Current State of the Horticultural Therapy Profession in the United States

Abstract

While horticultural therapy (HT) has a long history in the United States, the profession has not had the acceptance and growth that related fields, such as art, music, recreational, occupational, and physical therapies have experienced. The objective of this study was to identify the current challenges and opportunities of HT in the United States. Maximum variation sampling was used to select current and former members of the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) for interviews. A total of 27 participants were interviewed between Nov. 2019 and Jan. 2020 using semi-structured qualitative interviews by Zoom. The interviews revealed six themes: 1) current state of the profession, 2) AHTA operations/structure, 3) education/credentialing, 4) funding/job opportunities, 5) public awareness/networking, and 6) research. This paper will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented in the six themes and provide recommendations for the future growth of the HT profession.

Job Analysis of Korean Horticultural Therapists for Developing Specialized Training Using Developing a Curriculum Method

“…CAM comprises a diverse range of medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not currently considered part of conventional medicine (National Center for Complementary and Alter-native Medicine, 2021). In the United States, horticultural therapists are viewed as allied health professionals or another form of creative arts therapists (Stowell et al 2021). This profession has spread globally, and horticultural therapy is practiced in various places, including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.…”

“…This profession has spread globally, and horticultural therapy is practiced in various places, including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The American Horticultural Therapy Association was established in 1973 to support the education and professional development of horticultural therapists; as of 2020, there were 486 registered horticultural therapists in the United States (Stowell et al 2021). Similarly, in South Korea, the Korea Horticultural Therapy Welfare Association (KHTA) has been providing education and private qualifications for horticultural therapists since the late 1990s.…”

“…To further advance horticultural therapy as a therapeutic profession, Stowell et al (2021) emphasized the need for various initiatives, including the active involvement of professional associations, the establishment of specialized training programs, and the need for marketing and networking strategies to raise awareness of horticultural therapy, research endeavors to enhance professional treatment skills, securing funding opportunities, and expanding job opportunities.…”

“…However, recent research conducted by Stowell et al (2021) has indicated that horticultural therapists in the United States highlight the importance of developing more specialized training and implementing a range of degree and graduate programs based on this curriculum. Similarly, Yoo (2016) emphasized the necessity for professional curriculum development and continuous education to enhance job competency in South Korea.…”