Rethinking Teen Mental Health, Nature, and What Adults Are Getting Wrong with Dr. Nevin Harper In this episode of The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Nevin Harper, PhD professor, registered clinical counsellor, outdoor therapy pioneer, and co-author of Kids These Days and Nature-Based Therapy. Nevin brings over 30 years of experience leading transformative outdoor experiences and mental health interventions with young people. He’s also a critical voice in challenging the conventional mental health system and offering real-world alternatives that are grounded, relational, and often — outdoors.

In this episode, we unpack:

🌲 Why nature-based therapy works — especially for boys and men

📉 What’s really driving the youth mental health crisis (hint: it’s not just social media)

🧠 How modern mental health systems often miss the mark

👣 The power of movement, mastery, and meaningful risk in building resilience

🛑 Why overprotection and intervention can do more harm than good

Nevin says:

“Young people don’t need fixing — they need space, connection, and adults who trust them.” “The problem isn’t kids these days — it’s adults these days.”

“If we want healthier, more resilient youth, we need to start looking outside — literally and figuratively.”

We also cover:

✅ Why traditional talk therapy may fall short for teens and young men

✅ What adults can do today to better support young people

✅ The science behind autonomy, mastery, and connection in healthy development

✅ What we’re getting wrong in schools, homes, and policy

✅ How outdoor therapy is changing the game in mental health treatment

Who this episode is for:

Parents, educators, and therapists feeling frustrated or helpless about teen mental health

Men interested in nature-based healing and somatic approaches

Youth workers and coaches looking for better ways to connect

Listeners ready to challenge the over-clinical, overprotective approaches of modern systems Follow and connect with Nevin Harper:

https://www.nevinharper.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevinharper/

https://adultsintheroom.substack.com/

https://www.kidsthesedaysbook.com/