Spending time in nature–casually referred to as “nature therapy”–has many positive mental health outcomes. Each year, new studies emerge highlighting how people can nurture their health by spending increased time in nature, getting exposure to sunlight, and bringing natural elements (like house plants) indoors.

If you have ever been stressed and found yourself feeling calmer after a walk outside, then you know from personal experience how nature can help reduce tension and lift your mood. Here is a brief glimpse into the ways that nature “therapy” is great for mental health for people of all ages.

Humans Are a Part of Nature: It Makes Sense That We Need It

While it is easy to feel–and be–disconnected from nature, people are a part of nature. Historically, most of human life was spent outdoors, which means that our brains and bodies are naturally adapted to life outside.

Humans shifted from hunter gatherer lifestyles, to agrarian systems with farming and more permanent settlements, and in more modern times, we spend time in office buildings, indoor shops, and the confines of apartments and houses.

From a “big picture” historic perspective, humans are used to a lot of time in nature, but modern humans now spend 90% of our time indoors. That is a sharp decrease from what we were accustomed to by design.

Eco-psychology studies the link between nature and health

People in cities that have little green space often deal with cognitive fatigue. This is where eco-psychology comes in: how can we design cities that center our basic need for nature?

Ecopsychology has helped people consider how to better design their homes, office spaces, backyards, and more, to be reflective of nature. Studying the link between nature and health has also helped reveal that plants and green space help reduce stress. Even spending some time in a backyard or “pocket park” can produce positive outcomes.

Children also need nature for overall, strong mental health

Bringing family or friends to a park is an easy way to be outside, get some movement, take a break from screens, and experience a mood boost. Many studies suggest that children with attention deficit disorders may experience reduced symptoms when they consistently spend more time in nature.

If you have a child in your life and you can consider a weekly trip to a regional or city park, a local school garden, or even a local, favorite tree, you are helping your child stay healthy on many levels. Kids often know how to explore nature and can remind adults too, when we forget or when it’s been a while.

Simply feeling connected to nature is good for children, teenagers, and adults.

Nature Therapy can Improve Quality of Life

Many types of therapy can help people realize big epiphanies like, “I want to have more energy in my life,” or “I want a job that allows me to spend my weekends in nature, with no need to check email.”

There is also an abundance of nature-based activities, from hiking to looking for rainbows after a good rain. Maybe make a list of three activities in nature you miss doing or that you are curious to try. Can you try one this week? Therapists can also help you set healthy lifestyle goals and spend more time in nature.

North American Mental Health Services has offices in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to work with a therapist in person. Online therapy is available through HomePsych.

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NAMHS has launched a full-scale rebrand. The executive team initiated the rebrand to provide a refreshing new look to reflect the new life within our growing and evolving company.

Haylee Ward, NAMHS Communication & Design Specialist, created the logos to better communicate what we do, who we are, and what our mission is in this new stage of the organization.

Logo Exposition

The North American Mental Health Services “mark” refers to the NA focal point in each of the three logos and is composed of three parallel, double line pillars. To unify the three NAMHS divisions, our new logos connect through one harmonious symbol. Each pillar represents a company: North American Mental Health Services, Native American Mental Health Services, and Homepsych.

The NA is a reflective shape to show the goal of reflective care in all our clinics and with each patient: the competent care our providers deliver is based on the specific needs of our patients. Layered into the “mark,” two inner lines of the outer pillars are a slightly different shade of orange. This intentional design is symbolic of our two main service offerings— therapy and medication management — that are the pillar of our practice.

The composition of the complete logo was done with specific intention to highlight our mission. The primary logo places the “mark” on top of “Mental Health Services” underscoring mental health services as our company’s foundation. NAMHS was created to support the need for mental health services within the underserved communities we reach.

The primary logo also places “North American” centered on top of the “mark,” with the center of the mark pointing up towards “North American” to direct our patients to the solution for mental health needs: NAMHS.

The NA “mark” is repeated within the logo of each of the three companies we operate services through (North American, Native American and HomePsych) to create a cohesive look across the board and highlight their relationship. The Main differentiating factor lies in what we refer to as the finishing embellishments that complete each of the logos. The finishing embellishments  along with a specific primary color inclusion are unique differentiators.

The embellishments—the head silhouette, the feather, and the window— depict the key service element of each respective company’s work.

North American: The Head Silhouette

Featuring an upturned silhouette, the North American Mental Health Services logo depicts a patient, looking forward and slightly up towards the future. As our mission states: At NAMHS, we are “changing lives to change the future.”

Native American: The Feather

The Native American Mental Health Services logo is symbolic of the native communities that we serve. Our Native American Mental Health Services mission is to provide mental health care that leads to health and wellness for the individual, home, community and nations. The feather itself is embedded with powerful symbolism, and here the angle is intended to mimic forward movement on one’s healing journey.

HomePsych: The Window

The window in the Homepsych logo has a dual stylistic role. First, it plays a part in making the logo’s big “A” a house from where a patient can receive care. The window also creates an abstract depiction of 2 people conversing: a patient and a virtual provider on a computer screen.

The Future of NAMHS

We believe this new look embodies NAMHS’ growth and evolution. We are looking forward to what the future holds for our company and for the patients we serve.

About NAMHS

North American Mental Health Services provides in-office therapy and medication management from offices in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Woodland, Monterey and Salinas. Native American Mental Health Services provides mental health services to native communities throughout California. HomePsych provides therapy and medication management entirely online to an expanding patient-base across California.

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North American Health Services is excited to announce that we are opening a new mental health center in Salinas, California.

Our newest behavioral health center in Salinas will provide the same high-quality mental health care as our current locations in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister. Our Salinas mental health facility will house psychiatrists, therapists, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners as well as office and support staff.

Patients will also be able to access medication management and therapy online through HomePsych, a division of NAMHS dedicated to online psych services.

NAMHS is currently hiring therapists and psych-certified NPs and PAs in Salinas. Learn about the mental health job openings on our website.

We look forward to sharing photos of our mental health professionals as well as the new facility.

North American Mental Health Services, Salinas is slated to open to the public in fall 2023 at 450 Lincoln Ave Suite 101 Salinas, CA 93901.

Feeling better starts with having the right person to listen

If you’re looking to work with a psychiatrist or therapist and are living in Salinas or another of our service areas, we welcome you at NAMHS. Contact our office to start your journey towards well-being.

About North American Mental Health Services

North American Mental Health Services was founded in 2011. Today we have over 150 employees who serve patients in our expanding behavioral health clinics throughout California.

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What is a mental illness stigma? The word stigma refers to a trait that elicits social disapproval. Stigmas are often assigned to people with mental illness and can also affect people who break any kind of taboo (American Psychological Association).

Certain illnesses that have a negative perception, or stigma, attached to them, can make people feel especially isolated and excluded from the people who do not manifest that stigma. A stigmatized illness like schizophrenia, for example, is more likely to be met with judgment, distancing, and social isolation, than an illness such as cancer.

Here are three types of stigma and ways that they impact people who experience mental illness. We also explain key ideas for people who want to challenge stigmas and work toward a more understanding, compassionate world.

1. Public Stigma Occurs When People View a Trait or Disease as “Bad” or “Wrong”

Public stigmas manifest when groups of people believe that some traits are more desirable or “normal” than other traits. Because some stigmas are visible, such as having a visible disability, many people who have stigmas need to negotiate an ableist world that directly and indirectly challenges their worth. There are stigmas against people with mental health conditions, although that is slowly changing.

Erving Goffman conveys the social ramifications of stigma in his 1986 classic, Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Goffman’s sociological review of stigmas explores how public stigmas and stereotypes differ across cultures and throughout history.

Public stigmas can have harmful ramifications when they cause people to associate negative feelings and behaviors with an entire group of people, and then create policies to oppress that “othered” group. For example, if there is a public stigma for people struggling with drug addictions, and there is a stereotype of “drug addicts being bad or dangerous,” then city-wide officials who abide by those beliefs might be less likely to allocate funding for rehabilitation programs or transitional housing.

2. Self-stigma Can Happen When People with Stigmas Internalize Shame

There can be a harsh cycle of self-loathing for people who internalize the judgment they receive and in turn, blame themselves for their difference rather than question socially reinforced hierarchies.

You can recognize self-blame and shame when people make comments like, “I don’t deserve to get better” or “I am a burden to myself and society.” Rather than recognizing the complicated interplay of social and political spheres, people with self-stigmas are more likely to blame themselves.

Because of self-stigmas, people are more reluctant to ask for help, due to a myriad of reasons, including a possible belief that they don’t deserve different treatment from society.

3. Structural Stigmas Exist in the Policies that Marginalize People with Stigmas

Let’s focus on mental illness. Structural stigmas for mental illness can be seen when workplace policies discriminate against people for having a mental illness, but not against people for having a “body” illness. Both types of discrimination are not always legal, but they can happen in covert ways that are difficult to track.

Structural barriers can be embedded in healthcare policies, employment and income options, housing options, education systems, criminal justice policies, immigration policies, reproductive rights, and more. For example, many people with schizophrenia who are trying to secure a job or housing feel that they cannot disclose that information because they would “never be hired” on account of their illness–even if they manage their illness with therapy and psychiatry. People who have been incarcerated and have mental illness may face double discrimination for breaking two social taboos at once. Landing a job while having a stigmatized identity can be difficult.

Exploring Stigmas: Raising Awareness is the First Step

One way to expand your awareness of stigmas is to ask yourself any of the following questions. Note or record your thoughts and over time, as you learn more about public stigmas, self-stigmas, and structural stigmas, see how your answers adapt.

Questions that explore stigmas:

• What do I define as a ‘normal’ body?
• What counts as a ‘normal’ occupation for me?
• What do I consider a ‘normal’ living situation?
• What is a ‘normal’ problem to have or show in society?
• Where did I absorb my ideas of “normal?”

People are most likely to empathize with people we can relate to, so try to not blame or judge yourself for whatever biases arise. Instead, ask where they may come from, these subtle messages that some lives matter more than others.

For example, if you feel more empathy toward a woman who lives in a house and is a teacher who is having a bad day, than, say, a woman without a house who has schizophrenia and is also having a bad day, you may want to ask–from a place of curiosity, not blame–why that is. Stigmas often relate to a bigger personal and social question: how do we decide who gets empathy? The book Misery and Company by Candace Clark offers more insight around this complicated question and its real-life ramifications.

More Ways to Learn about Stigmas

Remember that stigmas change over time. For example, in the 1950s, people who went to therapy risked being stigmatized. Now, social norms have shifted so that among some cultures, it’s seen as an asset if you prioritize your mental health and have a therapist for added support.

Here are three additional ways you can take your knowledge of stigmas to the next level.

1. Host a book club with Erving Goffman’s sociology book, Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Gather to discuss how your idea of stigmas has changed after reading this book, if applicable.
2. Ask yourself if you have ever felt the impact of a public, self, or structural stigma. Write your personal story down and if you feel safe, share your story with a friend, colleague, therapist, or someone you know. One way of reducing the harm of stigmas is to talk openly about how stigmas have personally impacted our life; of course, this also puts the burden of change on the person already impacted by the stigma, which is not ideal.
3. Call out stigmas when you see them, especially if the stigma does not directly target you. You can be a mental health ally when someone says a harmful comment at work, for example, that makes fun of people with mental illness. There are ways to handle this in a way that makes the person who made the comment feel open to learning, such as waiting for a private moment to pull them aside and tell them how the comment affected you.

Can Therapy Deepen My Awareness of Stigmas?

Therapy can help people assess the beliefs and values that inform how they live and how they value the people around them. Therapists and counselors can also help people gain tools for how to manage a stigmatized illness and have compassion for themselves, rather than internalized shame.

We encourage residents in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to request an appointment to work with a NAMHS therapist in person or inquire about our online therapy care.

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It’s great that people get support when they need it, and you can also choose therapy when you’re doing fine.

In other words, everyone can benefit from heightened self-awareness, communal awareness, and communication skills. Maybe you or your family have habits you would like to change together. Maybe you want to improve your communication skills with coworkers or partners. Therapists can help.

Can Online Therapy Help Me with Communication?

Increased self-awareness and advanced communication skills help people navigate the easy and the hard parts of life. Online therapy gives people tools to practice self-care, set boundaries, communicate their needs, and prioritize healthy relationships.

Despite what the movies show, therapists do not only support people when they are in the depths of despair–although they can and do support people in crisis. Therapists also help people work toward their goals and practice breathing, mindfulness, and other stress management techniques.

Take the time to find the right therapist. Some therapists offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Others specialize in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or other approaches. Do a bit of research and find what works for you.

Therapy Near Me: How to Find a Therapist

At HomePsych, our  online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointmentto begin.

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With teletherapy, people can receive the support they need from their home, their workplace, or whichever environment they prefer. Here are three benefits of teletherapy. We’ve also added details about what to expect from online sessions.

1. Teletherapy Saves You Time By Eliminating Commutes

Before Covid-19 and the lockdown, online therapy did exist; the pandemic simply increased the necessity and availability of remote therapy options. Research confirms that teletherapy is an effective option for receiving mental health support. It also reduces the physical barrier of getting to and from therapy, making this option more accessible for people with disabilities.

With teletherapy, you can plan to have your appointments anywhere you have cellular data or wifi, depending on if you prefer video or phone appointments. Some people enjoy walking while they are on the phone with their healthcare professional. Other people prefer talking in their parked car or a private room with headphones on, to maximize privacy. Online therapy makes that possible.

Either way, with in-person therapy and online therapy, it may take a few sessions to get to know your teletherapist provider and feel comfortable. The first session, for example, is often an introductory call to get to know what’s on your mind and what is bringing you stress, joy, confusion, etc., in your life.

You Can Still Receive Psychiatric Support Via Teletherapy

Online therapy means less time spent commuting and more flexible scheduling–all while receiving the same, effective treatment as in-person psychiatry. Teletherapy can include psychiatric care, such as prescriptions and medication management. Make sure your support team consists of licensed professionals who are qualified to help.

For online psychiatry appointments, you can expect the same level of care that you would have with an in-person appointment. This means that your healthcare providers are there to listen to you and provide expert advice that centers on your needs. At HomePsych, we can connect you with licensed psychiatrists who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and adjust medications depending on their efficacy.

Depending on your situation, you may prefer in-person appointments, which can be more effective for people navigating substance use disorders, severe depression, and schizophrenia. You can always be transparent and ask your support team if they think online therapy or in-person therapy is best for you; during that conversation, you can also express your needs, concerns, and questions about online versus in-person therapy, so you can make an informed decision.

Teletherapy Can Reduce The Delay In Getting Care

Another benefit of online therapy is that it can reduce the time it takes to match people with the licensed team of professionals they need. At HomePsych, we can get you an appointment within 7–10 days. You can get started by contacting us.

Many healthcare providers are leveraging the tools available with virtual care and increasing the number of people they can support. This is important since during the pandemic, and to this day, people need mental health support. Before solidifying your teletherapy appointment, make sure you understand what your insurance plan does and does not cover.

In general, teletherapy has reduced the average wait time, especially as more and more healthcare providers increase their online availability and train their staff with the logistics of communication and online portals.

Get Professional Support With Talk Or Online Therapy

Teletherapy helps people understand what they need and make the lifestyle changes they want. At HomePsych, we make it easy to find compassionate, licensed therapists who accept online appointments.

Start feeling better today and discuss your mental health situation with someone who can help you plan the next steps.

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As you explore your options for mental healthcare, make sure you understand the similarities and differences between therapists and counselors.

Therapists and Counselors Often Prioritize Talk Therapy

From general mental health guidance to specialized support for mental illness, therapists and counselors may offer talk therapy as part of a treatment plan. People throughout the United States depend on talk therapy to achieve mental health goals.

To make your mental health a priority with clear direction, scheduling regular meetings with a professional can be a great first step. Since the pandemic, online talk therapy has helped more people access therapy at their convenience. Besides physically being in the same room as your therapist, online therapy also offers the same benefits as regular talk therapy.

Training and Licensing Differ for Therapists and Counselors

The details are confusing but here is the main point: training and licensing are different for therapists and counselors. Certifications and licenses vary per state. Research your state’s requirements; or if seeking online therapy, check the various state requirements of your potential therapist or counselor.

During an initial meeting, you can also ask therapists or counselors what their licensing and training entailed. As far as education requirements, counselors and therapists both hold master’s degrees. Keep in mind that vague titles like “life coach” are different and operate in an unregulated field.

Among licensed professionals, not all therapists will meet your needs, the same way that not all bosses or coworkers meet your needs. Keep looking until you find a match that feels right for you.

Take a Mental Health Step

Start feeling better today by working with a Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister. Remember that teletherapy is an option that many people use as part of their mental healthcare.

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