American Horticultural Therapy Association

What American Horticultural Therapy Association does

The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional membership organization founded in 1973 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. It operates as the sole national standard-setting body for horticultural therapy in the United States, serving credentialed practitioners, educators, students, healthcare facilities, community organizations, and academic institutions across North America, with credentialing recognition extending to Japan, Canada, and Taiwan. The association maintains a network of roughly 500 members and administers professional credentials including the Horticultural Therapist-Registered (HTR), Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (THP), and the newly launching Horticultural Therapist-Board Certified (HT-BC) designation scheduled for October 2026.

Its core offerings span credentialing, education, publications, events, and directories. Educational products include AHTA-Accredited Certificate Programs (college-level curricula combining evidence-based theory with hands-on application) and the Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database (THAD), which contains approximately 300 structured activities built through multi-state collaboration with the University of Florida and regional networks. Publications include the peer-reviewed Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture (now open access on Google Scholar) and the electronic magazine "Cultivating Healing," which reaches over 700 readers. The annual conference is the principal in-person gathering, with the 2026 edition in San Francisco marking the first co-presentation with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of annual membership dues, conference registration and sponsorship, advertising in the magazine, non-member job board listings ($50 for 60-day postings), certification exam fees, and tax-deductible donations. The go-to-market is community-led, relying on content marketing, regional networking groups, academic partnerships (e.g., University of Florida, National Pingtung University), industry partnerships (e.g., Ball Horticultural Company, Seed Your Future), and earned media coverage in outlets including Homes & Gardens and the Associated Press.

Name

American Horticultural Therapy Association

Legal name

American Horticultural Therapy Association

Website

https://ahta.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The American Horticultural Therapy Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association founded in 1973, serving as the sole national standard-setting body for horticultural therapy credentials, education, publications, and practitioner networking in the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Home Health Aide (HHA) & Personal Care Aide (PCA) (EDAOAJAM)

Keywords

• Horticultural therapy credentials
• Professional association services
• Therapeutic horticulture education
• Certification and accreditation
• Professional membership network

Headquarters

HQ city

Las Vegas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees providing access to professional resources, directories, networking, and member benefits including free webinars and reduced publication fees.
2. Conference Revenue: Annual conference registration fees and sponsorship revenue from the in-person Annual Conference.
3. Advertising & Sponsorship: Revenue from advertising in AHTA Magazine (Cultivating Healing) and sponsorship opportunities for conferences, webinars, and campaigns such as the Growing Impact Youth Wellness Campaign.
4. Job Board Listings: Free job postings for members, $50 fee for non-member job postings, listings remain active for 60 days.
5. Certification Fees: Revenue from the new HT-BC (Horticultural Therapist-Board Certified) credentialing exam launching October 2026, replacing the HTR designation for new applicants.
6. Donations & Annual Giving: Tax-deductible donations supporting conference expenses, credentialing efforts, journal costs, outreach publications, and connections to educational institutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

AHTA is the national authority and standard-setting body for horticultural therapy in the United States, founded in 1973 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It grants professional credentials (HTR, THP, and the new HT-BC Board Certification launching October 2026), accredits college-level certificate programs, publishes the peer-reviewed Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture and Cultivating Healing magazine, and operates the searchable HTR Directory. The organization hosts an annual conference, delivers continuing education webinars, and runs the Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database (THAD).

Product overview

The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) is a professional membership organization and standard-setting body for horticultural therapy, not a single unified software product. The core offerings include professional credentials (HT-BC Board Certification, HTR, THP), educational programs (AHTA Accredited Certificate Programs), directories (HTR & Member Directories), publications (Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, AHTA Magazine: Cultivating Healing), and events (Annual Conference, Webinars). Supporting products include the Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database (THAD), Growing Impact Youth Wellness Campaign, National Horticultural Therapy Week, and partnership/advertising programs. These offerings serve practitioners, educators, researchers, and allied professionals in healthcare, education, and community settings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Growing Impact: Youth Wellness Campaign championing the therapeutic power of nature to support youth emotional well-being and development.
• HT-BC
• HTR
• THP
• Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
• Cultivating Healing

Products and services

• HT-BC Board Certification The Horticultural Therapist – Board Certified (HT-BC) credential is the first professional credentialing exam for the horticultural therapy field, formally validating advanced expertise through three distinct eligibility pathways. Developed with psychometric experts to set a national benchmark for knowledge and ethics, replacing the HTR designation for new applicants.
• HTR (Horticultural Therapist Registered) A professional registration designation for horticultural therapists who have met rigorous standards for education and supervised experience set by AHTA. Being phased out for new applicants ahead of the HT-BC certification launch.
• THP (Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner) A credential for practitioners focused on therapeutic horticulture, distinct from the clinical horticultural therapy registration (HTR). Designed for practitioners delivering plant-based activities in wellness and community settings.
• AHTA Accredited Certificate Programs College-level educational programs meeting nationally endorsed standards, providing semester credits toward AHTA credentials and blending evidence-based theory with hands-on application. Includes both U.S. programs and the first internationally accredited program in Taiwan.
• AHTA Annual Conference The premier annual gathering for horticultural therapy professionals featuring expert-led education, experiential learning, garden tours, and networking. The 2026 conference is scheduled for San Francisco, October 15–18, with first-year partnership with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA).
• Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture AHTA's peer-reviewed academic journal advancing research and evidence-based practice in horticultural therapy. Published on an open-access model and indexed on Google Scholar; Article Processing Charge waived for members ($300 for non-members). Pre-approved for continuing education credit by NCTRC.
• AHTA Magazine: Cultivating Healing An electronic magazine publication providing news, insightful features on horticultural therapy programs, and profiles of practitioners making a difference in the profession. Distributed globally with 3 issues per year (Spring, Summer, Fall) to over 700 readers, with advertising and sponsorship opportunities available.
• HTR & AHTA Member Directories A searchable public HTR Directory to locate qualified horticultural therapy professionals (filterable by name, state, country, zip code) and an exclusive member-only directory for AHTA members to network, collaborate, and grow the field. Functions as the primary referral channel for healthcare facilities and community organizations seeking qualified practitioners.
• AHTA Webinars Educational webinars designed to advance evidence-based practice, highlight interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen the people-plant connection across diverse settings. Free for members with partnership/sponsorship opportunities. Topics include HT-BC certification, therapeutic horticulture activities, and evidence-based research.
• Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database (THAD) A free online collection of nearly 300 structured nature activities designed to support therapeutic goals across various populations and settings (dementia, psychological health, sensory engagement, etc.). Created through multi-state and international collaboration among horticultural therapy networks.
• AHTA Membership Annual membership providing access to professional resources, HTR and member directories, networking through regional groups, free webinars, reduced publication fees, eligibility for credentialing, and Code of Ethics/Standards of Practice guidance. Includes dedicated student membership category.

Quantifiable outcome

• 53% of members hold Master's degree or higher
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Seed Your FuturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration during Green Career Week to educate and inspire youth about plant-centered careers, including horticultural therapy as a meaningful profession.
• National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, TaiwanflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026First internationally accredited Horticultural Therapy Certificate Program. Led by Dr. Man-Li Liao PhD, HTR with 12 credits and 216 hours of instruction including real-world fieldwork at disability service organizations. Landmark international accreditation expanding AHTA's global reach.
• Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025First-year partnership with CHTA at the 2025 AHTA Virtual Conference. CHTA committee attended the AHTA conference, and AHTA's conference team attended CHTA's virtual event two weeks later. Collaboration aims to strengthen horticultural therapy practice across North America.
• University of FloridacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 20252025 Conference Sponsor. Partnered on the Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database (THAD) project with Florida Horticulture for Health Network. Contributes educational content including Spooky Succulent Gardens and Xmas Ornament Walnut Strawberry activities.
• Horticultural Therapy InstitutecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20252025 AHTA Conference Sponsor. Provides horticultural therapy education and professional development resources aligned with AHTA standards.
• Ball Horticultural CompanyflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20252025 Youth Campaign Sponsor for the Growing Impact Youth Wellness Campaign. Supporting youth emotional well-being through plant-rich experiences and nature connection programs nationwide.
• Rhea & KaisercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20252025 Youth Campaign Contributor to the Growing Impact Youth Wellness Campaign. Supporting youth wellness through horticultural therapy initiatives.
• Homes & Gardens (Better Homes)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Featured the AHTA Growing Impact Campaign focusing on youth wellness, nature connection, and evidence-informed programming in a widely read national publication.
• Associated PresscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025AHTA member interviewed on mainstream media channel to share insights on horticulture and wellness, reinforcing relevance of AHTA's work nationally.
• Penn State ExtensioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025AHTA leadership interviewed for Penn State Extension's 'Keeping It Green' podcast (Season 3 Episode 5) discussing horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture across vocational, wellness, and therapeutic settings.
• Florida Horticulture for Health NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborative partner on THAD (Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database) project. Contributed activities like Spice Painting and provides regional resources. Leading Psychological Health Domain focus webinars.
• Nova Scotia Horticulture for Health NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborative partner on THAD project. Co-leading Psychological Health Domain focus webinars with Florida network. Contributed Forget Me Not Flowers activity for dementia populations.
• National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Consortium of professionals from green industry, public horticulture, and academia collaborating to expand consumer horticulture. Featured in AHTA webinar with Dr. Sheri Dorn of University of Georgia.
• Everything Lifestyle PodcastminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025AHTA leadership featured on podcast sharing about horticultural therapy, its impact on people's lives, and the important work AHTA is doing in the field.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Art Therapy Association: National professional association for art therapy with parallel membership, credentialing (ATR/ATR-BC), accredited programs, journal, and conference model serving a creative-arts therapeutic discipline.
• American Music Therapy Association: The US professional association for music therapy with parallel structure: credentials, accredited university programs, peer-reviewed journal, annual conference, and member directories for a complementary therapeutic modality.
• Horticultural Therapy Institute: Educational provider offering horticultural therapy certificate programs aligned with AHTA standards; comparable as a credential-aligned training body serving the same practitioner audience and a current AHTA conference sponsor.
• American Therapeutic Recreation Association: Professional association for therapeutic recreation specialists; operates with similar membership, credentialing, continuing education, conference, and advocacy model in an adjacent allied-health therapeutic modality.
• National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification: Independent certification body for therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS); comparable to AHTA in its credentialing function and already approves AHTA conference CE credits, evidencing operational overlap.

Others

• National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture: Consortium of horticulture industry, public garden, and academic organizations that collaborated with AHTA on webinars; an adjacent enabling organization in the horticulture ecosystem rather than a direct professional-association competitor.

Broad incumbents

• American Counseling Association: Large professional association for counselors with parallel membership, credentialing, journal, conference, and continuing-education model in an adjacent mental-health discipline with overlapping clinical settings.
• American Occupational Therapy Association: Larger, established allied-health professional association with parallel credentialing, accreditation, journal, conference, and advocacy infrastructure; operates across a much broader clinical scope than AHTA's horticultural niche.

Regional players

• Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association: The national professional association for horticultural therapy in Canada; comparable to AHTA as the parallel standard-setter and community body for the same profession in a different geography, and a current conference partner of AHTA.

Emerging players

• National Wellness Institute: Wellness-focused membership and certification organization overlapping AHTA's community-wellness and youth-wellness segments through credentialing and training programs, though broader in modality.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ahta
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-horticulture-therapy-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about American Horticultural Therapy Association