California Horticultural Therapy Network

Catalyzing collaborations to advance the profession of Horticultural Therapy in California

HORTICULTURE AS THERAPY

Horticultural therapy is the professional discipline of horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist (HTR) to achieve specific goals within an established treatment, rehabilitation, or vocational plan.

Horticultural therapy is an active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end-product. (American Horticultural Therapy Association).

Horticultural therapy involves:

a defined treatment procedure that focuses on plant or plant-based activities

a client with a diagnosed treatment need

specific goals or objectives identified that can be measured and evaluated

programs found in a wide variety of healthcare, rehabilitative and residential settings where people have an established treatment plan

treatment delivered by an HTR

A Horticultural Therapist Registered (HTR) is a member of the American Horticultural Therapy Association and has a foundation of knowledge in plant science, human science, and horticultural therapy principles, has demonstrated experience in the application of horticultural therapy practices, and has successfully completed the registration process with the AHTA.

A Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (THP) A Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (THP) has a foundation of specific education in horticultural therapy principles, has demonstrated experience in the application of therapeutic horticulture practices, and has successfully completed the application process with the American Horticultural Therapy Association.

For a complete description of designations please visit the AHTA website

Horticultural Therapy vs. Therapeutic Horticulture

California Horticultural Therapy Network

californiahtnetwork@gmail.com