Why Mental Health Support Should Be a Right, Not a Privilege
A close up, blue-tinted image of roots with the words “Mental health support is a right, not a privilege” laid over top. The HTGH logo sits at the center bottom of the image, next to “made possible by the Minots Foundation”, with a hand drawn image of a matchbox with the words “Perfect Match: $25,000” written on the box.
“Nature was my first prescription—free, accessible, and vital. But it was only the beginning. It pointed me toward deeper healing...”
Whenever I share what I do and why, I’m met with an overwhelmingly positive response: “Keep doing what you’re doing. The world and our state of mental health need all the help they can get. Your inspiration is making a difference.” It’s reassuring to see so many recognize the struggles we face nationally and within the medical field to improve mental health care. But it also raises a critical question: Are we truly doing enough to meet the needs of those seeking help?
Mental health support should be a right, not a privilege. Can any of us honestly claim it’s treated as equal to fundamental rights like healthcare, education, or housing? If the answer is yes, we need to take a hard look. The stigma surrounding mental health has endured far longer than we care to admit—and it’s still very much alive. Mental health continues to be overlooked and undervalued, even as advocates work to elevate it to the level of physical health.
We are in an ongoing battle—a fight we must never abandon—for the care and dignity owed to those living in darkness.
I consider myself one of the fortunate ones. I chose to fight for my right to live fully and to build a life I can be proud of. In an unconventional way, I turned to nature as my first “therapy,” embarking on long walks not just to find my path, but to realize the journey would be ongoing. That walk was a catalyst—it showed me I needed more: more professional help, more connection, more community. I committed to therapy and online men’s groups, just as I committed to hiking 2,200 miles in search of clarity. Nature was my first prescription—free, accessible, and vital. But it was only the beginning. It pointed me toward deeper healing, gave me tools to keep going, and reminded me that healing is never linear.
The problem is, mental health care is nowhere near as accessible as nature. No barriers. No shame. Just presence and possibility. That’s how care should be. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to heal.
Many aren’t as fortunate to discover that power or the tools for self-healing. They need more—more support, more freedom to seek help without shame or delay. And that is everyone’s right.
I often reflect on the incredible chance it is just to be alive—to shape a life, to learn, to grow, to be human. And yet, for most of us, seeking support to cope with the weight of that experience is essential. Still, too many feel ashamed to admit it, as if asking for help means failure or weakness. That’s a lie. The truth is, seeking help through therapy, community, or even the simple act of saying “I need support”—is a fundamental right.
So why, then, is it so difficult to access?
When I came off the Appalachian Trail in 2015, I committed to healing. But I quickly realized that healing couldn’t rest on nature alone. My insurance covered less than half my therapy sessions. I had to navigate multiple applications, endless paperwork, and wait for approval—all while just barely exceeding the income threshold for assistance. That process almost broke me, more than the struggles that led me there.
Now imagine those in lower-income communities, marginalized populations, or without steady employment, facing even greater barriers in a system that often feels impossible to navigate. They deserve better.
Access to care should be a right, regardless of background, income, or employment. It should be easy, affordable, and immediate when it’s needed most.
Nature was the beginning of my healing, but it was never meant to stand alone. It pointed me toward more—more connection, more tools, more understanding. If only mental health care were as accessible and seamlessly integrated as nature’s role in healing.
As a mental health advocacy organization, our power lies in introducing new approaches. Nature is one of them. It’s transformative, but only part of a larger journey. We are committed to doing our part—and just as importantly, to fighting for easier, more equitable access to care. Because this is your right. And we will never stop fighting for it.
HIKE THE GOOD HIKE
