Welcome to 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.
Learn about AHTA
🌿 Save the Date — AHTA 2026 Annual Conference Coming to Beautiful San Francisco!
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that the 2026 AHTA Annual Conference will be held in person — and in one of the most stunning and inspiring locations around: San Francisco, California!
Our dedicated Conference Work Team is already hard at work dreaming up and planning an unforgettable experience. Expect wonderful tours, hands-on workshops, interactive events, and educational sessions that highlight the incredible diversity of horticultural therapy programs and gardens throughout the Bay Area. From lush botanical spaces to innovative community projects, we can’t wait to share it all with you.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have ideas, suggestions, or would like to join the work team, we’d be delighted to have your creativity and perspective on board.
📧 Email aprilellislcsw@gmail.com to connect and get involved.
And now’s the perfect time to start thinking about how you might contribute to the conference. What story, research, or program do you want to share with the horticultural therapy world? Our Request for Proposals will be coming out in December, so start jotting down those presentation ideas!
We can’t wait to gather, learn, and grow together — in the gardens and green spaces of San Francisco! 🌸
Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (THP)
The American Horticultural Therapy Association is pleased to announce a new professional credential – The Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner, THP.
AHTA is now accepting applications for this new credential. The THP is intended for practitioners who provide therapeutic horticulture services aligned with the AHTA definition:
The engagement of a participant in active or passive horticultural-related activities.
The participant has an identified disability, illness, or life circumstance requiring services.
The activity is facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist or other professional with training in horticulture.
The participation is in the context of the goals and mission of the organization.
AHTA Membership
Make a difference and help advance the profession of horticultural therapy by joining AHTA. Your membership will help support our mission to educate others about horticultural therapy, ensuring greater public awareness and access. Membership keeps you informed about the latest horticultural therapy news, gives you access to outstanding educational and networking opportunities, and more!
Support AHTA
Your generous support makes it possible for our organization to grow and thrive. Your contributions will help keep us going, including helping with the expenses of our annual conference, increasing our ability to work toward credentialing, offsetting the cost of our journal and other outreach publications, and connecting to colleges and universities, facilities, prisons, hospitals, and agencies that support the profession of horticultural therapy.
Want to receive AHTA emails?
Sign up today to receive AHTA emails. If you are interested in becoming a member, being on our email list is a great way to learn more about the AHTA. We send important updates, like our monthly newsletter and more!
