Recent research has demonstrated that spending time in nature significantly enhances both health and wellbeing. This effect is particularly profound for veterans, for whom skepticism of traditional therapy and the stigma associated with mental health issues pose significant barriers.

Therapeutic adventure programs offer a promising avenue for addressing veterans’ mental health needs while bypassing the stigma that often prevents them from seeking conventional treatment (Anderson et al., 2021).

Multiple studies have indicated that veterans who engage in outdoor activities experience reductions in depression, substance abuse, and suicide rates.

Therapists Trade the Couch for the Great Outdoors

Links to 5 studies