Environmental Justice & Mental Health
Environmental justice intersects with behavioral health at the systems level, where structural inequities determine exposure to ecological toxins and climate-related stressors. For mental health clinicians, students, and community partners, understanding this intersection is vital to addressing the root causes of health disparities and fostering resilient, equitable outcomes in diverse populations.
Peer-Reviewed Articles
CLINICAL PRACTICE
The Structural Clinical Model: Disrupting Oppression in Clinical Social Work Through an Integrative Practice Approach
The Structural Clinical Model (SCM) challenges traditional individualistic approaches to clinical social work by encouraging practitioners to examine how systemic racism, white supremacy, and other forms of oppression influence organizations, supervisory relationships, and client experiences, thereby promoting structural assessment, critical dialogue, and anti-oppressive practice.
Professional & Government Resources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EJ 2020 Action Agenda Progress Report
A comprehensive government report outlining strategic frameworks for advancing environmental justice through federal agency collaboration and community-based initiatives.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Global Health Equity Framework
Guidance documentation on addressing the social and environmental determinants of health to achieve equity for clinicians and policy makers worldwide.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Environmental Health Competencies
A foundational guide defining the core competencies required for researchers and students to assess and address environmental health stressors.