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 May 19, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 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
$129.00 to enroll
$25.00 for the COPE manual
Please note that you will also need to purchase a COPE manual for this course, and it is not included in the course price. The cost of the manual will be $25.00 for young adults (age 18-24), $25.00 for teens (age 12-17), and $35.00 for adults (age 25 and older), with $9.00 shipping.
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 June and concluding in August.
| Cohort 1 | Adult | Mondays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. | June 22, 29, and July 6, 13, 20, 27, and August 3 |
| Cohort 2 | Young Adult | Tuesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | June 23, 30, and July 7, 14, 21, 28, and August 4 |
| Cohort 3 | Adult | Tuesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. | June 23, 30, and July 7, 14, 21, 28, and August 4 |
| Cohort 4 | Young Adult | Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. | June 24, and July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and August 5 |
| Cohort 5 | Adult | Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | June 25, and July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and August 6 |
| Cohort 6 | Young Adult | Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. | June 25, and July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and August 6 |
Questions?
Reach out to the COPE team by emailing nesenursingonline@psu.edu.
Participants will gain knowledge and skills in identifying and responding to signs of mental distress, but this is an educational program, not a healthcare service. If you have immediate mental health needs, the following resources are available for you to access.
US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or text 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
(Deaf & Hard of Hearing Options): 1-800-799-4889
US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website.
US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service (English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
US SAMHSA National Helpline
Refund Policy
COPE workbooks are non-refundable under any circumstances, as they cannot be returned once issued.
Cancellations made at least 7 days prior to the program start date are eligible for a partial refund. Please note that a non-refundable administrative fee ($20.00) will be retained from the total amount paid to cover processing and enrollment costs.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the program start date, regardless of the reason.
To request a cancellation, please contact us at NeseNursingOnline@psu.edu with your name, registration details, and reason for cancellation. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing and are subject to review.
| Cancellation Timing | Refund Eligibility |
| 7+ days before start date | Partial refund minus administrative fee |
| COPE Workbook | Non-refundable |
| Within 7 days of start date | No refund |
