Horticulture Therapy
Clinical studies evidence that gardening and horticultural therapy can considerably improve mental, emotional, and physical health.
Gardening has shown to be effective in improving mental health and reducing symptoms of mental disorders for the following:
- Clinical Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- PTSD Treatment for Veterans
- Seniors and Elderly with Dementia
- Autism
Gardening therapy is seen to improve general emotional wellbeing and happiness across the board. It can even act as mental and physical therapy for the elderly.
Our perfect San Diego climate enables us to grow a broad variety of delicious vegetables and fruits.
At our Residential compound, we have a private, gated garden with large raised beds, wherein our veterans grow all types and varieties of seasonal vegetables and fruits – we even have hanging succulent boxes.
On Saturdays, during the gardening season, our therapist conducts an extended Gardening Therapy session in the garden, which our veterans enjoy, immensely. Veterans are welcome to be in the garden at other times, during the week, as well.
Along with all of the vital health benefits received through gardening, the wonderful added bonus is the actual fresh, ‘home-grown’ produce that our veterans get to eat and enjoy!
Horticulture Benefits
Mental Health Benefits
Studies have shown that horticulture can have a positive effect on mental health. One study found that horticultural therapy was effective in treating anxiety and depression. Horticulture can help to reduce stress levels, improve moods, and increase feelings of well-being. In some cases, it can even help people with more serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.
Physical Health Benefits
In addition to mental health benefits, horticulture also provides physical health benefits. Gardening can help to improve strength and flexibility. It can also reduce the risk of developing obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Horticulture also has the added benefit of providing fresh fruits and vegetables. These are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for good health.
Get Help, Improve Your Mental Health
At Solara Mental Health, we understand the interconnected relationship between mental, emotional and physical wellness. We also know that mental health disorders can disrupt that relationship, which can result not only in physical symptoms, but also in increased feelings of distress and pain. As such, our program includes holistic therapies designed to restore mind-body wellness and promote lasting healing.
Our mental health treatment center offers a range of holistic therapies, including yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and now, horticulture therapy. These therapies can help a variety of people facing a variety of physical struggles, including (but not limited to) physical symptoms of anxiety, body image disorders, and trauma disorders. Through our holistic therapies, veterans with all mental health disorders can develop greater senses of strength, peace, and wholeness, physically and emotionally.
To find out how Solara’s holistic therapies can help you, contact us.
Solara’s Horticulture Therapy for Veterans
There is evidence that gardening can improve mental health and reduce symptoms of the following mental disorders: Clinical Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Veterans with PTSD, Seniors and Elderly with Dementia, and Autism. We understand these are some complex and broad terms that require the guidance and assistance of our qualified staff at our facility. Understanding each veteran’s specific diagnosis is crucial for the treatment, that’s why at Solara Mental Health San Diego our staff of professionals is ready to assist each patient accordingly through a personalized treatment plan.
Solara Mental Health is VA-contracted, which gives us the unique opportunity to help veterans with their mental health needs. As long as authorization is approved, we provide housing, transportation, and accommodations.