Skip to main content
|

Reno Home to "Great Psychiatry and Mental Health Program;" Renown and UNR School of Medicine Named to Becker's National List

January 18, 2024
Renown and UNR School of Medicine Logo

Becker’s list of Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Psychiatry and Mental Health Programs for 2023 has been published, recognizing professional healthcare leaders across the country.

Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine have been recognized among the top programs in the United States. This acknowledgement reflects a commitment from a dedicated team of experienced local professionals providing comprehensive mental health services and advancing the field of psychiatry.

In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted that, “In 2018, a $6 million donation (by the Stacie Mathewson Foundation), funded the creation of the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown Health. The institute was formed to address increased prescription drug-related mortality rates and suicide rates in northern Nevada. The department is now fully integrated with University of Nevada School of Medicine's psychiatry residency, child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs, and behavioral sciences and clinical psychiatry medical student training. The curriculum emphasizes the value of psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and interventional psychiatry methods, along with primary care team integration.”

Becker’s editors noted that, “Innovative public and private partnerships with the state include the SOAR early intervention treatment program for those experiencing their first episode of psychosis. A 24-hour crisis stabilization center will open in 2024 for adults with mental health or substance use issues. The Connect Washoe County mental health collaborative, part of the hospital’s community benefit program, hosts the Youth Mental Health Summit, with a number of interventions resulting in reduced use of street and prescription drugs, lower hospitalization rates due to opioid overdose, and fewer cases of intentional suicide mortality in youth.”

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top psychiatry and mental health programs in the U.S. This achievement reflects the dedication of our integrated team and our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. We will continue to strive for excellence and address the diverse needs of individuals struggling with behavioral health issues, said Takesha Cooper, MD, Department Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. “Our team comprises skilled psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and support staff who collaborate to provide holistic and integrated care for our patients. As the region’s only not-for-profit health system, together with the support of grateful donors like Stacie Mathewson, we will continue to actively engage in outreach initiatives to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma and create a community that fosters healing and support.”

Renown Health also earned Forbes' Best Healthcare Employer in Nevada for combatting burnout and ensuring well-being and safety of caregivers.


About Renown Health

Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. For more information, visit renown.org.

About the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada’s first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu.

Related News

Renown Health logo

Renown Health Expands Access to Advanced Deep Brain Stimulation Care

Renown Health is expanding access to advanced neurological care with the availability of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery at the Renown Institute for Neurosciences, bringing one of the most sophisticated treatments for movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, closer to home for patients across northern Nevada. “The availability of Deep Brain Stimulation at Renown represents a significant step forward in the level of neurological care we can provide locally,” said Chris Nicholas, MHA, FACHE, CEO, Renown Regional Medical Center and COO, Renown Health. “DBS is a highly specialized therapy that requires advanced technology, surgical expertise and a coordinated care team. By bringing this treatment closer to home, we’re improving access to essential and advanced care options while helping patients achieve better outcomes and quality of life.” DBS is used to help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia; a neurological movement disorder causing involuntary, sustained or repetitive muscle contractions, leading to twisting movements, abnormal postures and sometimes pain, affecting one muscle or the whole body, when medications alone are no longer effective. DBS uses targeted electrical impulses delivered to specific areas of the brain to help regulate abnormal neurological signals. For many patients with movement disorders, DBS can significantly improve symptoms, restore independence and enhance quality of life. This milestone was made possible in part through the generosity of eight local foundations and individual donors, coordinated by the Renown Health Foundation. Contributions ranged from $5,000 to $333,000, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing specialized care in the region. “Philanthropic support played a critical role in making Deep Brain Stimulation available at Renown. Investments from local foundations and individual donors helped fund the advanced technology and infrastructure required to launch this highly specialized program,” said Gregory Walaitis, MEd, Chief Development Officer at Renown Health. “Their generosity is directly expanding access to leading-edge neurological care, allowing patients in our region to receive complex, life-changing treatment close to home and reinforcing Renown’s commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care.”
Read More Renown Health Expands Access to Advanced Deep Brain Stimulation Care
Renown Health logo

Dr. Jason Knight Joins Renown Regional Medical Center As Chief Medical Officer

“We are truly excited and honored to welcome Dr. Knight to Renown,” said Chris Nicholas, MHA, FACHE, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center. “His experience leading clinical and operational teams, driving quality improvement, and fostering a culture of safety across an integrated academic health system will be critical as we begin our journey to becoming a High Reliability Organization. Dr. Knight leads with strong multidisciplinary collaboration, partnerships with nursing and data-informed decision making. He is a trusted and visionary physician leader whose commitment to excellence will continue to elevate care for the patients and families we serve.”
Read More Dr. Jason Knight Joins Renown Regional Medical Center As Chief Medical Officer
View All Press Releases
ER Wait Times

How are wait times calculated?

Our estimated ER wait times reflect the average time from check-in to being seen by a medical professional during triage, where patients are prioritized based on the severity of their condition.

Health & Wellness eNews
Sign Up