1. Columbus Ohio Hypnosis
Specialization: Anxiety and panic relief, habit modification, fear and phobia elimination, confidence building, stress reduction, motivation enhancement, performance improvement
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, panic attacks, anger issues, addictions, eating disorders, compulsive behaviors, fears, phobias, insomnia, nail biting, procrastination, public speaking anxiety, smoking, stress, trust issues, weight management, trauma
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, customized programs for adults, teens, and children, free phone consultations, personalized session plans
Background: All Master Hypnotists at Columbus Ohio Hypnosis have trained at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) in Los Angeles, California, the only accredited College of Hypnotherapy in the United States. Each hypnotist has over 2,000 hours of training and are members of the American Hypnosis Association. Practice established in 2007 serving Central Ohio.
Location: Central Office: 315 and Bethel Road area; Dublin Office: 270 and Avery Muirfield area, Columbus, OH
Contact: (614) 594-9766 | https://www.columbusohiohypnosis.com
Session Info: Free phone consultation offered. Most issues addressed in 3-5 sessions, with progress typically visible within first 2 sessions. Pricing range $180-$220 per session depending on hypnotist. Discounted rates available for minors, seniors, teachers, nurses, caretakers, social workers, active military, veterans, police/fire personnel, and students.
2. Columbus Hypnosis Center (Yvonne Judge, MFT, CHt)
Specialization: Analytical hypnotherapy, smoking cessation, weight management, stress reduction, insomnia, fear resolution, confidence building, item location through hypnosis
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, weight issues, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, fears, phobias, insomnia, work-related stress, emotional blocks, motivation issues, behavioral patterns
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, online and telephone hypnosis appointments, group sessions, corporate programs, motivational seminars
Background: Yvonne Judge is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in Tarzana, California. She holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Ohio (the only hypnotherapist in Ohio who is both an MFT and union certified through the AFL CIO). She also holds a Certified Project Management Professional credential through PMI. Previous career experience in science, education, and information technology industries.
Location: Upper Arlington neighborhood of Columbus, OH (East Side near Westerville and Polaris)
Contact: Via website contact form | https://columbushypnosiscenter.com
Session Info: Appointment-only practice (no walk-ins). In-person sessions in Columbus office, plus internet and telephone appointments available. Specialty certificates held in multiple hypnosis applications. Member of American Hypnosis Association.
3. Columbus Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Smoking cessation, weight loss, anxiety management, stress reduction, chronic pain management, performance enhancement, confidence building, PTSD support
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, weight management, stress, anxiety, chronic pain, phobias, PTSD, motivation issues, performance anxiety, confidence issues, sleep problems
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, in-person sessions in Columbus, remote virtual sessions online, personalized programs, new age science-based technologies integration
Background: Over 27 years of professional clinical hypnotherapy experience. Certified hypnotherapists using evidence-based techniques along with science-based technologies. Client-centered approach personalizing each session to address specific goals and challenges. 75% of clients choose virtual hypnosis for convenience.
Location: Columbus, OH area (contact for specific address)
Contact: (380) 233-8070 | https://www.columbushypnotherapy.com
Session Info: Free consultation available by phone or brief message. Both in-person and virtual sessions offered. Virtual sessions reported as equally effective as in-person by many clients. Contact for current pricing and session packages.
4. Peak Performance Hypnosis (Jeffrey Richards, CPH)
Specialization: Weight management, Virtual Gastric Band hypnosis, smoking cessation, performance enhancement, behavioral modification, long-term habit change
Conditions Addressed: Weight issues, smoking, stress, anxiety, fears, phobias, unwanted habits, performance blocks, motivation issues
Services Offered: Private individual sessions, online Skype and Zoom sessions, group programs, corporate programs, speaking engagements for community and service groups, Virtual Gastric Band program
Background: Jeffrey Richards is a Certified Professional Hypnotist working with clients in Columbus, Ohio. He specializes in helping people find solutions to issues that have been holding them back, sometimes for decades. Featured presenter for community and service organizations on the benefits of professional hypnosis.
Location: Just west of Reynoldsburg, one block from Interstate 270, Columbus, OH area (easily accessible from all of Central Ohio)
Contact: Via website | https://peakperformancehypnosis.com
Session Info: Private sessions available at office location. Online sessions via Skype and Zoom available for clients worldwide. Free consultation available. Contact for pricing information and appointment scheduling.
5. Columbus Therapy and Hypnosis (Revitalize You)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy combined with licensed marriage and family therapy, weight management, trauma recovery, anxiety and panic disorders, relationship difficulties
Conditions Addressed: Weight issues, trauma, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, depression, relationship issues, stress, emotional distress, behavioral challenges
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, marriage and family therapy integration, in-person sessions in Columbus and Cincinnati offices, video sessions statewide
Background: Features the only hypnotherapist in Ohio who is both a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and union certified through the AFL CIO. Combines traditional therapeutic approaches with hypnosis for comprehensive treatment. Licensed to provide services throughout Ohio.
Location: 2550 Corporate Exchange Dr, Columbus, OH 43231
Contact: (614) 245-5119 | (513) 506-1866 | https://columbustherapyandhypnosis.com
Session Info: Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM. In-person sessions at Columbus and Cincinnati offices. Video sessions available statewide in Ohio. Integration of licensed therapy services with hypnosis techniques.
Hypnosis Regulations in Ohio
Ohio does not have specific state-level licensing requirements for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. The practice of hypnosis itself is not directly regulated by the state, meaning individuals can practice hypnosis without obtaining a specific hypnosis license from Ohio.
However, several important regulations apply to hypnosis practice in Ohio. According to the State Medical Board of Ohio, hypnosis for medical purposes (such as examination or therapy) can only be used by licensed doctors of osteopathy, podiatry, or medicine, or by licensees of other Ohio regulatory agencies allowed to grant such privileges.
The State Board of Psychology has determined that certain procedures constitute serious hazards to mental health and may only be performed by licensed psychologists. These procedures include “hypnotic techniques for diagnostic, treatment, or other psychotherapeutic purposes” as specified in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Section 4732-5-01B. This means that using hypnosis for diagnosing or treating psychological conditions requires appropriate licensure.
Hypnotherapy for vocational and avocational self-improvement appears to be distinct from “hypnotic techniques for diagnostic, treatment, or other psychotherapeutic purposes” under Ohio law. The term “practice of psychology” under OAC 4732.01 includes assessment, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or amelioration of psychological problems or emotional or mental disorders, but hypnotherapy focused on motivation, habit change, and self-improvement falls outside this definition.
Ohio law functions as a “Titling Act” that outlines what licensed psychologists can do but does not explicitly prohibit others from using hypnosis for non-therapeutic purposes. Many unlicensed individuals practice hypnotherapy in Ohio for smoking cessation, weight management, stress reduction, and similar applications without legal consequences.
Practitioners who are not licensed healthcare professionals should avoid using terminology suggesting diagnosis, treatment, or cure of medical or psychological conditions. They should clearly communicate the scope of their services, maintain appropriate professional certifications from recognized organizations, and consider obtaining referrals from licensed healthcare providers when working with clients who have medical or psychological conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Ohio require a license to practice hypnosis?
A: Ohio does not have state-level licensing requirements specifically for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. Individuals can practice hypnosis for non-therapeutic purposes such as motivation, habit change, stress reduction, and self-improvement without obtaining a state license. However, hypnosis used for medical purposes or for diagnosing and treating psychological conditions falls under the regulation of the State Medical Board and State Board of Psychology respectively, requiring appropriate professional licensure.
Q: How can I verify a Columbus hypnotist’s qualifications?
A: Since Ohio does not license hypnotists, verification involves checking certification credentials through issuing organizations. For NGH (National Guild of Hypnotists) members, verify at ngh.net. For HMI (Hypnosis Motivation Institute) graduates, contact the institute directly. For ICBCH or AHA members, contact those organizations. If the practitioner is also a licensed therapist, verify their Ohio license through the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board at cswmft.ohio.gov or the State Board of Psychology at psychology.ohio.gov. Ask practitioners about their training hours, specializations, and years of experience.
Q: Is hypnosis covered by health insurance in Ohio?
A: Hypnosis from non-licensed practitioners is generally not covered by health insurance in Ohio. However, when hypnosis is provided by licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists) as part of treatment, it may be covered under mental health benefits depending on your specific insurance plan. Some FSA and HSA accounts may allow reimbursement for hypnotherapy expenses. Contact your insurance provider directly to determine coverage and check with your tax professional regarding potential medical expense deductions.
Q: What protections exist for hypnosis clients in Ohio?
A: While Ohio does not regulate hypnosis specifically, clients are protected by general consumer protection laws, business regulations, and professional codes of ethics from certification organizations. Licensed mental health professionals who use hypnosis are bound by their licensing board’s standards and ethics codes. Reputable hypnotists follow codes of ethics established by organizations like NGH, AHA, or IACT. These typically require informed consent, confidentiality, honest advertising, and referral to appropriate professionals when issues are outside the hypnotist’s scope. Clients should request written information about the practitioner’s qualifications, scope of services, and policies before beginning sessions.
Q: When should I choose a licensed therapist who uses hypnosis versus a consulting hypnotist?
A: Choose a licensed mental health professional (psychologist, LPCC, LMFT, LISW) who incorporates hypnosis if you have a diagnosed mental health condition, are dealing with trauma, PTSD, or severe anxiety, need insurance coverage, or want services integrated with traditional therapy. Choose a consulting hypnotist for habit modification like smoking cessation or weight management, stress reduction, motivation enhancement, performance improvement, or general self-improvement goals. For medical conditions, ensure your healthcare provider is aware of any hypnosis services you receive. Many Columbus practitioners offer consultations to help determine which approach is appropriate for your specific situation.