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

Care.com

Family caregiving between child and aging parent or partner to partner often facilitates emotional bonding and feelings of gratitude between caregiver and loved one, but over time, it can also take an emotional, mental and physical toll on caregivers. And when a loved one dies or moves into formal care and the caregiver role ends, you may have to navigate the symptoms associated with post-caregiving syndrome (PCS), in addition to grieving the loss of your loved one.

Psychreg

A recent study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, has highlighted the potential of a popular digital mental health intervention, Sanvello, in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, The findings from the randomised clinical trial offer hope for those struggling with mental health conditions, particularly in a world where access to traditional therapies can be limited.

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.