More and more studies have shown that exercise, any amount of exercise, is vital for good mental health.  In fact, the latest evidence suggests just 30 minutes of walking, 3 times a week, is enough to substantially improve anxiety and depression symptoms.  Studies have also shown that increasing our time outside, in more natural spaces, and away from devices, is also extremely beneficial to our overall health and wellness.​

 

Traditional therapy has long relied on the familiar setup of two chairs in a quiet room. While that environment can be incredibly supportive, healing doesn’t have to be confined to four walls.  Dr. Litton’s “Walk-and-talk” therapy takes the therapeutic process outdoors, combining the proven benefits of professional mental health support with the natural healing properties of movement and nature.

 

​Before lace-up shoes are required, we begin our work together with a traditional initial session, which can be held either in our office or via telehealth. During this first meeting,  Dr. Litton will discuss your goals and formulate a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. If walk-and-talk therapy is a good fit for your plan, your follow-up outdoor sessions will be scheduled from there. Because nature can be unpredictable, we always have a backup plan - in the event of inclement weather, we can easily shift our scheduled appointment to an office visit, move it to telehealth, or reschedule for another day.​

 

Insurance Coverage​

To utilize health insurance benefits for these sessions, our walk must begin and end directly at our office location in Vestavia. If you prefer to meet at an alternate location, such as a local park or nature trail, please note that insurance will not cover the session. Dr. Litton is happy to discuss both options to find the best fit for your preferences and budget.