---
title: "Nature therapy"
chunk: 2/2
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_therapy"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T03:37:46.523814+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

== Criticism ==
Recent reviews have noted that results often vary depending on study design and population, which makes it difficult to measure long-term effects of nature-based therapies with consistency.
A 2012 systematic review study showed inconclusive results related to the methodology used in studies. Spending time in forests demonstrated positive health effects, but not enough to generate clinical practice guidelines or demonstrate causality.
Other scholars have noted that the growing popularity of nature-based therapies sometimes leads to overgeneralized claims, where emotional or cultural meanings of nature are emphasized more than scientific evidence.
Additionally, there are concerns from researchers expressing that time spent in nature as a form of regenerative therapy is highly personal and entirely unpredictable. Nature can be harmed in the process of human interaction.
While there is growing interest in using nature for mental health treatment, experts warn that more randomized and controlled studies are needed to confirm these effects scientifically.
Some reviews also highlight that many studies rely on self-reported feelings instead of objective measurements, which can make the results less reliable.
Researchers have also noted that some nature-based studies use very small sample sizes, which limits how confidently the results can be applied to larger populations.

== Governmental support and professionalization ==

In Finland, researchers recommend spending about five hours a month in nature as a preventative health measure, based on studies suggesting that regular outdoor time can lower risks of depression and other stress-related issues. South Korea's approach is more therapeutic, focusing on structured nature-based programs designed to support firefighters with post-traumatic stress disorder. Canada uses a medical-prescription model, where physicians can formally "prescribe nature" to encourage patients to spend more time outdoors for both physical and mental health reasons. Starting in 2019, general practitioners in the United Kingdom are referring patients to a program called Dose of Nature, which has been funded by the National Health Service, local governments and foundations. It boasts a recovery rate of 64% for its first 1500 patients, compared to a 50% rate for talk therapy as well as a higher reliable improvement rate.
Several national health agencies have also begun funding research to test how structured nature-based programs can support public health, especially for stress related conditions.
Some governments have partnered with environmental organizations to create certified training for nature-therapy practitioners, aiming to standardized skills and ensure safer program delivery.
Government have expanded training programs for teachers and youth workers to integrate nature-based practices into educational and community settings, reflecting growing recognition of their developmental benefits.

== References ==