As we take a trip through the human body, we eventually reach the mind, holding the keys to our thoughts, memories and behaviors. And although the mind is resilient, it might not always feel that way, especially amidst the obstacles many face day-by-day.
That’s where the importance of mental healthcare comes in – and northern Nevada needs it more than ever. In Washoe County alone, nearly one in five community members reported two or more straight weeks of poor mental health. With feelings of distress, depression, anxiety and stress on the rise, not to mention how addiction disproportionately affects Nevadans, we need a team of professionals devoted to helping the mind heal.
Enter the Behavioral Health department at Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), where healing always remains top of mind (pun intended). From the providers on the frontlines to the administrative staff handling everything behind-the-scenes, every member of this team has one commitment in mind: standing beside people as they find their way forward.
Empowering Emotional Well-Being
Our Behavioral Health department is spread out across two main headquarters: the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute and University Health Psychiatry & Behavioral Health. Driven by a passion for healing and guided by evidence-based care, these team members bring expertise and empathy to every conversation, every treatment plan and every breakthrough moment.
Across their diverse skillset, the services Behavioral Health offer our community run the gamut of excellence in mental healthcare for adults and children:
No two patients seeking help for their mental health are the same, and similarly, no two days in Behavioral Health are the same. They tailor every approach to each patient’s unique needs.
“No two days are exactly alike in this role, but they all center around one goal: ensuring patients receive the best possible care,” said Dr. Takesha Cooper, Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health. “I work closely with an interdisciplinary team to oversee our clinical operations, support new program development and ensure alignment between Renown and UNR Med. Much of my time is spent in strategic planning, troubleshooting barriers to care, mentoring faculty and trainees and meeting with internal and external partners. I also help integrate advanced treatments like TMS and esketamine into our service offerings. Behind the scenes, I advocate for sustainable models of care, funding and workforce development so that our team can keep doing this vital work.”
“We treat a range of different mental health conditions each day, from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and autism,” added Mark Brehm, Behavioral Health Therapist. “Every day is different for us. The patient access representatives help match the needs of our patients to providers who can treat the symptoms and conditions that they are experiencing. We try to look out for each other and support one another in the high-quality services that we provide everyone who walks through our door.”
In order to meet each patient where they are at, each care provider spends ample time with everyone – from assessments and evaluations to regular visits and medication management – to ensure their concerns are addressed and needs are met. It’s important to our providers to make sure every patient is heard.
“As a psychometrist, my typical day includes testing patients and scoring their files, as well as keeping up on test and supply ordering for the Neuropsychology team,” said Brittney Kelly, Psychometrist. “I usually am with each patient for two-and-a-half to three hours, and it is my job to get them through testing in an empathetic yet focused manner. The Neuropsychology team provides cognitive and ADHD testing, which can be otherwise hard to find in Reno and outlying areas.”
“A typical day is spent seeing child and adolescent patients seeking psychiatric care,” added Dr. Andy Kuhle, Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. “New evaluations last around 75 minutes and follow up appointments are about 25 minutes. I evaluate and reevaluate the diagnosis and contributors to the patient's current functional impairment. I make decisions about what level of treatment is necessary, usually based on their functional impairment. As a psychiatrist, treatment often involves medication, but I aim for an integrative approach to utilize nonpharmacological interventions as well.”
“I provide cognitive assessment services for patients,” added Lauren Schwarz, Neuropsychologist. “These assessments can help with making the appropriate diagnosis, treatment planning and so forth. We provide a service that is very limited in our area.”
At Renown and University Health, the patient care journey begins with the friendly faces of our patient access representatives and scheduling coordinators. In Behavioral Health, they know that those seeking mental health help may feel intimidated when they walk in the door, especially the first time. Whether it’s listening, problem-solving or connecting people to services, everything they do is focused on making care accessible and effective.
“A typical day involves working closely with patients, families and other care providers to support mental health and overall well-being,” said Shannon Leone, Patient Access Representative Lead. “I help make patient care possible by scheduling appointments, checking patients in and out and verifying insurance to make sure everything runs smoothly. I work closely with providers to support both the team and our patients, helping create a welcoming and organized experience from start to finish. I assess needs, provide resources and coordinate care to make sure patients get the help they need.”
Behavioral Health is also on the frontlines of new, emerging treatments for their patients. One of those treatments is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive therapy for those battling treatment-resistant depression. The TMS program is led by dedicated Treatment Coordinators, who spend a lot of time creating a trusting, consistent experience for each patient.
“My role combines clinical coordination and treatment delivery to ensure each patient has a safe, effective and positive treatment experience,” said Darci Actis, Behavioral Health Treatment Coordinator. “My typical day starts with preparing the TMS treatment room and ensuring the equipment is functioning properly. I check on my patients’ mental well-being and guide them through their daily treatment session. I also coordinate with psychiatrists for treatment planning, progress tracking and communicating with insurance providers to ensure approvals are in place. TMS treatment requires a series of sessions over several weeks, so I build strong relationships with patients and help them stay engaged and encouraged. I get to be a part of their healing journey."
Making a difference reaches new heights when it comes to Behavioral Health. To them, that feeling of fulfillment is priceless.
“Each person brings an opportunity to make a difference,” said Matthew Kopicko, Physician Scheduling Coordinator. “I love smiling at patients and helping brighten their days. Most of our folks are here because they need help during rough times, and practicing compassion and kindness goes a long way with our patient interactions."
A Deep Connection
When it comes to Behavioral Health, a common theme among those in this field is their personal ties to mental healthcare and their special passion for this line of work. This connection drives their commitment to improving mental health outcomes for Nevadans.
The entire team understands that Behavioral Health is deeply personal and often complex – and because of this, empathy goes a long way.
“I believe that the entire Behavioral Health team is dedicated to our patients and goes the extra mile to make sure that they feel comfortable, that their needs are met and that they are treated with respect,” said Julie Jewell, Wellness Services Coordinator. “The type of patients that we see here are especially vulnerable and deserve extra compassion.”
“We offer a range of services to support individuals on their journey to wellness,” added Shannon Leone. “Additionally, we are actively involved in the Washoe County community and continue to encourage mental health awareness and education. Through these efforts, we strive to create a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges in our community.”
Collaboration is a cornerstone of the Behavioral Health team’s philosophy, especially when it comes to training future mental health professionals. They recognize that addressing mental health is not a one-size-fits-all approach – and that long-term recovery often depends on strong support networks and increased access to care.
“We are deeply committed to addressing the Behavioral Health needs of our region by expanding access to care, particularly for under-resourced and rural populations,” said Dr. Takesha Cooper. “We also train the next generation of psychiatrists and mental health professionals right here in Nevada, which helps address our provider shortage and ensures that care remains rooted in the needs of our communities. Our research and outreach efforts aim to reduce stigma, prevent suicide and promote early intervention."
“We partner with UNR Med to train new therapists and other healthcare professionals in mental health,” added Mark Brehm. “We are committed to providing the quality supervision, training and teaching of healthcare professionals interested in pursuing careers in mental health. We also offer several wrap-around mental health services to meet the needs of our patients, such as IOPs, substance abuse treatment, therapy, psychiatry and psychological testing.”
“I am proud of how we provide the highest level of care for our population,” added Dr. Andy Kuhle. “We work with other health partners in the community to optimize treatment. In training residents/fellows, we prepare the next generations of doctors to be wise, capable and empathetic.”
As the need for Behavioral Health services continues to grow across Nevada, the team remains focused on expanding access, improving quality of care and responding to the unique challenges our community faces.
“We are committed to building a healthier Nevada by making Behavioral Health services accessible to the people in our community who need it the most,” said Matthew Kopicko. “We continue to offer services that we know this community needs, and our team and providers constantly walk about where we can improve outcomes or create programming that our community needs. No agency can do it all, but we make sure that the services we provide are the best they can be.”
“Leadership has helped our department grow, and the team has stepped up to meet the new demands of so many new providers with new specialties,” added Julie Jewell. “There is so much need for Behavioral Health support in the community.”
From expanding clinical programs to advocating for increased funding and resources, the Behavioral Health team is always evolving to meet the changing landscape of mental healthcare.
“Over the past year, our team has made significant strides in expanding access to Behavioral Health services in our community,” said Shannon Leone. “We successfully launched the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, designed to provide critical mental health support for youth ages 12-18 years old. The AIOP is an 8-week program that uses DBT to help teens create a life worth living. We work closely with the teen and parent and provide skills that will best support the whole family.”
“Our flourishing Adolescent IOP was developed from nothing more than a community need,” added Roch Spalka, Behavioral Health Therapist.
“I am proud that we are adding more resources for our adolescents,” added Dana Garrick, Patient Access Representative. “Mental health can be challenging for some, and we are here to help.”
Our Behavioral Health team is not only meeting today's challenges – they are also building the foundation for a healthier, more compassionate future for northern Nevada.
Strong Values and Vigor
At Renown Health, our mission, vision and values mean a lot to us. The exact same can be said for our Behavioral Health department – being understanding, dependable and people-minded runs deeply through this team’s culture.
“I think all of Renown’s values can be seen within this team, but compassion, integrity and collaboration are strongly felt in the job that I do every day,” said Brittney Kelly. “Dealing with the older population, which I do daily, it is important to make them feel heard and cared for and to set up health plans and systems for them to get the appropriate and needed care.”
“While all of Renown's values are important to my work, I believe Compassion and Collaboration resonate most with me in putting people first,” added Darci Actis. “Compassion is at the heart of everything we do. Collaboration is also key to our success. Our collaborative approach ensures that we're not just treating symptoms- we're treating the whole patient. These values shape our culture, and I think patients can feel that they're not just a number.”
Everyone on this team understands that mental health isn’t just about treatments and medications – it's also about connecting with people on a real level. By fostering trust and open communication, they help patients navigate their mental health journeys with dignity and hope. Collaboration among providers and support team members ensures that every patient receives the care they need when they need it.
“While all of Renown’s values guide our work, ‘Compassion’ resonates most deeply with our team,” said Dr. Takesha Cooper. “Mental health care requires us to show up with empathy every single day – often in moments when people are experiencing their most profound distress. We take seriously the responsibility of creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces where individuals feel heard, respected and supported. Compassion drives not only how we care for patients but also how we support one another as colleagues."
“Our patients are often in vulnerable situations, so putting them first and leading with compassion is at the heart of everything we do,” added Shannon Leone. “Whether we’re checking in a patient, helping them navigate their insurance or supporting providers behind the scenes, we treat every person with respect, empathy and care.”
“Since we are within Behavioral Health, it is very important that we take the time to see and hear someone for what their needs are,” added Dana Garrick. “Mental health can be tricky, and people are not always saying what they need. Sometimes they don't know how to get out what they need, so being compassionate gives them that comfort to be heard."
Each member of the Behavioral Health team plays a crucial role in Renown’s mission of saving lives, nurturing minds and caring for all people. Their efforts in embracing the mind, body and spirit of each patient and using advanced technology and therapies at their fingertips ensure that patients experience the highest standard of mental healthcare.
“I chose to work for Renown Behavioral Health because of the organization’s commitment to addressing mental health and substance use and addiction with compassion, innovation and evidence-based care,” said Shannon Leone. “Behavioral health offers a unique opportunity to treat the whole person, not just symptoms. What keeps me here is the sense of purpose and amazing staff that we have created. Every day, I see the direct impact of our work – whether it’s helping a patient achieve recovery milestones, supporting families in crisis or collaborating with colleagues who are truly passionate about what they do. I appreciate being part of a team that’s not only patient-centered but also forward-thinking when it comes to mental health services.”
“I chose to work for Renown Behavioral Health because of its forward-thinking approach to mental health care and its investment in innovative treatments like TMS,” added Darci Actis. “It's exciting to be part of a team offering advanced options to patients who struggle with treatment-resistant depression – people who often feel like they've run out of hope.”
This commitment to innovation is matched by a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth – not to mention achieving national recognition.
“I’m incredibly proud that the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute was nationally recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as one of the top psychiatry and mental health programs in the country,” said Dr. Takesha Cooper. “That recognition reflects years of hard work and dedication by an extraordinary team. I’m also proud of the way we’ve expanded services for youth, increased access to addiction treatment and integrated more evidence-based practices into routine care. Every step we take toward a more responsive and inclusive system of Behavioral Health care is something I celebrate.”
For some of these team members, these programs and care options hit even closer to home. Employees like Matthew, who were Behavioral Health patients themselves, felt inspired to expand their career in the mental health space after treatment.
“I was a patient of the Renown IOP program over five years ago, which was the beginning of my journey into going back to school for my bachelor's in social work,” said Matthew Kopicko. “I have one year left, and I probably would have never started if my therapist in IOP hadn't told me about the program years ago. I love coming into work and seeing all of the patients who are in programs because I know that they are receiving life-changing services and care, and they are being given an opportunity to feel seen, heard and safe on their healing journey.”
In Behavioral Health, everyone brings something different to the table. The team’s focus on expanding access to care and reducing stigma around mental health is helping to transform the Reno-Tahoe community.
“I get to work with talented therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists to provide comprehensive mental health care to each patient that walks through our door,” said Mark Brehm. “Getting to collaborate with providers from a variety of backgrounds who have specializations in different areas of mental health is exciting and allows me to provide the highest quality of care to patients treated at our practice.”
Behavioral health impacts everyone – and thanks to this dedicated team, more individuals and families in our region have access to the care and support they deserve. The future of mental health care is here, and it’s being shaped by people who truly care.
“I’m honored to be part of this work. Behavioral health is often underfunded, misunderstood, and siloed – yet it touches every family and every community. At Renown, we are changing that narrative. Through collaboration, innovation and a deep commitment to education, we are building a future where mental health is treated with the same urgency and compassion as physical health. I feel fortunate every day to help shape a Behavioral Health system that is more compassionate, equitable and responsive to the needs of Nevadans. I’m proud to be part of a team that is helping lead that change,” closes Dr. Takesha Cooper.
