About the American Horticultural Therapy Association

Established in 1973, the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) is the only national US organization advocating for the development of the horticultural therapy profession and the practice of horticulture as therapy for human well-being. AHTA supports the professional development, education, and expertise of horticultural therapy practitioners. Individuals and organizations located across the US and beyond are members. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership-driven organization with the mission to promote and advance the profession of horticultural therapy as a therapeutic and rehabilitative modality

AHTA defines and encourages the pursuit of outstanding standards of practice, disseminates critical knowledge across diverse constituent audiences, and recognizes and promotes excellence in clinical, professional, educational, and research achievement.

Membership is comprised of individuals and organizations from throughout the U.S., Canada, Japan, and beyond. To learn more about AHTA, its initiatives, resources, and benefits, please explore this website and visit the Membership Benefits page.

AHTA Mission

AHTA is a non-profit membership-driven organization whose mission is to promote and advance the profession of Horticultural Therapy as a therapeutic intervention and rehabilitative modality through:

• The dissemination of information relating to the principles and practices of horticultural therapy as a treatment modality.
• The encouragement of professional growth of horticultural therapy practitioners.
• The establishment of professional standards and a credentialing process for horticultural therapy practitioners.
• The promotion of research related to the impact of horticultural therapy as a treatment modality.
• The advocacy of horticultural therapy as a treatment modality to the public, the healthcare industry, the academic community, and the allied professions.
• The promotion of horticultural therapy educational opportunities.

View the AHTA ByLaws

View the Strategic Plan

DEI Statement

The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) recognizes that true diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), must go beyond a simple statement, and we understand this value must be at the core of AHTA is as an organization. The AHTA understands the importance of, and is committed to, promoting DEI in our programs, membership, and board of directors.
Just as biodiversity is essential for all natural systems, human diversity is central to the practice of horticultural therapy. Horticultural therapy impacts many populations and communities, and we embrace all individuals inclusive of all abilities, ages, ethnicities, genders, races, sexual orientations, economic status or spiritual beliefs. Moreover, the AHTA is committed to ensuring that the diverse communities in which we serve are more greatly represented among its membership and leadership bodies. We recognize that the experiences, perspectives, and values, and contributions of diverse individuals and communities expand our network’s reach and engage more people in the AHTA’s mission, thus making the profession stronger and more impactful.
The AHTA is committed to embracing all people in the communities where we work. We are dedicated to increasing the diversity of our board, members, and supporters. Diversity, equity, and inclusion matters to the AHTA. The contributions, experiences, perspectives, and values of diverse individuals and communities help build a strong profession and AHTA aims to expand our network’s reach and engage more people in our mission.

Why Is the American Horticultural Therapy Association Important?

AHTA PROMOTES HORTICULTURAL THERAPY (HT) AND THE PROFESSION

• Provides a national voice and presence for horticultural therapy
• Works for validity and advancement of the profession
• Creates awareness of horticultural therapy through National HT Week
• Is the most effective source of information about horticultural therapy
• Can monitor current trends in the profession and other allied professions
• Can reach a wide variety of professions and professional contacts, including healthcare
• Ability to fundraise on behalf of the Association and the profession
• Maintains professional registration standards
• Is positioned to pursue accreditation for HT professionals
• Defines and promotes standards of practice and ethics
• Has an international presence
• Promotes horticultural therapy through strength in numbers

AHTA SUPPORTS MEMBERS

• Registers practitioners at HTR level
• Advertises career opportunities (jobs/internship positions)
• Offers a user-friendly and expanded website that includes a members’ section
• Offers awards that publicize and recognize programs and individuals
• Communicated with members through the AHTA newsletter, Board Bulletin, and a
• forum on LinkedIn

AHTA SUPPORTS EDUCATION

• Creates standards for internships and intern supervisors
• Accredits, supports, and monitors horticultural therapy certificate programs
• Publishes the Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
• Offers an annual conference
• Encourages networking among members and regional groups
• Is the major contact for educational institutions nation-wide
• Advises international programs in horticultural therapy