Joint Advocacy & Outreach Committee

The Climate Psychiatry Alliance and Climate Psychology Alliance of North America established a Joint Advocacy & Outreach Committee in 2021. The committee, which is chaired by Dr. Lise Van Susteren, is composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who work in the United States. 

Overall committee goals:

• Advocate for policies and programs addressing climate change and mental health in the public and private sectors.

• Communicate with the public about policies and programs related to climate change and mental health.

• Educate and train other mental health professionals on policies, programs, and advocacy related to climate change and mental health.

Current Committee Work

Much of the committee’s current work is focused on advocacy to state and local governments. Committee members take the lead on advocacy in their own localities, with the support and guidance of the broader committee. Highlights of recent efforts include:

• Meetings in 2023 with leaders in Massachusetts, including the Climate Chief, Cabinet officers, Senate President, and other elected and appointed officials. These meetings took place while the new administration of Gov. Maura Healey was developing new climate change policies and programs. 

  To learn about the topics covered in these meetings, see our initial letter to the Climate Chief and follow-up letters to Senators and Cabinet secretaries.

• In the District of Columbia, we provided testimony to the DC Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency and the DC Council, advocated for inclusion of climate change in continuing education for health professionals, and made presentations to various health and environmental groups.

  See our testimony (and slides) to the Commission and letter to the Director of the Department of Health.

• In New York State, we have met with several elected officials and are planning a larger meeting with legislators and a press event for the public for early 2025. Our goal is to increase understanding of the mental health dimensions of climate change and encourage legislative action in this area.

• In Pennsylvania we are working to educate local health officials and professionals about the mental and behavioral health impacts of climate change. See slides for presentations made in Lehigh County in July 2024 and November 2024.

• Advocacy in Connecticut, including testimony to the state legislature and communications with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

• Recommendations made in 2022 to the transition team for the incoming administration of Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland.