Build Resilience and Thrive — Evidence-Based Tools to Cope with Stress, Anxiety & Depression
COPE teaches evidence-based cognitive behavioral skills that help people recognize and change unhelpful thoughts, leading to healthier emotional responses and behaviors. By building practical coping strategies, it supports reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms while promoting more positive thinking and adaptive habits. The program’s structured approach increases resilience and empowers individuals to manage difficult emotions and challenges more effectively. The skills learned in this program will help you throughout your entire life.
Unsure if COPE is for you? Join us for a free Information Session on February 25, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.. Advanced registration is required »
This information session is designed to provide a helpful introduction to the COPE program. We’ll share an overview of the program, highlight what participants can expect, and explain how the program can support your goals. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with course facilitators to gain clarity and confidence before moving forward. Whether you’re just exploring or actively considering participation, this session will help you make an informed decision.
COPE sessions are delivered live by Nese College of Nursing trained facilitators over the course of 7 sessions. The sessions focus on cognitive behavioral concepts and skills, all of which are backed by extensive research. The course is delivered online via Zoom and Canvas Catalog.
COPE has been shown to decrease depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation as well as increase self-esteem, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and academic performance in children, teens, and young adults through more than 20 studies.
How it works
- Enroll and prepare by purchasing the required COPE workbook manual from the COPE website prior to the course start (manual not included in course fee; allow up to two weeks for delivery)
- Attend seven live, online sessions delivered via Zoom, with course access and materials available through Canvas Catalog.
- Learn evidence-based cognitive behavioral skills through a structured, facilitator-led curriculum focused on practical coping strategies.
- Apply what you learn in real life, practicing tools and techniques designed to support healthier thinking, emotional regulation, and resilience.
Session breakdown
- Thinking, Feeling, and Behaving: What is the connection?
- Positive Thinking and Forming Healthy Thinking Habits
- Coping with Stress
- Problem Solving & Setting Goals
- Dealing with your Emotions in Healthy Ways through Positive Thinking and Effective Communication
- Coping with Stressful Situations
- Pulling it All Together for a Healthy You
Who is COPE for?
COPE is for individuals and families impacted by rising stress, anxiety, and depression who face barriers to timely mental health support. Many people wait years to receive help, leaving stress-related challenges unaddressed during critical periods. Research shows that depression and anxiety have increased significantly in recent years, with rates doubling since the COVID-19 pandemic. COPE provides an evidence-based option to help bridge this gap by building practical coping skills before challenges escalate. COPE supports children (ages 7–12), teens (ages 12–17), young adults (ages 18–24), and adults (ages 25+).
Program Options and Pricing
$159.00 to enroll
$25.00 for the COPE manual
COPE is delivered in cohorts, meaning participants move through the program together as a small group. There are currently six cohorts offered, each meeting on different days of the week and at different times of day, with cohorts beginning in March and concluding in April.
| Cohort 1 | Sundays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. | March 15, 22, 29 and April 5, 12, 19, 26 |
| Cohort 2 | Mondays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. | March 16, 23, 30 and April 6, 13, 20, 27 |
| Cohort 3 | Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. | March 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 14, 21, 28 |
| Cohort 4 | Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. | March 18, 25 and April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| Cohort 5 | Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. | March 18, 25 and April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| Cohort 6 | Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. | March 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 |
Questions?
Reach out to the COPE team by emailing nesenursingonline@psu.edu.
