Brenna N. Renn

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Assistant Professor of Psychology

Director, UNLV TREATment Lab

Expertise: Depression, Older Adults/Aging, Digital Mental Health (mHealth)

Biography

Brenna N. Renn is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the the mental health of older adults, particularly in the context of depression, chronic disease, cognitive impairment, health promotion, and in integrated primary care and other medical settings.

Renn joined the UNLV Department of Psychology as assistant professor in 2020. As a mental health services researcher, she is broadly interested in treatment for depression and anxiety, health psychology/behavioral medicine, mental health workforce development, and implementation strategies to improve adoption of evidence-based treatments and expand access to care. Her research has expanded to include digital platforms ("mHealth"), including apps, wearables, and tele-mental health.

Renn conducts provider trainings and consultation in evidence-based behavioral treatments for late-life depression, mHealth, and integrated primary care behavioral health.

Education

Ph.D., Psychology, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
Internship, Geriatric Mental Health and Health Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine
Postdoctoral Fellowship (NIMH-funded T32), Geriatric Mental Health Services Research, University of Washington School of Medicine
B.A., Psychology and Business Administration, University of Puget Sound

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Brenna N. Renn In The News

How To Ease Depression After Illness + the Trick That Lifted an MD’s Spirits Post-Surgery

Woman's World

Let’s face it: Being sick or injured isn’t fun. Whether it’s a bad cold or you’re recovering from surgery, being down for the count can cause you to sink into a depression after an illness. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that can help lift your spirits. Here, doctors reveal why you may experience depression after an illness, signs it’s more than just “the blues” and how to restore your sunny mood while you’re on the mend.

What We Lose by Armchair Diagnosing Biden and Trump

Making dementia a political weapon has far-reaching, stigmatizing effects.

Why Do I Keep Forgetting Things? Is My Brain Blip Something Else? Experts Weigh In

Prevention

Experts share what’s normal and when you should be concerned.

Mental Health and an Update on the 988 System

Many Nevadans are struggling when it comes to mental health. Death by suicide rates are up for ages 18-24, and for those over 65. The 988 system is designed as a lifeline for people in crisis, and it has been in place for nearly a year.