Key Behavioral Health Resource Returns
The Renown Crisis Care Center recently reopened, providing northern Nevadans with a much-needed source of short-term mental health stabilization.
McKenzie Wilson, DO, ABPN
SERVING ADULTS EXPERIENCING behavioral health crises, the Renown Crisis Care Center in Sparks provides an alternative to the emergency room, allowing patients to receive rapid, trauma-informed care in a calm environment. The center bridges the gap between outpatient behavioral health services, where patients may face monthslong delays to establish care, and psychiatric hospitalization.
“ We determine what patients most need in the moment,” says McKenzie Wilson, DO, ABPN, section chief for Consultation / Liaison Psychiatry at Renown Health, medical director of the Renown Crisis Care Center and clinical adjunct faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.“ That may be crisis counseling, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, safety planning, withdrawal management or connection to outside resources.”
Wraparound Care The Renown Crisis Care Center team includes psychiatric advanced practice registered nurses, behavioral health therapists, licensed clinical counselors, social workers and more. Following an initial psychiatric assessment, patients receive individualized interventions. Most are stabilized and connected to ongoing care within 24 hours.
The center’ s team helps patients address psychosocial concerns that can affect mental health, such as housing instability. Each patient leaves with a personalized plan detailing the next steps in their care.
Made Possible by Partnerships The Renown Crisis Care Center resumed operations in November 2025 following a seven-month closure due to
the expiration of federal funding. Renown Health partnered with the State of Nevada to reopen the clinic, an invaluable resource in a state that ranks last in the nation for access to mental healthcare, according to Mental Health America.
Renown Health also works with UNR Med to enhance Renown Crisis Care Center services and boost the state’ s provider pipeline.
“ Faculty psychiatrists and advanced practice providers contribute to patient care and clinical oversight,” Dr. Wilson says.“ At the same time, trainees gain exposure to crisis assessment, stabilization workflows and community psychiatry.”
To refer a patient to the Crisis Care Center, call 775-982-8870.
RISING TO MEET A VITAL NEED
In late 2025, Renown Health partnered with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health to establish Code Phoenix. This service, available at the Renown Crisis Care Center, provides short-term mental health stabilization for medical providers and first responders in crisis due to stress, trauma or other causes.
Concerns about privacy or a stigma around mental health can prevent these providers from seeking help. Code Phoenix provides a confidential environment, including a private entrance and treatment area and the option to use an alias at check-in.
Code Phoenix patients receive interdisciplinary care tailored to the realities of their high-pressure work. Services include guidance from peer support professionals who have served or currently serve in healthcare or first responder roles, bringing a unique understanding of patients’ needs.
12 | CLINICAL CONNECTIONS