The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is committed to advancing mental health through education, high quality clinical care, innovative research and meaningful partnership with our community.
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
About us
Our mission is to educate the next generation of psychiatrists by offering evidence-based psychiatric care to patients in Northern Nevada. The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is led by Takesha Cooper, M.D., the joint Chair of UNR Med Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Chief of Behavioral Health at Renown Regional Medical Center. We pride ourselves on creating inclusive spaces for our learners to explore the complex and fascinating field of mental health by working in multidisciplinary teams where our patients receive individualized care. An emphasis on both clinical and translational research equips us to advance the science of mental health conditions.
Our appreciation for community-based participatory research aids our understanding of social determinants of health which position our learners to become leaders and change agents on a national level. The strength of our community lies in its individuals and the diversity of those individuals.
The Reno/Lake Tahoe is a beautiful region offering urban, rural and suburban areas with world-class outdoor recreational activities, cultural events, a burgeoning art scene, while also being an enticing place for foodies. We are a quick 20-minute drive from world-famous Lake Tahoe, where you can ski, snowboard or simply enjoy the beautiful view of the lake and snow-capped mountains. The community is diverse, vibrant and friendly with excellent schools, affordable living, minimal traffic and 300 days of sunshine annually. There is no wonder that 'Outside Magazine' recently voted Reno 'The Happiest U.S. Town to Live In.'
Takesha Cooper, M.D. - Chair, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Residency program
The Psychiatry Residency is a university-based program with a strong focus on community, closely collaborating with multiple institutions in the region to offer our students with a comprehensive, first-class learning environment. The residency prioritizes becoming knowledgeable about the biological, psychological and social aspects of practice with an emphasis on longitudinal continuity experiences, systems-based care and tailored opportunities to explore interests.
Fellowship program
The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is a unique collaboration between UNR Med and several community-based clinical partners. The fellowship aims to improve the mental health of Nevada youths by training the next generation of knowledgeable, skilled and empathetic child and adolescent psychiatrists. This fellowship emphasizes treatment with a balance of biological and psychosocial interventions at the individual, family and systems-based levels.
Scholarly activity
We foster a dynamic environment for scholarly activity, advancing research and knowledge in mental health. Faculty and trainees engage in a wide range of projects, from clinical studies to innovative treatments, contributing to the field’s understanding of psychiatric disorders and behavioral sciences.
Patient care
SOAR Program for First Episode Psychosis
The SOAR Program provides early intervention for psychosis while educating our Nevada communities. We offer services that are client and family-focused and tailored to a person’s situation. Our services are intended to be youth-friendly, age-appropriate, sensitive to culture, gender and the social stigma of psychosis.
Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute
The Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive, compassionate care for mental health and substance use, with services including individual, couples, family and group therapy, as well as medication management, provided by a dedicated team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers and counselors.
Clinical patient phone number: (775) 982-7800
Our team
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is made up of a diverse team of psychiatrists and psychologists who treat both adults and youths in Northern Nevada. Our faculty members are involved in teaching medical students, residents and fellows by building programs that improve the mental health of members of our community. We have a dedicated faculty of health care workers and researchers who are committed to furthering our mission of providing top-tier education and advancing mental health research in Nevada. As a department, we aim to foster excellence in all aspects of our work to provide high quality, compassionate care for our patients.
Academic/administrative phone number: (775) 682-8456
Meet our faculty
Hear from some of our faculty and learn more about our residency and fellowship programs.