American Horticultural Therapy Association

AHTA is the national authority on horticultural therapy and supports professional development, evidence-based education, and a connected practitioner network. Founded in 1973, it describes itself as the only national organization in the United States dedicated to advancing horticulture as a therapeutic practice that supports human health and well-being, and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, membership-driven organization. Its mission is to promote and advance horticultural therapy as a respected therapeutic and rehabilitative profession, with commitments spanning dissemination, professional growth, standards and credentials, research promotion, advocacy, and educational opportunities. AHTA is launching the Horticultural Therapist – Board Certified (HT-BC) credential, with the certification launching in November 2026 and an inaugural testing window.

The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) was founded in 1973. It describes itself as the only national organization in the United States dedicated to advancing horticulture as a therapeutic practice that supports human health and well-being, and as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, membership-driven organization. AHTA states that it is the national authority on horticultural therapy and supports professional development, evidence-based education, and a connected practitioner network. Its stated mission is to promote and advance horticultural therapy as a respected therapeutic and rehabilitative profession. AHTA is preparing to launch the Horticultural Therapist – Board Certified (HT-BC) credential, with the certification launching in November 2026 and an inaugural testing window.

AHTA positions itself as the national authority on horticultural therapy and the only national organization in the United States dedicated to advancing horticulture as a therapeutic practice.

• Horticultural Therapist – Board Certified (HT-BC)

  A board certification launching in November 2026 that validates real-world competence through a rigorous, psychometrically-backed framework.

• AHTA Accredited Certificate Program

  An accredited certificate program; 59% of members from AHTA's annual survey have completed it.

1. 1American Horticultural Therapy Association | AHTAahta.org
2. 2About AHTA: Advancing Horticultural Therapy Since 1973ahta.org
3. 3AHTA HT-BC Board Certificationahta.org
4. 4Horticultural Therapy Strategic Partnerships | AHTAahta.org