Climate Change and Mental Health: Implications for the Psychiatric Workforce

Psychiatr Serv. 2022 May;73(5):592-595. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100227. Epub 2021 Aug 9.

Abstract

Climate change is a major global public mental health crisis that is expected to increase the need for mental health services. Psychiatrists and other mental health care providers must address workforce needs through recruitment, training and education, prevention and intervention, public policy and advocacy, and direct efforts to reduce climate change. This column discusses concrete steps for the psychiatric workforce to take to prepare for growing mental health needs associated with climate change.

Keywords: Environment; Planetary health; Prevention; Psychiatry; Public health; Workforce.

MeSH terms

  • Climate Change
  • Humans
  • Mental Health
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Psychiatry* / education
  • Workforce