RESEARCH
Horticultural Therapy Professionalism and Professional Certification: An Experience from Hong Kong
Summary
This paper describes how horticultural therapy (HT) has become more professionalized in Hong Kong through structured certification, training, internships, and research. Led by the Hong Kong Association of Therapeutic Horticulture (HKATH), the city has followed the American model while tailoring it to local culture. The certification system includes three levels—facilitator, assistant therapist, and registered therapist—each requiring specific education, training hours, and supervised practice. As of 2021, 115 people had become registered horticultural therapists, many of whom were also professionals in fields like social work or education. Training is offered in partnership with continuing education programs and includes a blend of theory and hands-on learning.
The internship and research components are essential for ensuring quality care and evidence-based practice. Over 1,000 internship programs have been conducted with various populations, including the elderly, youth, and people with disabilities. HKATH has also contributed to international research, with several published studies showing the benefits of HT in different healthcare settings. Despite this progress, challenges remain, such as the need for clearer certification standards and better public understanding of what horticultural therapy truly is. The paper calls for continued promotion, research, and eventual government recognition to support HT as a respected healthcare profession in Hong Kong.
