of treatment, where funding is absolutely abysmal, this facility was a gem, a real surprise and treat.There was actual process work and therapeutic treatment going on, rather than coloring books and crayons. The facilities and grounds were beautiful, peaceful and welcoming, rather than cold and sterile. And the staff were great, progressive and happy to be there.Peaceful, beautiful mountain setting, excellent food cooked by a great chef, African drumming and hoola hoops. I may check myself in for a few weeks! I was very happy to see a place that offered all the care and support that I’ve seen missing from so many other places.....at 1/3 the cost or less of most of the places I’ve worked. Thank you.Please feel free to share this review on your website.

Too snarky on the admissions side a little rude and condescending knowing what I was going through; if you are snarky, be gentle, not high and mighty ( I was going through cancer)! You have one star!

After inquiring, I am stunned at my own deep sadness having learned that such a valuable opportunity is not available to a young man who has worked so hard to make the most of his excruciating journey through serious mental illness. At ~ $20,000.00 a month my long held dream of being able to someday provide this gift of quality care to my son is crushed.

Wow. Just wow. This should be the model for all mental institutions (not acute care) in the country, maybe the world. I cant say enough nice things about the staff, the doctors, therapists and the beautiful location in Asheville. But if you want true beauty, you should stay at the Farm which is outside Asheville. I stayed in the Asheville facility, which was great, dont get me wrong, but could use some minor upgrades in terms of the rooms and lodging situation. All of the staff truly care about helping those who walk through the doors. The founders, who regularly interact with residents, actually listen to their concerns about improving the facility. Its a non-profit, so you know theyre not trying to make money off of whatever youre going through. Ignore any bad reviews, but I understand where they come from. As a patient it can be extremely hard (it was for me the first few weeks) to cope with being in a mental facility and I saw a few people back out before they could actually get help. The center focuses on whole person improvement. There are licensed therapists who you meet with regularly and a psychiatrist (who is the sweetest woman) to deal with medication. There is a full kitchen staff who focuses on cooking local, organic food (some even grown by the residents!), and physical activity is highly encouraged, but not forced down your throat. They have great systems in place. As someone who has dealt with a myriad of mental health institutions, this is by far my best experience. I dont know the exact symptoms/illnesses that they deal with as my parents helped me get admitted (thanks mom and dad), but I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder so I know that they are experts in non-acute bipolar recovery. Anyone who is seeking help and can afford a flight to Asheville (or Charlotte and a 2hr drive) and is seeking professional help for coping with a mental illness should consider CooperRiis, if not sign up right away! I would rate it 10 stars if I could. Thank you Lisbeth and Donald for what you have started in one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world. Keep Asheville weird!

My sister spent one year at this place. One word..CREEPY. Staff is weird, very off, not at all smart or experienced, and the residents are on all different spectrums its hard to know if and where you would even fit in. The groups are a waste of time, and the housing is horrible. Also, stay away from Simon Wullimann and Dani D. Both bad.-J

Six + years ago, we feared we were losing our daughter. Wed tried so many places that might give her the hope and a future for which wed prayed and towards which wed worked so hard. Finally, she embraced the opportunity to go to CooperRiis 85Z Community.Six months later, she was ready to come home - to a home shed never seen, since wed moved in the intervening months. She spent the holidays with us and then enrolled at a new college in our new home state.Now, almost 6 years since her completion of the season at 85Z, she has graduated - magna cum laude - and is employed full time in a career she adores, working with co-workers who mutually adore her. She has recovered her balance and strength in ways that seemed beyond even our faith-filled prayers only 6 years ago. She is a glorious example of the resilience of the human spirit, the power of prayer, and the good, good work of CooperRiis Healing Community. We are so grateful!