Welcome

Welcome to UNR Med Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, affiliated with Renown Health www.renown.org the largest not for profit health system in Northern Nevada. This is a wonderful time to join UNR Med and Renown as we grow our academic medical center while continuing to provide excellent care to our community. As Chair/Chief, I am committed to advancing the tripartite mission by creating an inclusive, respectful and engaging environment where we develop innovative research, excellent clinical care and high-quality education all while training the next generation of psychiatrists to treat and prevent psychiatric conditions and reduce mental health stigma.

Because UNR is a Carnegie R1 research institution, our department benefits from collaborating with diverse experts in public health, social work, psychology and integrative neuroscience to develop cross-disciplinary projects which enhance innovation. An emphasis on both clinical and translational research equips us to advance the science of mental health disorders; our appreciation of community-based participatory research aids our understanding of social determinants of health which position our learners to advocate with local legislatures to improve mental health on a systemic level.

After training at UNR Med Psychiatry, I am confident that you will be a well-trained general or speciality psychiatrist equipped to care for any patient that walks through your door. Our trainees teach medical students and care for patients with chronic and acute mental illness in state and county facilities, private practice, substance abuse, forensic, inpatient and consultation/liaison settings where they work with all ages including veterans, seniors and youth. Our expansive curriculum emphasizes the value of psychotherapy, psychopharmacology and interventional psychiatry methods (esketamine, TMS) along with integration with primary care teams. While we specialize in mental health, we collaborate with other specialties to ensure the whole patient receives the care they need. 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.

Our department is committed to the well-being of all who work here. We aim to foster excellence in all we do, in service of better health care for our patients. Come join us and become a part of this meaningful work where you will have an impact on improving health care while simultaneously becoming an outstanding physician.

Takesha Cooper, MD MS
Chair/Chief of Psychiatry
Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist
Takeshac@med.UNR.edu