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Promoting Active Therapy: Path to Wellness

Can Nature-based Physical Activity Improve Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety?

Who can join

Ages 18 to 65 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Current client of a participating therapist who has completed study training
* Diagnosed depressive or anxiety disorder
* Able to safely engage in moderate physical activity
* Willing to complete all study requirements

Exclusion Criteria:

* Planning to discontinue therapy in less than 6 months
* Active suicidal ideation
* Does not pass exercise risk screener

About the study

This project will examine changes in depression and anxiety following a 10-week intervention promoting nature-based physical activity in mental health settings. We will recruit ten licensed therapists whose caseload includes adults with depression and anxiety. Following a training by our team, each participating therapist will recruit six clients, who will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control condition. Clients in the intervention condition will engage in walk-and-talk therapy outdoors during weekly sessions and discuss strategies for being active outdoors on their own. We will assess changes in depression, anxiety, and nature-based physical activity in both groups.

What is being tested

• Walk-and-talk therapy (behavioral)

Sponsor: Kansas State University · Participants: 60 · Started: Feb 28, 2025

Contact the study team

• Emily L Mailey, PhD · Phone: 847-224-1199
• Gina M Besenyi, PhD · Phone: 785-532-6765

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06858189

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Depression
• Anxiety

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.