1. Sacramento Hypnotherapy (Maude Schellhous and Team)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy for anxiety, stress, fears and phobias, smoking cessation, weight management, insomnia, trauma, confidence building, and personal transformation.
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, stress, fears and phobias, smoking addiction, weight issues, insomnia, trauma, low confidence, goal achievement, relationship issues, past trauma, resilience building.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, phone sessions, online sessions, in-person sessions, training through California School of Hypnotherapy for those wanting to become hypnotherapists.
Background: Maude Schellhous is the founder of Sacramento Hypnotherapy and California School of Hypnotherapy. She became a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (CCHT) in 1995 and achieved her Certificate of Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in 1999. She has helped thousands of people reach their goals over nearly 30 years of practice. Additional team members include Aaron (CCHT with BA in Psychology from UC Berkeley, background in mental health), Liliana (CCHT, graduate of California School of Hypnotherapy 2021, certified Zumba instructor), and Renee Podris (CCHT with Bachelor of Science from University of San Francisco in Organizational Behavior and Leadership).
Location: 4250 H Street, Suite 4, Sacramento, CA 95819
Contact: (916) 549-5109 | https://sacramentohypnotherapy.com
Session Info: Sessions available Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. In-person, phone, and online sessions available. Established in 1995. Training school for those interested in becoming hypnotherapists.
2. Wildflowers Hypnotherapy (Sandra Zambo)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy for anxiety, habit change, emotional blocks, sleep issues, and personal crisis support using White Light and Inner Wisdom methods.
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, stress, habits, emotional blocks, sleep difficulties, insomnia, personal crisis situations, autistic population support.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, in-person sessions in Sacramento, phone sessions for remote clients, White Light hypnotherapy technique, Inner Wisdom system of hypnotherapy.
Background: Sandra Zambo is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (CCHT) and Hypnotic Coach. She is a graduate of the California School of Hypnotherapy through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). She completed an internship at Sacramento Hypnotherapy. She has experience working with autistic populations and individuals in crisis situations.
Location: Sacramento, California
Contact: https://wildflowershypnotherapy.com
Session Info: In-person sessions in Sacramento and phone sessions for out-of-state clients. Techniques include White Light and Inner Wisdom approaches. Has helped clients through major personal crises with ongoing support available.
3. Loretta Holt Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Clinical, medical, and pediatric hypnotherapy with expertise in behavior modification for children, teens, and adults.
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, insomnia, childhood trauma, panic attacks, teen issues, fears and phobias, weight management, performance enhancement.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, pediatric hypnotherapy for children, teen hypnotherapy, customized programs designed for each client’s unique challenges, initial consultations.
Background: Loretta Holt holds certifications in Clinical Hypnotherapy (CCH), Medical Hypnotherapy (MH), and Pediatric Hypnotherapy (PH). She specializes in behavior modification and has developed expertise working with children and teenagers. She takes time to understand each client through a life discovery form before developing personalized treatment plans.
Location: Sacramento, California
Contact: https://www.lorettaholthypnotherapy.com
Session Info: Customized programs developed for each client. Life discovery form used to define goals and issues before treatment planning. Specializes in working with children, teens, and adults.
4. Norman Plotkin Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy specializing in past life regression, anxiety management, root cause identification, and transformational inner work.
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, repetitive life patterns, trapped emotions, subconscious barriers, past trauma, childhood programming affecting adult behavior.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, past life regression therapy, future life progression, life between lives sessions, regression work, imagery techniques, inner child work, complimentary consultations.
Background: Norman Plotkin is a Certified Hypnotherapist with training in past life regression and specialized regression techniques. He is experienced in guiding clients through multiple past lives and managing traumatic memories that may arise during regression sessions. He has developed expertise in the theory of reincarnation and its therapeutic applications.
Location: Sacramento, California
Contact: https://www.normanplotkin.com
Session Info: Complimentary no-obligation consultations available. Specializes in past life regression, future life progression, and life between lives sessions. Works with clients to identify programming from childhood affecting current patterns.
5. Sacramento Non Smoking Center
Specialization: Hypnotherapy specializing in smoking cessation and tobacco addiction elimination.
Conditions Addressed: Smoking addiction, tobacco dependence, nicotine addiction, vaping cessation.
Services Offered: Smoking cessation hypnotherapy programs, tobacco addiction treatment.
Background: Specializes in smoking cessation hypnotherapy in the Sacramento area. Listed among the primary hypnotherapy providers in Sacramento.
Location: Sacramento, California
Contact: Available through Yelp directory listings
Session Info: Focused specifically on smoking cessation and tobacco addiction. Contact for program details and scheduling.
Hypnosis Regulations in California
California does not require a license specifically to practice hypnotherapy or hypnosis. The regulation of hypnotherapy in California is governed primarily by California Business and Professions Code Section 2908, which provides exemptions for hypnosis practitioners from psychology licensing requirements under specific conditions.
Under Section 2908, persons utilizing hypnotic techniques may practice legally in California if they offer avocational or vocational self-improvement and do not offer therapy for emotional or mental disorders. The exemption also covers persons using hypnotic techniques by referral from persons licensed to practice medicine, dentistry, or psychology.
Hypnotherapists in California may legally work on issues such as smoking cessation, weight management, stress reduction, confidence building, motivation, sports performance, habit change, and general self-improvement. They may not diagnose or treat mental disorders as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) unless they are licensed mental health professionals.
California Business and Professions Code Sections 2053.5 and 2053.6 establish the Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practice framework, allowing unlicensed practitioners to offer services that do not require medical training and credentials, provided they comply with consumer protection disclosure requirements.
Required disclosures for California hypnotherapists include a clear statement that the practitioner is not a licensed physician, psychologist, or other healthcare professional (unless they hold such licenses), that hypnotherapy is complementary to and not a substitute for licensed medical or psychological services, and information about the nature of services provided.
Licensed healthcare professionals in California, including psychologists (regulated by the California Board of Psychology), marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional clinical counselors (regulated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences), may incorporate hypnosis into their licensed practices within their scope of practice.
California does not mandate specific educational hours for non-licensed hypnotherapists, though voluntary certification through organizations like ACHE, NGH, or accredited schools like HMI demonstrates professional training. The California School of Hypnotherapy in Sacramento provides training through ACHE certification pathways. Practitioners should maintain professional liability insurance and comply with general business regulations and truth in advertising requirements.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs handles complaints about deceptive business practices. For licensed practitioners, complaints go to the appropriate licensing board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is hypnotherapy regulated in California?
A: California does not have a specific state licensing requirement for hypnotherapists. Under California Business and Professions Code Section 2908, persons using hypnotic techniques for avocational or vocational self-improvement who do not treat emotional or mental disorders may practice without a psychology license. Hypnotherapists must comply with disclosure requirements, avoid making medical or psychological treatment claims, and may not use titles suggesting they are licensed psychologists. Those treating mental disorders must be licensed mental health professionals or work under referral from licensed practitioners.
Q: How can I verify a Sacramento hypnotherapist’s credentials?
A: Request the practitioner’s certification information and verify it with the issuing organization. The California School of Hypnotherapy in Sacramento certifies through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). Other common certifying bodies include the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI), American Hypnosis Association (AHA), and International Board of Hypnotherapy (IBH). For practitioners who are also licensed mental health professionals (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, psychologist), verify their license through the California Department of Consumer Affairs website at https://search.dca.ca.gov.
Q: Does health insurance cover hypnotherapy in Sacramento?
A: Insurance coverage for hypnotherapy varies. Non-licensed hypnotherapy services are generally not covered by health insurance plans. However, if hypnosis is provided as part of treatment by a licensed psychologist, LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC, it may be covered under behavioral health benefits depending on your insurance plan and the diagnosis being treated. Contact your insurance provider directly for specific coverage information. HSA and FSA funds may be applicable for hypnotherapy services. The IRS has historically allowed hypnotherapy for smoking cessation and weight loss as potentially deductible medical expenses with proper documentation.
Q: What should I expect during my first hypnotherapy session in Sacramento?
A: Most Sacramento hypnotherapists begin with an initial consultation or intake process. Expect to discuss your goals, concerns, and relevant history. Many practitioners use intake forms or life discovery questionnaires to understand your situation. The hypnotherapist will explain how hypnosis works, address any concerns or misconceptions, and discuss the proposed approach. The actual hypnosis portion typically involves guided relaxation and focused attention techniques. You will remain conscious and in control throughout. Sessions usually last 60 to 90 minutes. Some practitioners offer free initial consultations before beginning treatment.
Q: Where can I file a complaint about a hypnotherapist in Sacramento?
A: For non-licensed hypnotherapists, complaints about fraudulent advertising, deceptive practices, or consumer protection violations can be filed with the California Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 952-5210 or through the California Attorney General’s Office. If the practitioner is certified through organizations like ACHE, NGH, or HMI, you can file ethics complaints with those certifying bodies. If the hypnotherapist is also a licensed mental health professional in California, complaints should be filed with the appropriate licensing board: the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCCs, or the California Board of Psychology for licensed psychologists.