Nature-based mental health care is worth the investment, researchers say

[erronis]

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-07-nature-based-mental-health-worth.html
Griffith University

A new study underlines the annual AU$7 trillion (US$5 trillion) value of nature in mental health benefits and is calling for urgent government action to expand access to nature as a frontline response to the worsening global mental health crisis.

The commentary, published in Communications Health, highlights that while nature has been proven beneficial for mental health, clinical health care does not provide it, and lifestyle medicine is not available to all.

"People need nature to counteract burnout," said co-author Professor Paula Brough, director of the Center for Work, Organization and Wellbeing at Australia's Griffith University.

The study also highlighted the strong economic case for investment, citing protected areas, national parks and greenspaces that already contributed an estimated AU$7 trillion (US$5 trillion) annually through mental health benefits, with further gains expected through reduced health care costs and improved productivity.

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