Hypnotherapy Accreditation In The USA?
Hypnotherapy Accreditation
In America, hypnosis is an unregulated profession, and there is no accreditation.
I read an article by a hypnotherapy school that said, “You don’t need a license, you just need to meet certain criteria.” There is NO criterion!
Only three States require registration, but anybody can do that as long as you pay the fee.
Similarly, in the UK, there are many “accredited” schools, and also an abundance of minefields to go through to find a course that meets your needs. If you can pay, you can take a course!
Your best alternative is to go through a professional organization.
Here are three I would suggest:
Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis www.sceh.us
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis www.asch.net
American Board of Medical Hypnosis
Also, look into: Hypnosis/Dental Hypnosis/Psychological Hypnosis and Social Work Hypnosis/Nursing
If you want to learn hypnosis, find like-minded people. Facebook has an abundance of forums you can join. Get involved with Skype/Zoom practical sessions and read! The only way to become good at hypnosis is by doing it. Once you become proficient, then decide if a course is worth the investment. So many are padded with irrelevant information and redundant techniques. KIS (Keep It Simple).
1. Hypnosis is not a standalone licensed profession
In the U.S., health professions are licensed at the state level (e.g., physicians, psychologists, social workers).
Hypnosis is considered a technique or intervention, not a profession by itself.
So if a licensed professional (like a psychologist or physician) uses hypnosis, it’s regulated under their existing license, not under “hypnosis” specifically.
2. Historical controversies
In the 19th and early 20th century, hypnosis was associated with stage performances, “mesmerism,” and fringe practices, which gave it a somewhat dubious reputation.
This made it hard to establish hypnosis as a universally accepted clinical field with its own regulation.
3. Fragmented organizations
There are many private professional organizations (e.g., American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH)).
Each offers training, certification, or continuing education, but none have government authority.
Because no single group became dominant, there was never a unified push for federal or state accreditation.
4. Evidence base & scope of practice
Clinical hypnosis does have research support (e.g., for pain management, anxiety, IBS, smoking cessation).
But since it overlaps with psychology, psychiatry, and medicine, regulators decided it fits best as a specialized tool within those professions, rather than a separate accredited path.
5. Legal restrictions
Many states explicitly say that only licensed health professionals can use hypnosis for treating medical or psychological conditions.
Hypnosis practitioners without a license usually have to market themselves carefully (e.g., “self-improvement,” “relaxation,” “habit change”) to avoid practicing medicine or psychology without a license.
✅ Bottom line:
There’s no hypnosis accreditation in the U.S. because it’s treated as a technique rather than a profession. Regulation is left to existing healthcare licensing boards, while private hypnosis organizations offer non-governmental certifications.
States with Mandatory Registration or Licensure
Connecticut
Requires anyone practicing hypnosis or presenting as a hypnotist to register with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).
Annual renewal and registration fees are $100.
The DCP can impose civil penalties for unregistered practice, investigate complaints, and revoke registrations.
Licensed professionals (e.g. psychologists, dentists, nurses) are exempt.
Connecticut General Assembly+1
Colorado
To practice hypnotherapy, you must either:
Be a licensed psychotherapist, or
Be listed in the Unlicensed Psychotherapists Database, which involves an application, eligibility affidavit, education documentation, disclosures, and passing a jurisprudence exam with an 80%+ score.
Connecticut General Assembly
Indiana
You must obtain a special state certification to legally call yourself a hypnotist or hypnotherapist.
Requirements include:
At least 500 classroom hours from an approved program,
Being at least 18 with a high school diploma,
No disqualifying criminal history or disciplinary records,
Paying applicable fees.
Misuse of the title “hypnotist” or practicing without certification carries misdemeanor penalties.
Connecticut General Assembly
Washington
Hypnotherapists fall under the state's counselor registration rules.
You must register with the Washington Department of Health, pay fees, complete 4 hours of AIDS education, and submit disclosures (e.g., your credentials, techniques, and billing info).
Required to provide clients with a disclosure statement about rights, responsibilities, and also must maintain records and report abuse.
Connecticut General Assembly
Florida
You may only use hypnosis therapeutically if you are a licensed healing-arts practitioner (e.g., doctor, psychologist) or you're working under their supervision or direction.
Practicing hypnosis for physical or mental issues outside of this scope is prohibited.
Justia LawLegal Information Institute
States with Guidelines or Exemptions (No Mandatory Licensing)
California
No license required for hypnosis used for vocational or avocational self-improvement—just avoid treating mental disorders.
Hypnotherapists must provide disclosures and can work by referral from licensed psychologists, dentists, or physicians.
Florida (non-therapeutic)
While therapeutic hypnosis is regulated, non-therapeutic hypnosis (e.g., for relaxation or self-improvement) doesn’t require licensing.
International Hypnosis Association
Illinois
No mandatory registration.
You're allowed to practice hypnosis as long as you don’t diagnose or treat mental disorders or imply you’re licensed as a psychologist.
New Jersey, Texas, Utah
No licensing required, but:
NJ: Offers exemptions for certain hypnocounseling contexts.
TX & UT: Hypnosis must be done under the supervision of licensed health professionals.
States with No Specific Hypnosis Regulations
Many states do not regulate hypnosis at all, meaning there’s no licensing, registration, or enforcement specific to this practice. These states include (but aren’t limited to):
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota*, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York*, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
AIHCPWikipedia
*Note: Minnesota treats hypnosis under the umbrella of psychology for licensed professionals. Unlicensed practitioners may still offer self-improvement services with appropriate disclosures.
hypnosis.edu
* New York allows hypnosis with no specific law, but practitioners must avoid advertising treatment of mental disorders or implying they’re licensed clinicians. Recommendations from the National Guild of Hypnotists encourage cautious wording.
hypnosis.edu
Contact: barryj@barryjones.com