"Code Phoenix” establishes a protected pathway for short-term mental health stabilization for healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and firefighters, delivered in a supportive environment built for the unique realities of their work.
Renown Health today announced that the Renown Crisis Care Center, in partnership with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, is now offering confidential, specialized mental health services for healthcare professionals and first responders experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
“Recognizing the extraordinary physical and emotional demands placed on healthcare professionals and first responders; including law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatchers and other emergency personnel, we are proud to expand access to timely, compassionate care in a setting designed to protect privacy, reduce stigma and support those who protect our community every day,” said Takesha Cooper, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “Our new Code Phoenix service removes common barriers to seeking help; including concerns about confidentiality, judgment or professional reputation, by providing a respectful and discreet experience from the very first call.”
A Confidential Pathway Built on Privacy, Respect and Compassion
“Healthcare professionals and first responders dedicate their lives to supporting others, yet we often face obstacles when seeking help ourselves. We want to change that dynamic and provide a place where colleagues can seek help without barriers, judgment, or fear,” said Rahul Mediwala, MD, MBA, CEO of Renown Medical Group. “We want our community partners to know they no longer need to carry the enormous stress, trauma and difficult situations they face alone, especially at the holidays. We are here to help improve their health and overall well-being.”
Located at 480 Galletti Way, on the Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (former Dini Townsend) campus, the Renown Crisis Care Center provides short-term mental health stabilization for individuals in crisis. Code Phoenix enhances this service by offering a specialized, discreet experience tailored for healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel and firefighters. The program adds layers of identity protection, and comfort to ensure care is provided in a setting that understands the unique demands of their roles.
“We chose the name Code Phoenix because it represents resilience, renewal and rising from challenge through support. A phoenix is a mythical bird that is reborn from its own ashes, and represents renewal, hope, and longevity. This name reminds us that seeking help is a courageous act of rebuilding,” said Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine.
Breaking a Cycle of Silence
Whether driven by acute stress, trauma, grief, exhaustion or burnout, Renown’s Code Phoenix service ensures that those who protect and serve our community have access to timely, culturally competent, and confidential behavioral healthcare. “Code Phoenix acknowledges a reality we don’t talk about enough; that healing looks different for those who are used to being the helpers,” said Jimmy Lao, MSN, Director of Nursing, Emergency Services, Renown Health. “As a not-for-profit health system, Renown is committed to caring for the people who care for our community. When support is offered with empathy, confidentiality and peer connection, it breaks down stigma and helps people feel seen, understood and empowered to seek care.”
The Power of Peer Support
Every Code Phoenix patient is offered access to specially trained peer support professionals, current or former nurses, EMTs, firefighters, behavioral health specialists or law enforcement personnel, who understand the unique emotional landscape of emergency and clinical work. They are equipped to provide guidance, encouragement, and a safe space for open discussion.
“Peer support plays a critical role in the healing process by creating a relatable environment rooted in shared experience. Unlike traditional counseling, peer support is grounded in mutual understanding. It empowers people to speak honestly, without fear of stigma, judgment or career impact. Knowing that the person sitting across from you understands the toll of a difficult call, the loss of a patient or a high-stakes decision helps break down barriers to asking for help. Peer support is a lifeline,” said Dr. Takesha Cooper. “It reminds us that we are not alone, that what you are feeling is real and that help is not a sign of weakness — it is a sign of strength.”
How Code Phoenix Works for Healthcare Professionals and First Responders
- Call Ahead: Dial 775-982-HELP (4357) and say you or a colleague needs a Code Phoenix.
- Discreet Arrival: Participants are directed to a secure back entrance at the Renown Crisis Care Center and escorted to a private room, away from public areas.
- Private Check-In: To protect their identity, individuals may check in using Renown’s alias process to ensure confidentiality throughout the visit.
- Peer Support: During and after their visit, individuals may choose to access ongoing support from trained peer professionals.
Services and Admission
The Crisis Care Center serves individuals 18 years and older who self-refer or are referred by loved ones or community providers. Services include:
- Comprehensive assessments by a multidisciplinary team, including Registered Nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (therapists), Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatrists, including a board — certified Psychiatrist as the medical director;
- 24/7 access to same-day crisis observation and stabilization services to alleviate immediate distress;
- Connections to community resources through robust partnerships, such as inpatient psychiatric or detox programs, outpatient therapy and primary care;
- Support from Certified Peer Support Specialists with lived experience;
- Individualized care coordination to ensure a smooth transition to ongoing services;
- Care for all people with or without insurance;
- Financial assistance is available for those who qualify;
- Transport to an emergency room, if advanced medical care is needed.
The Crisis Care Center is not an emergency room. For 24/7, immediate mental health emergencies, call 988. For medical emergencies, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. More information: renown.org/crisis.
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About Renown Health
Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated academic health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a workforce of more than 8,000 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. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers.
