RENO, Nev. — Renown Regional Medical Center has officially opened its Crisis Care Center, designed to tackle the escalating mental health crisis in Washoe County. The facility, which features 10 rooms with beds and 15 lounge chairs, can accommodate up to 25 patients at a time. This new resource, serving individuals aged 18 and older, is aimed at providing immediate support for those experiencing mental health crises.
Addressing the State’s Mental Health Shortage
Dr. Rahul Mediwala, CEO of Renown Medical Group, stressed the importance of the new center, highlighting Nevada’s chronic shortage of mental health resources. “This is such an important resource because Nevada ranks close to the bottom in terms of mental health resources for anyone with mental health crises,” Dr. Mediwala said.
Nevada currently ranks 45th in the nation for access to mental health care, according to Mental Health America, with one in five adults in the state facing mental health challenges. The opening of this center is a crucial step in providing much-needed immediate care and bridging the gap in services.
Comprehensive Approach to Crisis Care
Dr. Takesha Cooper, Chief of Behavioral Health at Renown Regional Medical Center, outlined the center’s holistic approach to addressing mental health crises. “Our goal is to have patients come in, do a quick assessment, understand their situation, and then really start problem-solving,” she explained. The center’s staff, which includes licensed clinical social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists, will work closely with patients to provide evidence-based tools that can be used after they leave the facility.
The center will also offer medication assessments and provide treatments for substance use disorders, psychiatric medications, and other interventions. Dr. Cooper emphasized that the focus is on short-term, immediate care, helping individuals stabilize and then connecting them with long-term care options if needed.
The Role of Peer Support
Joaquin Roces, a peer recovery support specialist, shared his personal connection to the mission of the Crisis Care Center. Having struggled with mental health challenges himself, Roces brings lived experience to his role, offering invaluable support to patients. “What is key to the service I provide to patients is my lived experience,” he said. “Nobody believed I would change, but I did.”
Roces highlighted the significance of local efforts in addressing mental health issues. “We must focus on our own corner of the world and what we can control,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of community-centered care.
Types of Crises Treated
The Crisis Care Center will treat a wide range of mental health crises, including:
- Anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation issues
- Trauma, PTSD, and stress management
- Grief and loss and self-harming behaviors
- Suicidal ideation, substance use, and life transitions
The center’s goal is to provide short-term interventions for these issues, helping individuals stabilize in a safe environment and then assisting them in obtaining the long-term care they may require.
Funding and Community Support
The opening of the Crisis Care Center was made possible through grants as part of the Washoe County Emergency Response System, as well as contributions from Renown Health and the University of Nevada School of Medicine. These organizations have recognized the pressing need for improved mental health services and have come together to fund and support this vital resource for the community.
With its focus on immediate, culturally competent, and compassionate care, the center is set to become a critical part of Washoe County’s mental health infrastructure, offering individuals in crisis a safe and supportive space when they need it most.
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