Hypnotherapy costs $100 to $250 per session on average, though prices range anywhere from $50 to $1,000+ per session, depending on the location and the therapist's experience level and reputation. Your first visit typically costs more because it is a longer session that involves an initial consultation, an introductory explanation about the hypnotherapy process, and your first hypnosis therapy treatment.

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis in a clinical or therapeutic setting by a qualified healthcare professional. During a hypnotherapy session, the therapist guides you into a deeply relaxed but focused, trance-like state where the mind is more receptive and open to discussion and suggestions. Therapists use hypnosis to either delve deeper into an issue or to suggest behavioral changes that align with your goals.

Most hypnotherapists start with a lengthy first visit that includes an initial consultation, an explanation of the therapeutic process, and your first hypnosis therapy session. After the initial visit, ongoing hypnotherapy sessions typically last 30 to 90 minutes.

Research confirms that hypnotherapy can help treat a wide variety of issues and conditions, including:

• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Bedwetting
• Depression
• Disordered eating
• Fears and phobias
• Grief
• Insomnia and other sleep issues
• Nail biting
• Pain
• PTSD
• Smoking
• Stress
• Test or performance anxiety
• Dental treatment anxiety

In most cases, hypnotherapy is not dangerous when done with a trained professional. A hypnotherapist cannot control your mind or make you do or say anything you don’t want. However, hypnotherapy may not be safe or effective for people with severe mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, psychosis, or schizophrenia.

No, not everyone can be hypnotized fully enough to benefit from hypnotherapy. Research shows that about 10% to 15% of people are highly suggestible and able to be hypnotized, and about the same percentage cannot be hypnotized at all. The remaining 70% to 80% of the population is suggestable to some degree and can potentially benefit from hypnosis therapy.

Most people see at least some improvement in 3 to 6 hypnotherapy sessions. Some minor issues can be resolved in only one session. However, more severe, deep-rooted issues may require up to 15+ sessions for long-lasting results. The number of sessions you need depends on several factors, including your mind and personality, the issue itself, the circumstances surrounding that issue, as well as how long you've been battling it.

Hypnotherapy may be partially covered by insurance if the treatment is considered medically necessary and performed by a licensed medical professional. Insurance companies that cover hypnotherapy typically cover 10% to 50% of the total cost. Many insurance companies still consider hypnotherapy an experimental technique and therefore will not approve it as a covered expense. Check with your insurance provider to see if your plan has coverage for hypnotherapy.

There are currently no national regulations for practicing hypnotherapy. Many states also do not have specific requirements for hypnotherapists. This makes it crucial that you do your own thorough research to make sure the therapist you hire is qualified and experience in using hypnotherapy to treat the issue or issues you're dealing with.

When researching hypnotherapists near you, remember to:

• Ask them about their training, license, certifications, and specializations.
• Verify their credentials to ensure they are up to date and active.
• Look for members of professional organizations related to hypnotherapy, such as the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (NBCCH), the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists, the American Hypnosis Association (AHA), and International Hypnosis Association (IHA).
• Check out their website, and reviews from their clients on Thervo and Google.
• While it might be tempting to buy a package deal right off the bat, try out one session first to make sure the therapist/client relationship is a good fit.

Ask the following questions to help you select the most qualified hypnotherapist for your needs and goals:

• What state licenses or certifications do you have?
• How long have you been doing hypnotherapy?
• What experience do you have treating my specific issue?
• Do you offer free consultations?
• How long are your sessions, and do you charge by the hour or by the session?
• How many sessions will I need to see results?
• What should I expect out of the first session?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Do you offer a discount for buying more than one session at a time?
• Do you offer a sliding scale fee or payment plan options?