About Rio
With a passion for mental health, resilience, and holistic well-being, Rio Peterson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to helping patients overcome challenges and improve their quality of life.
He earned his nursing degree from Boise State University and went on to specialize in psychiatric mental health care, combining evidence-based treatments with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
A Journey of Strength & Healing
Rio began his healthcare career as a traveling registered nurse, gaining experience in mental health, crisis intervention, and chronic condition management while working in high-demand hospitals across the West Coast.
In 2018, a spinal cord injury while skiing at Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe) left him with incomplete quadriplegia, requiring months of rehabilitation at Craig Hospital in Denver. Refusing to let his injury define him, Rio enrolled in a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program just four months later, driven by his belief in the power of mental health in recovery and resilience.
Regenerize: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
In 2022, Rio co-founded Regenerize in Sandpoint, ID, alongside his mother, Tawni Peterson. Their telemedicine-based clinic provides comprehensive care for weight loss, hormone therapy, and mental health support, serving patients across Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Kansas, and Kentucky.
Beyond clinical care, Rio mentors spinal cord injury patients at Craig Hospital, helping them navigate recovery while empowering them to regain independence, enhance emotional well-being, and achieve long-term health goals.
Commitment to Research & Recovery
Despite ongoing challenges with chronic pain and muscle spasticity, Rio remains determined to continue exploring new treatments. He is actively researching spinal cord stem cell therapy and considering experimental procedures abroad to improve his condition.
Life Beyond Medicine
Rio’s love for the outdoors, adventure, and helping others has never faded. Before his injury, he was an avid skier, mountain biker, and hiker—and he remains deeply connected to nature and personal growth.
Rio’s approach to life is grounded in resilience, determination, and a commitment to inspiring others to do the same.
How can I help?
At Regenerize, I provide comprehensive mental health care with a personalized, integrative approach. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, or chronic condition management, I’m here to support you with evidence-based treatments and compassionate care.
Let's Talk!
Your mental and emotional well-being matter. Let’s create a plan to help you regain control and move forward with confidence.