Nature Therapy: Healing Through the Outdoors

Clinically Reviewed by Brittany Astrom

Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings.

Nature therapy, also known as Nature-Based Therapy, uses the natural environment to improve physical health, reduce stress, and support mental well-being. At Rize OC, we integrate nature-based interventions to complement clinical treatment and promote emotional healing. Whether through outdoor activities or indoor adaptations, nature therapy offers beneficial effects for individuals across all age groups.

Psychological Benefits

Spending time in green spaces supports psychological well-being by reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Time in nature helps regulate mood, promotes emotional clarity, and reduces prefrontal cortex activity linked to overthinking and stress. A stronger connection to nature often leads to improved resilience in daily lives.

Physiological Benefits

Nature therapy can reduce systolic blood pressure, lower heart rate, and support immune function. Studies, including those published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, show how physiological effects such as physiological relaxation effects are linked to nature exposure. Simply being in a natural setting can activate the body’s rest-and-digest response, improving physical health.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

Nature-based activities stimulate mental clarity and focus. Regular exposure to natural elements can improve memory, attention span, and executive function. This is especially helpful in Mental Health treatment where cognitive overload or emotional dysregulation is common. Some studies even suggest a positive effect on mental health outcomes by supporting more balanced brain activity.

Forest Bathing

Forest Therapy, or Shinrin-yoku, involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to engage the senses. The effects of forest therapy include reduced stress hormones, improved mood, and better concentration. Programs structured as a forest therapy program often involve slow walks, breathing techniques, and observation of the natural environment.

Nature Walks

Walking in urban parks or other outdoor settings allows individuals to engage in daily activities while reconnecting with the natural world. These walks enhance mental well-being, especially in an urban setting where green space is limited.

Horticulture Therapy

Gardening activities offer sensory and emotional benefits. Planting, pruning, and tending to plants supports patience, routine, and relaxation. This form of Nature-Based Therapy is used in many mental health care plans to provide structure and emotional growth.

Blue Mind Therapy

Blue space, including oceans, rivers, and lakes, offers therapeutic value through visual and auditory engagement. Water-based environments support psychological effects such as reduced anxiety and improved mood regulation. Even sitting near a fountain or water feature can yield the therapeutic benefits of blue space exposure.

Virtual Nature Therapy

For those unable to access outdoor areas, virtual nature therapy uses videos, soundscapes, or immersive simulations. These alternatives replicate the effects of nature therapy and provide emotional relief in clinical settings or during telehealth sessions.

Indoor Incorporation of Nature

Bringing the natural environment indoors through houseplants, natural light, or water features can improve mental health benefits. This is especially useful for individuals living in environments without easy access to green or blue spaces.

Children

Children respond positively to nature-based activities, developing emotional awareness and sensory regulation. Activities such as planting or observing animals support healthy development and encourage curiosity.

Adolescents

Teens benefit from nature-informed therapy through mood regulation, stress reduction, and a break from digital overstimulation. Outdoor time helps improve attention and emotional processing.

Adults

Adults use nature therapy to manage work stress, life transitions, and relationship issues. Whether through forest therapy, gardening, or animal-assisted interventions, connecting with nature improves both emotional and physical health.

Need for a Robust Evidence Base

Despite growing interest, some current studies highlight the need for stronger scientific support. More research is needed on the effectiveness of nature in structured therapy models. Both inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria vary widely across studies.

Professional Standardization

Nature therapy lacks universal standards. Development of clear ethics, competency models, and training is needed. Advanced training and professional programs, such as the Nature-Based Therapy Graduate Certificate Program, aim to build a stronger foundation.

Some health providers now offer nature prescriptions, encouraging individuals to spend more time in green spaces or blue spaces as part of routine care. These prescriptions aim to improve mental health care outcomes by integrating nature into structured treatment.

Specialized Training for Practitioners

There is growing demand for certified professionals in nature-based rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on nature. Programs that focus on future training aim to standardize care and build competency in nature-integrated techniques. Training cost and accessibility remain barriers, but interest continues to grow.

Global Community of Practitioners

A worldwide community of therapists and researchers supports the expansion of nature-based care. Collaboration helps refine methodologies, share data, and increase access across cultural and geographic boundaries.

Collaborative Research Efforts

Organizations and academic groups are conducting collaborative research to assess the long-term benefits of nature. Key figures such as Park B.J., Ikei H., Miyazaki Y., and others have led groundbreaking work on physiological effects, such as heart rate variability and blood pressure changes during nature exposure.

Understanding and Validating Interventions

Validating nature-based interventions through clinical trials will help integrate them into broader treatment models. As part of an integrative therapy program, nature therapy can be recognized alongside other evidence-based practices.

Rize OC believes in the healing power of the natural environment as part of a comprehensive mental health approach. Whether through forest therapy, gardening activities, or virtual nature therapy, time spent in nature supports lasting recovery. Contact our team to learn how nature-based therapy can be a part of your care plan.

1\. What is nature therapy and how does it support mental health?

Nature therapy, also called nature-based therapy, uses the natural environment to promote emotional balance, stress reduction, and improved mental health. Activities like forest walks, gardening, or spending time in green spaces can reduce anxiety, support mood regulation, and increase mindfulness. These beneficial effects support recovery and can be part of a broader mental health care plan.

2\. Can nature therapy help with physical health as well?

Yes, spending time in outdoor settings has proven physiological effects. Nature exposure can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and promote relaxation through activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Regular interaction with natural elements such as trees, water, and sunlight supports both physical and mental well-being.

3\. Is virtual nature therapy effective for people in urban environments?

Virtual nature therapy offers an accessible alternative for those without regular access to green or blue spaces. By using nature videos, immersive soundscapes, or digital simulations, individuals can still experience many of the psychological effects of being outdoors. This can be especially useful in urban settings or during clinical care where access to nature is limited.

4\. Are there age-specific benefits to nature therapy?

Yes, nature therapy is adaptable across all age groups. Children benefit from improved attention and emotional regulation. Adolescents experience reduced stress and enhanced self-awareness. Adults often report lower anxiety and improved mood. Nature-based activities can be customized to meet the needs of each developmental stage, making it a flexible option in mental health care.