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.

At NAMHS we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. You don’t have to be a tribal member to benefit from psych services with our native partner Lassen Indian Health Center.

We are excited to announce that our psychiatry and medication management services are open to all who have Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Partnership HealthPlan of California.

Why Choose Our Mental Health Services?

Inclusive Care: Our clinics are committed to providing inclusive mental health services, breaking down barriers to access. You’re welcome here.

Experienced NAMHS Providers: Our team includes skilled and compassionate National American Mental Health Services (NAMHS) providers who specialize in Psychiatry and Medication Management. Your well-being is our priority.

Convenient Locations: With a local clinic in Susanville, we are conveniently located to serve the communities in and around this area. Accessible mental health care is now closer than ever.

Services We Offer:

Psychiatry Services: Our experienced mental health professionals are here to help you navigate and manage various mental health conditions, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.

Medication Management: Our providers are well-versed in the latest advancements in psychiatric medications. We work collaboratively with you to find the most effective and suitable treatment options.

Insurance Accepted:

Medi-Cal: Ensuring comprehensive coverage for eligible individuals.

Medicare: Providing accessible mental health care for seniors.

Partnership HealthPlan of California: Making quality mental health services available to our community members.

How to Schedule an Appointment:

Getting started on your mental health journey is simple. To schedule an appointment with our NAMHS providers at Lassen Indian Health in Susanville, contact them directly.

Call Lassen Indian Center: (530) 257-2542

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Your Mental Health Matters. At NAMHS We are Changing Lives to Change the Future.

When: Thursday, January 25, 2024, 5:00 PM-6:30 PM,

Where: 450 Lincoln Ave, Suite 101, Salinas

North American Mental Health Services is excited to announce our newest location supporting the Monterey Peninsula, in Salinas. NAMHS is a full-service Behavioral Health Clinic located in the heart of Salinas, offering a highly skilled team of mental health experts, including psychiatrists and therapists, dedicated to mental and behavioral wellness, with onsite and tele-health service options.

NAMHS Salinas strives to support and promote access to the Salinas community by providing personalized treatment plans catered to an individual’s whole wellbeing. We are committed to welcoming all and understanding that mental health is not a destination, but a journey. Please join us in celebration of our ribbon cutting ceremony. We are excited to have you meet the team, tour our facility, and learn more about our services.

NAMHS has mental health centers in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister as well as online therapy care.

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.

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.

Online therapy offers a convenient way for people to receive mental health counseling regardless of where they live. With the abundance of providers available, it’s important to find the right teletherapist, which means first understanding what is available.

In this article, we explore what online therapy offers and how it works. We also provide three tips for how to find the right teletherapist, making it easy for you to decide for yourself.

What is Online Therapy and Why Does It Matter?

Millions of people experience mental illness each year–and that’s only in the United States. To respond to the growing need for mental health counseling, providers are increasing the availability of online therapy, as opposed to traditional therapy which requires commuting to a therapist’s office.

• phone calls
• video conferencing
• website messaging
• therapy apps

If you have ever participated in a phone call or a video call with a therapist or messaged a therapist in a special app on your phone, then you have participated in online therapy. Practitioners who provide these services online are teletherapists, though many prefer the more general term, therapists.

Online therapy has increased the accessibility for millions of people to receive counseling, especially for people in rural areas who lack adequate mental health services. Additionally, many people with disabilities express a preference for online therapy. Since 2020, in response to Covid-19 and “remote life,” the number of people using online therapy has skyrocketed.

In short, online therapy matters because we live in a world that can be stressful, challenging, and alienating. Online therapy gives people the tools they need to feel seen, valued, and equipped to handle life’s curveballs.

Online therapy may require a laptop, phone, and stable internet connection.

How Does Online Therapy Work?

Online therapy, or teletherapy, remains in high demand and it employs similar tools used in “regular” therapy. Many people prefer it to traditional therapy, since the former can easily fit into their schedule, and 97% of psychologists believe that online therapy should remain post-pandemic.

In general, online therapy works by connecting individuals with licensed mental health professionals. After filling out a contact form or requesting an appointment, you can expect to hear from your online therapy provider about the availability of teletherapists, the prices, and any additional features. They will match you with a therapist who meets your unique needs.

At HomePsych, our online therapy works by offering one-on-one talk therapy between a patient and a licensed therapist. After an initial appointment via phone or video conferencing, you can opt to continue seeing this teletherapist for a set number of sessions, or until you feel you have gained adequate tools and support.

In terms of payment, you might pay a copay each session or front the bill and be reimbursed later by your insurance after filing a claim.

Can HomePsych Prescribe Medication?

At HomePsych, our therapists offer talk therapy and our psychiatrists provide medication management. This means that we can prescribe medication. If this applies to you, check the box for “Medication Management” when you request an appointment with HomePsych.

Ready to get started with online therapy? Contact HomePsych today!

We can be our own worst critics, and doing online therapy can help people access help with more ease. Working with a mental health professional—like a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist—can allow us to see the truth in our situations from an unbiased perspective.

Learning Life and Coping Skills

Mental Health professionals use different techniques to help people make lasting changes in their lives. Therapy allows you the opportunity to examine your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. You can also gain skills, like coping with your thoughts and emotions and learn techniques to deal with stressors. These skills can be applied to different situations throughout life, with different people and different situations. In short, therapy can create lasting changes.

Both in-person and online therapy can help create positive cycles. If you’re feeling more in control and self assured, those feelings create an impact in your environment. More happiness can lead to more productivity which can lead to more positive outcomes. More positive outcomes can create more happiness, and the cycle continues.

Online Therapy with HomePsych

People find that doing online therapy is a more convenient way to work with a therapist. Anywhere there is an internet connection, you can use your smartphone or computer to easily connect. It also allows flexibility in scheduling appointments and eliminates micro stressors like drivetime or taking extra time off of work and life responsibilities.

Stress is a part of life, but chronic stress can be draining, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Ready to work with an online therapist? Contact HomePsych today! NAMHS also has offices in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister  for patients who prefer to work work with a NAMHS therapist in person.