1. Dr. Nancy Irwin – Clinical Psychologist and Certified Hypnotherapist
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, addiction recovery, anxiety reduction, trauma recovery, smoking cessation, test anxiety, sports performance enhancement, creativity enhancement, weight loss
Conditions Addressed: Substance abuse, anxiety, sexual abuse recovery, trauma, smoking, vaping, test anxiety, performance blocks, weight issues, low confidence, fears
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, take-home MP3 recordings of sessions, speaking engagements, media appearances, personalized treatment plans
Background: Dr. Nancy B. Irwin holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a Certified Hypnotherapist. She has treated over 100 different issues with hypnosis therapy. Her client testimonials include professional athletes (PGA golfers), attorneys, and entertainment industry professionals. Located in the Los Angeles area and provides tailored approaches to each individual client.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Contact: Available through website | https://drnancyirwin.com
Session Info: Individual sessions available in-person. Take-home MP3 recordings provided from sessions for ongoing reinforcement. Contact for current pricing and consultation.
2. Ava Evans Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, weight loss, smoking cessation, anxiety relief, phobia elimination, chronic pain management, confidence building, depression management, sleep improvement
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, weight issues, smoking, fears, phobias, depression, sleeping problems, harmful habits, chronic pain, addictions, stress, eating disorders
Services Offered: Individual in-office sessions, online sessions (nationwide and international clients in Europe), phone sessions, personalized hypnosis programs, session recordings emailed to clients for reinforcement
Background: Ava Evans is a Board Certified Hypnotherapist with 15 years of experience practicing hypnosis in Los Angeles. She uses evidence-based hypnotherapy techniques and combines experience, knowledge, and compassion to help clients overcome life challenges. She provides flexible approaches including in-office and online sessions.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Contact: Available through website | https://hypnotherapylosangelesca.com
Session Info: In-office sessions in Los Angeles and online sessions available for clients across the country and internationally. Session recordings provided via email for reinforcement.
3. Kerry Gaynor Method
Specialization: Smoking cessation, vaping cessation, nicotine addiction treatment
Conditions Addressed: Cigarette smoking, vaping, all nicotine-based product addictions, anxiety related to quitting, withdrawal management
Services Offered: Structured smoking cessation program, online program access (60-day access on two devices), weight loss programs, anxiety treatment programs
Background: Kerry Gaynor is a hypnotherapist located in Los Angeles. He graduated from UCLA in 1975 with high honors in Philosophy. He studied under Gil Boyne (a pioneer in the field of hypnotherapy) and earned certification from the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). Over 40 years perfecting a system to help people quit smoking, vaping, and all nicotine-based products. Earlier in his career, he helped thousands with weight loss, anxiety, and addiction before focusing primarily on smoking cessation.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Contact: Available through website | https://kerrygaynormethod.com
Session Info: Online program offers 60-day access on two devices. Programs focus on changing thinking patterns about smoking and vaping. Contact for in-person session availability and pricing.
4. Modern Hypnotherapy (Jenn)
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, fear and phobia elimination, smoking cessation, weight loss, relationship improvement, labor and childbirth support, career and financial success, anxiety relief, insomnia treatment, self-love and joy enhancement
Conditions Addressed: Fear of flying, phobias, smoking, weight issues, relationship challenges, career blocks, anxiety, insomnia, self-esteem issues, entertainment industry stress
Services Offered: Individual private sessions in Glendale office, virtual appointments via Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype, group events and workshops
Background: Jenn is a Certified Hypnotherapist who helps entertainment professionals break bad habits and release fears to improve health, career advancement, and attract more love into their lives. As a former TV Producer, she understands the demands and pressure of the entertainment industry. She emphasizes that clinical hypnosis requires education, training, and certification but does not replace therapy or medical care.
Location: Private sessions in Glendale, CA 91202 (conveniently located for Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles)
Contact: Call for information and directions | https://www.modernhypno.com
Session Info: Private in-person sessions in Glendale office. Virtual sessions available via Zoom, Facetime, and Skype. Group events and workshops offered with changing schedules. Some treatments may require referral from medical doctor or licensed therapist.
5. Burbank Hypnosis (Kellie)
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, weight loss, stress management, smoking cessation, anxiety relief, pain management, tinnitus management, confidence building
Conditions Addressed: Weight issues, stress, smoking, anxiety, pain, tinnitus, self-sabotage, negative beliefs, performance issues, life challenges
Services Offered: Individual sessions, free virtual hypnosis screening, in-person sessions, remote sessions, written service guarantee, customized programs
Background: Kellie is a certified hypnotist specializing in helping people overcome life-long bad habits. The practice has helped thousands of clients implement change, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals. Client testimonials include significant weight loss (65 pounds), stress management success, and effective pain management. The practice offers a written service guarantee and creates programs individually tailored for each client.
Location: Burbank, California (accessible from Hollywood to the local area)
Contact: (818) 614-9811 | https://burbankhypnosis.com
Session Info: Free 30-minute virtual hypnosis screening to determine client acceptance. Programs include written service guarantee. Remote sessions available with patient support for internet connectivity issues.
Hypnosis Regulations in California
California does not have an explicit statute or regulation requiring licensure for hypnotists or hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is a self-regulated profession in California and does not qualify for state licensing.
California Business and Professions Code Section 2908 provides an exemption for persons using hypnotic techniques from the psychology licensing act, allowing them to offer vocational or avocational self-improvement services as long as they do not treat emotional or mental disorders. Section 2908 also exempts persons using hypnotic techniques when working under referral from persons licensed to practice psychology, dentistry, or medicine.
Under California’s Business and Professions Code Section 2053.6, alternative healthcare practitioners including hypnotherapists must provide a client disclosure statement. This disclosure must include: a statement that the practitioner is not a licensed medical doctor, psychologist, or other healthcare professional; a statement that hypnotherapy is complementary to and not a substitute for licensed medical or psychological services; the nature of services to be provided; the theory of treatment upon which services are based; the practitioner’s educational, training, and experience qualifications; and the client’s right to seek conventional medical or psychological treatment. Practitioners must obtain written acknowledgment from clients and maintain copies for three years.
Licensed mental health professionals such as LMFTs, LPCCs, or psychologists may incorporate hypnotherapy into their practice within their professional scope and ethical guidelines.
The American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE) is a professional organization chartered by the State of California to establish training standards, standards of professional practice, and a code of ethics. ACHE’s Ethics Committee can suspend or revoke certification. Certification is awarded to those who attend state-licensed schools with approved hypnotherapy instructors.
The Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) earned distinction as America’s first hypnotherapy training school to receive national accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
California law prohibits false or misleading advertising. Hypnotherapists must be cautious in how they market their services and cannot make claims about diagnosing or treating medical conditions unless appropriately licensed.
The California Superior Court held in People v. Cantor (1961) that practicing hypnotism as a curative means for disease constitutes the practice of medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services can a non-licensed hypnotist legally provide in California?
Non-licensed hypnotists in California can legally provide services for vocational and avocational self-improvement including motivation enhancement, habit change (such as smoking cessation and weight management for 25 lbs. or less), confidence building, stress reduction, fear of flying, public speaking improvement, and general self-improvement goals. They cannot diagnose or treat emotional or mental disorders, medical conditions, or hold themselves out as psychologists or therapists. For issues beyond these boundaries, hypnotists require a referral from a licensed physician, dentist, or psychologist.
How can I verify a California hypnotherapist’s credentials?
Check for certification through organizations such as the Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI), the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE), or the American Hypnosis Association (AHA). The HMI website features a directory of certified hypnotherapists trained at this nationally accredited institution. Professional organizations like ACHE and the Hypnotherapy Training Institute (HTI) also provide referrals to practitioners who meet their standards. Ask practitioners directly about their training hours, certifications, and professional memberships.
What disclosures are California hypnotherapists required to provide?
California law requires hypnotherapists to provide written disclosure including: a statement that the practitioner is not a licensed healthcare professional; a clear statement that services are not licensed by the state; the nature of services to be provided; the theory of treatment; the practitioner’s educational and training qualifications; and a statement that hypnotherapy is complementary to licensed medical or psychological services. Clients must provide written acknowledgment of receiving this information, and practitioners must maintain copies for three years.
Do I need a referral to see a hypnotist in California?
For general self-improvement, habit change, motivation, or vocational self-improvement, you do not need a referral to see a hypnotist in California. However, for issues involving emotional or mental disorders, weight loss goals exceeding 25 pounds, pain management, medical conditions, or therapeutic treatment, hypnotists working outside licensed healthcare professions require a referral from a licensed physician, dentist, or psychologist. Responsible practitioners will advise you if your situation requires a medical or psychological referral.
Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance in California?
Hypnotherapy services provided by non-licensed practitioners are generally not covered by health insurance. Services provided by licensed mental health professionals (such as psychologists, LMFTs, or LPCCs) who incorporate hypnosis into their treatment may be eligible for insurance coverage depending on your plan. Some practitioners accept Health Savings Account (HSA) cards. If your insurance plan offers reimbursement for completion of wellness programs such as smoking cessation or weight loss, you may be able to submit invoices for reimbursement. Contact your insurance provider for specific coverage information.