Ecopsychology Certificate
We’re using knowledge about our place in the natural world to imagine new possibilities for many professions. Join us to explore the interface between humans and nature in the 21st century.
Understanding people’s emotional connections with the natural world can be integral to meeting therapeutic, educational, or sustainability goals. Lewis & Clark’s Ecopsychology Certificate program provides an opportunity for mental health practitioners and graduate students to enhance their training with an evidence-based, experiential, and socially progressive ecopsychology curriculum. Certificate coursework explores questions like:
- How do green spaces support the healthy development of children—and of communities?
- What happens when you bring nature into the counseling office? Or when you take therapy outdoors?
- How can psychological insights invigorate conservation efforts and support advocacy for social justice and community well-being?
The certificate is open to:
- Master’s students enrolled in Lewis & Clark Graduate School’s counseling programs
- Master’s students at comparable counseling degree programs
- Graduates of these counseling degree programs
- Professionals seeking to expand their mental health or counseling practice and contribute to an ecologically healthy world
Program Details
- Semester hours: 8
- Part-time and on-campus only
- Co-directors: Carol Doyle and Patricia Hasbach
The full program of study is available in the current catalog.
More Information and Next Steps
Ecopsychology In The News
WebMD Asks “Do You Need a Nature Prescription?”
While accessing nature certainly doesn’t require a formal prescription, Patricia Hasbach, certificate co-director, does believe “ecotherapy is one tool that [therapists] have to draw on to strengthen and deepen the work that [they’re] doing with clients or patients.”
Doctors and Psychologists are “Prescribing Nature” to their Patients
In an article posted to their website, Columbia Sportswear discusses why spending time outside is healing with leading ecotherapists, including certificate co-director Patricia Hasbach.
Human Nature
Lewis & Clark’s Ecopsychology Program draws on the healing power of the outdoors to enhance mental health.
Learn more about ecopsychology in an interview with Patricia Hasbach
An Ecopsychology Voices Interview, facilitated by Carol Koziol/
Ecopsychology co-director Patricia Hasbach discusses the rise of eco-anxiety with Clinician’s Digest
When given a nudge, a number of clients and students are admitting to an overwhelming concern about the news of today’s warming world, and with the fragility of life itself.