Amelia Baker

Amelia Baker, Ph.D., is a distinguished professor in the Master of Arts in Psychology program at the Rocky Mountain Institute for Mental Health.

Amelia has carved out a niche focusing on environmental psychology, community mental health, and personal development. Her background as an environmental activist, social worker, and clinical psychologist has instilled in her the belief that the principles used to foster resilience in nature can also be applied to promote psychological well-being and societal progress.

Based in Denver, Colorado, Amelia developed an innovative graduate master's program in psychology with a focus on ecological psychology. The curriculum she crafted allows students to earn certifications from the Environmental Psychology Association (EPA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and prepares them for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in CO. Many of her former students have gone on to present their research at international conferences, publish articles in peer-reviewed journals, and establish thriving practices.

Certified by the EPA as an Ecological Mental Health Consultant (EMHC), Amelia is also a member of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Psychology Division. She coordinates the Sustainability in Psychology Interest Group within the EPA and has consulted with conservationists and urban planners on integrating psychological insights into environmental policy.

Amelia has held several leadership roles within professional organizations, such as Past President of the Colorado Psychological Association; Executive Committee Member of the American Psychological Association (APA); and Chair of the Public Engagement Committee (APA). Dr. Baker currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Western Region for the APA.

She was a board member of the Colorado Psychology Licensing Board, the Colorado Mental Health Association, and the Alliance of Psychologist Educators and Supervisors.

Dr. Baker is an experienced editor, serving on the editorial boards for academic journals like the Journal of Ecopsychology and the International Review of Community Mental Health. She was previously on the editorial board for the Journal of Applied Social Psychology.

Amelia has been invited to speak at numerous exclusive gatherings. Some of her most sought-after presentations include Eco-Psychology Basics, Mental Health and the Environment, Techniques for Cultivating Resilience, Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health, and Integrating Wellness into Daily Life.

In her role as Core Faculty and Outreach Coordinator with Psychology@RockyMountain, Dr. Baker contributes as a content expert in ethical psychology practice and edits thePsychology@RockyMountainblog, which was recognized as one of the top psychology blogs of 2023.

Beyond her academic contributions, Dr. Baker acts as a media consultant on topics related to environmental impact on mental health and wellness, having appeared on platforms such as CNN Denver, PBS Nature Series, and NPR Colorado.

With over two decades of experience as a licensed psychologist, Amelia has worked with clients facing complex mental health challenges, including those exacerbated by environmental stressors. She has led multidisciplinary teams in community outreach programs, disaster response units, and eco-therapy initiatives. Dr. Baker is also the Director of Community Wellness at GreenMind Centers of Denver, the first facility in the region to integrate green space therapy into conventional treatment protocols for anxiety disorders.

Outside of institutional settings, Amelia specializes in applying ecological psychology techniques to help individuals and communities develop sustainable practices for mental health. Her work has garnered national attention, featured in publications like the 2022 book chapter "Environmental Influences on Clinical Psychology," her latest ebook "Greening Mental Health," and her motivational speech at TEDxDenverWomen.