Public nature-based mental healthcare

Ralf Buckley; Ratna Singh; Zoë Jiabo Zhang; Meisha Liddon; Linsheng Zhong; Sonya Underdahl; Mary‐Ann Cooper; Diane Westaway OAM; Aliénor L. M. Chauvenet; Paula Brough

doi:10.1038/s44528-026-00012-7

July 2, 2026Communications HealthOpen Access

Public nature-based mental healthcare

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Key Points

The aim is to highlight the need for integrating nature-based elements in mental healthcare to enhance accessibility and benefits.
Proposes a public health approach that involves collaboration with education, transport, and parks agencies.
Emphasizes the role of public health systems in making nature-based therapy accessible.
Suggests policy interventions to promote the use of parks and natural environments for mental health.
Nature is identified as beneficial for mental well-being but is often underutilized in clinical settings.
Highlights gaps in access to lifestyle medicine, particularly for underserved populations.
Proposes a model for public health that could make nature therapy more widely available.

Implication

This proposal advocates for integrating nature into mental health care through public health initiatives, improving accessibility.

Abstract

Nature is beneficial for mental health, but clinical healthcare does not provide it, and lifestyle medicine is not available to all. Here, therefore, we propose a public health approach, which involves education, transport, and parks agencies as well as health.

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Cite This Study

Buckley et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a48a60a89561a0c2d78e54d https://doi.org/10.1038/s44528-026-00012-7

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Public nature-based mental healthcare

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Public nature-based mental healthcare

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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