Nature-Based Therapy: Mental Health Benefits 

Written By J West

Nature isn’t just a pleasant backdrop; in the hands of trained clinicians, it becomes a powerful tool for healing.

At Insight Therapy Group, we’ve experienced this firsthand while developing “Search Within,” our private, dedicated outdoor space in the Cedar Rapids corridor. Here, we offer nature-based interventions (NBIs) like horticulture therapy and environmental immersion to complement traditional talk therapy.

What are the mental health
benefits of Nature-Based therapy?

Horticultural Therapy Can Reduce Depression and Stress

A systematic review of multiple studies published in the journal *Cities* in 2025 found that targeted horticultural therapy (HT) interventions can provide a range of mental health benefits. The review reported that six studies showed improvements for depressive symptoms, three found that HT interventions mitigated stress, and two studies reported a positive influence on anxiety**. This suggests that simply working with plants in a structured therapeutic setting can be a powerful tool for emotional regulation.


Nature-Based Therapy Improves PTSD Symptoms

Research on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has shown that nature-based therapy (NBT) can have a positive impact. A comprehensive review found that studies demonstrated a positive impact on PTSD symptoms, quality of life, and hope, with none of the studies finding a negative impact of the interventions. This indicates that being in a natural environment can offer significant relief for trauma. In our “Search Within” space, elements like wind, sunlight, and even wildlife can help break down barriers to treatment that some people experience with traditional office-based therapy.


Nature Exposure Helps Manage ADHD Symptoms in Children

A 2024 systematic review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found strong support for the benefits of exposure to nature on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in school-aged children. The review noted consistent reports that exposure to nature is associated with reduced ADHD diagnoses and symptom severity. The gentle, multi-sensory input of a garden or natural area can help restore cognitive function and improve attention in ways that an indoor office often cannot.


Beyond the Brain: What This Means For You

These research-backed benefits all point to one conclusion: nature is a powerful, accessible resource for mental wellness. At Insight Therapy Group, our “Search Within” space is designed to help you access these benefits in a safe, guided way.

Whether you struggle with anxiety, trauma, or daily stress, spending part of your therapy session outdoors might be the key that unlocks a new level of healing.

Are you ready to experience the difference that nature-based therapy can make? Reach out today to learn more about our horticulture therapy and outdoor sessions. Let’s begin your journey.

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Sources:



J West
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