Overview
Hypnotherapy is regulated very differently from country to country. In some nations, therapeutic hypnotherapy may only be practiced by licensed medical or mental-health professionals; in others, it is largely unregulated. The summary below outlines key restrictions by jurisdiction so prospective clients understand where services can and cannot be offered.
Strict Licensing Requirements
Several nations mandate that hypnotherapy practitioners hold medical or mental-health credentials:
- Israel is the most restrictive environment globally, permitting only licensed physicians, dentists, and psychologists who complete specialized training.
- South Africa restricts practice to licensed psychologists or mental-health practitioners under 1997 Health Professions Act amendments.
- South Korea requires practitioners treating psychological conditions to hold licenses as physicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists.
- France limits therapeutic hypnotherapy to licensed medical doctors, psychologists, or psychotherapists, though general well-being hypnosis remains unregulated.
- Germany requires either a physician/psychologist license or the “Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie” credential for treating mental disorders.
- Norway’s CAM Act restricts health-condition treatment to qualified medical professionals, allowing unlicensed practitioners only for non-medical self-development or relaxation.
Variable Standards
- Washington State (USA) classifies hypnotherapists as “counselors” requiring Department of Health registration.
- Ontario (Canada) protects the title “Psychotherapist,” potentially requiring College of Registered Psychotherapists registration for therapeutic applications.
Self-Regulated Regions
The United Kingdom, New Zealand, and India have no statutory hypnotherapy laws, relying instead on voluntary professional self-regulation.
Important Note
Susan Razavi is licensed in New York State, USA. Clinical services are provided within NYS; general, non-clinical hypnosis in English may be scheduled internationally where local law permits. If you are located outside the United States, please reach out so we can confirm whether services are available in your region.
This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations change; please confirm current requirements for your jurisdiction.