Why "Green Prescriptions" Work

What the report says

Psychology Today published an essay on July 20, 2026, by Jennifer Verdolin, Ph.D., arguing that “green prescriptions” — treatment plans that deliberately include time outdoors and contact with living systems — can complement conventional mental-health care. Verdolin, an animal behavior scientist, frames the idea as a response to anxiety, loneliness and disconnection when medication, therapy or self-help approaches do not fully address a person’s needs.

The article describes green prescriptions as practical steps such as walking in a forest several times a week, spending time in a community garden, observing birds in an urban park, or engaging with animals in ethical ways. Verdolin cites psychiatrist Dr. Katherine Kennett, whom she interviewed in 2021, as an advocate for treatment plans that add green space, sustainable interaction with nature and environmental stewardship activities, particularly for young people.

Psychology Today also connects the concept to Japan’s practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, which involves immersing the senses in a natural setting. The article says Japanese research has associated forest exposure with reduced cortisol, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and activation of the body’s calming parasympathetic system. It also notes broader research on urban greening that links accessible trees and green areas with lower stress and anxiety, improved health indicators and reduced crime.

Verdolin’s practical advice is modest: people do not need wilderness access to begin. She suggests short daily walks, repeated visits to a nearby tree or park bench, and replacing one screen-based habit with an outdoor ritual. The article’s main takeaway is that regular attention to nearby plants and animals may help people feel more grounded, attentive and connected.