Oral Presentations and Performances: Session I
Project Type
Presentation
Project Funding and Affiliations
NA
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Rachel Williamson
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Psychology
Additional Mentor
Ethan Sten (ethan.sten@umconnect.umt.edu)
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Previous research has established that climate change poses a serious threat to physical and mental health. Increases in climate change-related mental health concerns, including traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, highlight the need for climate-aware approaches to mental healthcare. Many mental healthcare providers already report encountering clients with climate-related concerns, but few feel adequately prepared to support these clients. Additionally, providers have expressed the need for further information, training, treatment, and assessment options to assist individuals with climate-related mental health concerns. The present study aims to investigate existing therapeutic strategies used to address climate-related concerns in clinical settings. Data collection from a sample of mental healthcare professionals in the Western United States and Canada began in early February 2026. Using thematic analysis, we will examine responses to open-ended questions related to providers’ approaches to addressing climate concerns in therapy. The qualitative research presented from this study will provide insight into current strategies used by mental healthcare professionals. The dissemination of these data could be imperative for individuals pursuing careers in the mental healthcare workforce amidst a changing climate. These findings may be particularly useful given the rising demand for climate change-related mental healthcare and limited guidance on climate-specific interventions.
Category
Social Sciences
Mental Healthcare Providers' Clinical Approaches to Climate Concerns
UC 330
Previous research has established that climate change poses a serious threat to physical and mental health. Increases in climate change-related mental health concerns, including traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, highlight the need for climate-aware approaches to mental healthcare. Many mental healthcare providers already report encountering clients with climate-related concerns, but few feel adequately prepared to support these clients. Additionally, providers have expressed the need for further information, training, treatment, and assessment options to assist individuals with climate-related mental health concerns. The present study aims to investigate existing therapeutic strategies used to address climate-related concerns in clinical settings. Data collection from a sample of mental healthcare professionals in the Western United States and Canada began in early February 2026. Using thematic analysis, we will examine responses to open-ended questions related to providers’ approaches to addressing climate concerns in therapy. The qualitative research presented from this study will provide insight into current strategies used by mental healthcare professionals. The dissemination of these data could be imperative for individuals pursuing careers in the mental healthcare workforce amidst a changing climate. These findings may be particularly useful given the rising demand for climate change-related mental healthcare and limited guidance on climate-specific interventions.