SAN FRANCISCO –
Vidyard Video
“We can find reasons to hope even in dark times,” Dr. Van Susteren said. “We understand science. We have all the tools ... this is what we do for a living. We warn about behaviors that are going hurt us now and are going to be even worse down the road.”
In a video discussion, Dr. Van Susteren spoke with David A. Pollack, MD, about the accomplishments of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance, an organization they helped launch more than 2 years ago that warns the medical profession and the public about risks of climate change and the impact of climate disruption on mental health. One victory, for example, was getting the APA to vote to divest from fossil fuels.
Dr. Van Susteren and Dr. Pollack also discuss steps psychiatrists can take as individuals to provide care for patients suffering from the effects of climate change – such as prescribing “park therapy.” In their offices, physicians can look toward emerging solutions such as My Green Doctor and Health Care Without Harm, Dr. Pollack said.
Dr. Van Susteren has a private psychiatry private practice in Washington and has no disclosures. Dr. Pollack is affiliated with Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. He has no disclosures.