Send us a text

In this episode of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast, psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Steven Sugden explores how psychiatry must adapt to the realities of a rapidly changing world.

We discuss how traditional models of addiction — including the brain disease, learning, and psychodynamic frameworks — offer insight not only into substance use but also into modern exposures like ultra-processed foods, climate-related stressors, and disrupted lifestyles.

Drawing from clinical experience and a holistic understanding of how environment, behavior, and health intersect, Dr. Sugden explains why these factors deserve greater attention in psychiatric practice and recovery models.

Highlights from this episode:

• A walkthrough of the three major models of addiction and how they apply to both substance use and behavioral patterns
• How junk food and ultra-processed foods may represent the first addictive exposure in early life
• The impact of heat exposure on emotional regulation, impulsivity, and psychiatric vulnerability
• How rising global temperatures and pollution are degrading food quality and deepening health disparities
• Why psychiatrists must expand their role to include advocacy, prevention, and environmental awareness in clinical care

This conversation challenges us to broaden the lens of psychiatry, acknowledging that many drivers of mental distress come not just from within, but from the world we live in.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms
 🌿 Learn more or support the CPA: climatepsychiatry.org

Support the show

Send us a text

In this third episode of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance podcast, we explore the psychological impact of climate change with Dr. Janet Lewis, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester and co-founder of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance.

Dr. Lewis walks us through her article “Climate Dialectics in Psychotherapy: Holding Open the Space Between Abyss and Advance,” explaining how therapists can help patients navigate climate change's emotional and psychological challenges. We discuss the importance of climate-aware therapy and how we can all hold space for eco-anxiety, grief, hope, and action in a rapidly changing world.

Throughout this episode, we explore:

• The five core climate dialectics and their role in shaping our responses to climate change.
•  How therapists can support patients in making sense of climate anxiety and eco-grief.
• Why holding space for conflicting emotions can help us cope and take meaningful action.
• The importance of acknowledging uncertainty while maintaining a sense of agency.

Resources:

📖 Read Dr. Janet Lewis’ article:
Lewis JL, Haase E, Trope A. Climate Dialectics in Psychotherapy: Holding Open the Space Between Abyss and Advance.Psychodyn Psychiatry. 2020;48(3):271-294. DOI: 10.1521/pdps.2020.48.3.271

🌿 Learn more about the Climate Psychiatry Alliance https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/

💚 Love this episode and looking to support our podcast and advocacy? Donate to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance today: https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/make-a-donation

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode, Dr. Emily Schutzenhofer and the Climate Psychiatry Alliance panel discuss the emotional impact of the recent U.S. election on climate mental health. They explore shared anxieties around climate distress and provide insights on resilience, community, and advocacy to help listeners stay engaged and hopeful amid uncertainty. Tune in for thoughtful guidance on supporting mental well-being and meaningful climate action.

Love this episode and looking to support our podcast and advocacy? Donate to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance today: https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/make-a-donation

Support the show

Send us a text

In this first episode of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance podcast, we talk with Dr. Robin Cooper, the president and co-founder of CPA. We explore her journey from early activism in civil rights and anti-nuclear movements to addressing the mental health impacts of climate change. 

Dr. Cooper discusses eco-anxiety, the psychological effects of climate-related disasters, and the critical role of mental health professionals in climate advocacy. We also share insights about environmental damage worldwide and personal perspectives on the broader challenges we all face.

We discuss the CPA’s origins and highlight its mission to bring climate awareness into psychiatry. We also discuss the huge importance of policy advocacy and the role of voting to achieve meaningful change. The episode concludes by providing listeners with resources and practical ways to engage in climate action and mental health advocacy.

Resources:

1. Climate Psychiatry Alliance (CPA) –  https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/ 
2. Climate Psychology Alliance North America (CPA-NA) –  https://www.climatepsychology.us/becomeamember
3. Physicians for Social Responsibility –  https://psr.org
4. Climate Health Now –  https://climatehealthnow.org

Love this episode and looking to support our podcast and advocacy? Donate to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance today: https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/make-a-donation

Support the show