Doctors Write Nature Prescriptions to Enhance Mental Well-being

Health care providers in various countries are increasingly prescribing time outdoors as a remedy for stress and mental health concerns. As societal pressures mount, a growing number of doctors are formalizing this approach through “nature prescriptions.” This tactic aims to encourage patients to engage with nature, which studies indicate can enhance mental well-being.

Research has shown that spending time in natural environments can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and boost immunity. Dr. Brent Bauer, director of the complementary and integrative medicine program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, affirms the scientific basis behind these benefits. “Study after study says we’re wired to be out in nature,” he stated, emphasizing that the advantages of outdoor activities extend beyond mere opinion.

The concept of nature prescriptions has been gaining traction over the past decade. Dr. Robert Zarr, who is also a nature guide, founded an organization called Park Rx America around 2016 to provide health care providers with protocols for prescribing outdoor activities. The organization aims to help patients explore what they enjoy doing outside—be it walking, observing wildlife, or simply sitting under a tree.

Growing Movement Across Borders

Since its inception, nearly 2,000 health care providers in the U.S. and other countries, including Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, and Spain, have registered with Park Rx America. According to Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer, the organization’s associate medical director, over 7,000 nature prescriptions have been issued since 2019. More than 100 similar organizations have emerged in the U.S., reflecting a burgeoning movement to integrate nature into health care.

Dr. Bauer, who specializes in treating executives, reports issuing about 30 nature prescriptions annually. He notes that many of his clients are unsure about how to start engaging with nature, and the prescription provides them with a concrete step forward. “When I get a prescription, someone hands me a piece of paper and says you must take this medication … I’m a lot more likely to activate that,” he explained.

Dr. Hackenmiller, a gynecologist from Waterloo, Iowa, has found that discussions about the importance of outdoor time have become increasingly relevant. She observes that many people seek solace in nature during tumultuous times, saying, “When so many things are out of our control, it can be helpful to step away from the media and immerse ourselves in nature.”

Challenges and Opportunities in Implementation

While the benefits of nature prescriptions are well-documented, the effectiveness of this approach remains to be thoroughly evaluated. A 2020 joint study conducted by the U.S. Forest Service, the University of Pennsylvania, and North Carolina State University concluded that further research is necessary to assess follow-through and long-term health outcomes associated with nature prescriptions.

Nevertheless, the act of spending time outdoors is generally regarded as beneficial, provided that conditions permit. At William & Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, students have embraced the concept, issuing nature prescriptions to their peers. Participants fill out online applications detailing their preferred outdoor activities and how far they are willing to travel to access parks. According to reports, students issued an average of 22 online prescriptions each month in 2025, a notable increase from 12 per month in 2020.

Kelsey Wakiyama, a senior at the college, shared her personal experience with nature prescriptions. Growing up hiking in Pennsylvania, she had difficulty finding trails near campus until she discovered the program. The nature prescription helped her explore new outdoor spaces, illustrating how such initiatives can directly impact individuals’ well-being.

In conclusion, as more health care providers recognize the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, the practice of issuing nature prescriptions is likely to expand. This innovative approach to health care not only encourages patients to reconnect with nature but also reinforces the importance of mental well-being in an increasingly challenging world.