About
Our Story
The idea for Green Mind Psychiatry originated in Tucson while Dr. Wes Tate was completing his psychiatry training at the University of Arizona. He observed that the Sonoran Desert played a significant role in the healing process for many clients, complementing medications. During his two decades of practice in Colorado, Dr. Tate recognized the beneficial effects of nature on his patients' mental health. By joining the Community Engagement, Design and Research Center at the University of Colorado, he worked to improve access to green spaces for at-risk families in Boulder. This experience reinforced his belief in nature's remarkable benefits, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people found comfort outdoors. Motivated by these insights, Dr. Tate began recommending time in nature as an alternative to medication for many clients and developed a group therapy program that integrates traditional therapeutic methods with the restorative power of nature, leading to the creation of Green Mind Psychiatry, where he supports clients in their healing journeys through nature.
In today's tech-driven world, the therapeutic benefits of nature are often overlooked. Research demonstrates that spending time in nature improves mental well-being, alleviating symptoms of mental illness and fostering positive states like calm, clarity, confidence, and connection. These elements form the "Green Mind," a mindset nurtured through nature experiences.
Mission
Empowering Lives Through Nature
Connecting with nature boosts your mood and fosters positivity, enhancing mental well-being. Natural settings offer a break from everyday stress, allowing us to take a moment to reconnect with ourselves. Integrating nature into mental health care is essential, as therapeutic approaches that involve nature—whether through structured activities or personal exploration—can significantly aid the healing process.
At Green Mind Psychiatry, we support our clients on their journeys by tapping into the healing power of nature, helping them achieve peace, balance, and a more fulfilling life. Nature offers a powerful and transformative approach to mental health treatment.
Our Founder
Meet our psychiatrist, the heart of Green Mind Psychiatry, dedicated to promoting nature's healing benefits and sharing strategies to enhance well-being.
Dr. Wes Tate
Psychiatrist
Dr. Wes Tate is a board-certified psychiatrist with 20 years of experience in integrative psychiatry, combining medication management with holistic and nature-based therapies to help clients of all ages overcome mental health challenges and live fulfilling lives. He also serves as the Medical Director of The Trauma Foundation in Seattle and as the Co-Director of The Learning Network of the Nature and Health Alliance.
Advantages
Discover how nature improves psychological skills and mental health more effectively than conventional treatments.
Reduced Stress
Nature provides a calming environment that reduces anxiety better than a clinic, allowing individuals to relax and connect without the stigma of being a patient.
Heightened Senses
Nature captivates our senses—sights, sounds, scents, and textures—fostering mindfulness and awareness of the present moment, which are essential for emotional processing.
Positive Emotions
Green spaces revitalize us, promoting positive feelings and reducing anxiety. Spending time in nature boosts happiness by triggering the release of endorphins and serotonin.
