1. Joseph R. Giove Clinical Hypnosis
Specialization: Smoking cessation, weight management, stress and anxiety management, insomnia recovery, alcohol moderation and abstinence, emotional well-being, clinical hypnotherapy
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, overeating, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, insomnia, alcohol dependence, chronic pain, emotional distress, IBS, fears and phobias
Services Offered: Individual clinical hypnosis sessions, personalized hypnotherapy programs, mind-body wellness coaching, self-hypnosis instruction, free phone consultations, in-person and remote sessions
Background: Joseph R. Giove is a Certified Clinical Hypnotist and wellness coach with a background in biomedical engineering. He has been serving the San Francisco Bay and East Bay areas since 1989, accumulating over 30 years of clinical hypnosis experience. Member of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). Specializes in evidence-based mind-body approaches to behavioral and emotional challenges.
Location: 953 Mountain View, Lafayette, CA 94549 (serving San Francisco Bay Area)
Contact: (925) 215-4017 | (866) 863-4669 | https://www.hypnosissanfrancisco.com
Session Info: Free no-cost, no-obligation phone consultation offered. Individual sessions tailored to client needs. Contact for current pricing and package options. Serves San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek and surrounding Bay Area communities.
2. Arc Hypnosis (Stephen)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy, behavioral change, anxiety reduction, habit elimination, chronic pain management, sleep improvement
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, stress, limiting beliefs, unwanted behaviors, troubling feelings, chronic pain, sleep issues, fears, phobias, motivation problems, unwanted habits
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, in-person sessions at San Francisco office, online sessions via Zoom, consultation services, personalized treatment plans
Background: Stephen is a clinical hypnotherapist dedicated to helping clients achieve change quickly and effectively. He maintains a private practice in San Francisco on Potrero Hill with free street parking, and also conducts online sessions with clients worldwide. Follows San Francisco County health precautions for in-person sessions.
Location: Potrero Hill, San Francisco, CA (contact for specific address)
Contact: Via website contact form | https://www.archypnosis.com
Session Info: Free 20-minute phone consultation available when scheduling. Both in-person and online session formats offered. In-person sessions available at San Francisco office. Many clients experience meaningful changes after just a few sessions.
3. Village Hypnotherapy and Coaching (Jason Akel, CCHT)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), anxiety and panic relief, trauma recovery, smoking cessation, weight loss, sports performance hypnosis
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, fears, phobias, smoking, overeating, bad habits, test anxiety, performance anxiety, memory issues, stress
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, NLP techniques, CBT integration, executive coaching, mindset coaching, sports performance hypnosis, youth sessions (ages 8+), in-person and online video sessions
Background: Jason Akel is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Master Hypnotist, NLP practitioner, and Mindset Coach. He works with adults and youth without judgment, providing practical support. Specializes in elite sports mindset and performance development for professional, college, and amateur athletes in tennis, baseball, swimming, golf and other sports.
Location: San Francisco Bay Area office in Orinda (near Berkeley and Walnut Creek), CA
Contact: Via website | https://www.villagehypnotherapy.com
Session Info: Free 20-minute consultation offered. In-person sessions at Orinda office. Online video sessions available for clients anywhere, equally effective as in-person. Number of sessions depends on goals, with meaningful results typically coming quickly. Follows A.C.H.E code of ethics for lasting change.
4. Matthew Engel, MSW, CHt – Hypnosis San Francisco
Specialization: Interactive Depth Hypnosis, psychotherapy integration, emotional healing, inner child work, age regression, behavioral pattern change
Conditions Addressed: Emotional patterns, behavioral issues, inner blocks, trauma, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, unwanted habits, creative blocks, spiritual disconnection
Services Offered: Interactive Depth Hypnosis (two-way dialogue during hypnosis), guided imagery, emotional and energetic release, body-mind relationship work, age regression, inner child healing, personalized hypnosis recordings from each session
Background: Matthew Engel is a Certified Hypnotherapist and seasoned psychotherapist and coach. He uses Interactive Depth Hypnosis with individuals, a method he has found more effective than traditional pre-scripted direct suggestion hypnosis. Holds a Master of Social Work degree and draws from extensive psychotherapy and coaching experience to provide a thorough, personalized approach.
Location: San Francisco Bay Area (office location, also available by phone or video)
Contact: Via website | https://www.matthewengel.com/hypnosis-hypnotherapy-san-francisco
Session Info: Sessions are 90 minutes each (first session up to 2 hours). Shorter sessions not offered. Insurance typically does not cover hypnotherapy, but most FSA and HSA plans reimburse in pre-tax dollars. Hypnosis may be tax deductible for small businesses. Personalized recording provided from each session.
5. Jigeesha Pandya, C.Ht. – Manahsculpt Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Anxiety relief, fears and phobias, chronic pain, insomnia, IBS, weight loss, smoking cessation, relationship issues, stress management
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, fears, phobias, chronic pain, insomnia, IBS, overeating, smoking, relationship challenges, stress, negative thought patterns, unhealthy habits
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, guided imagery, relaxation techniques, subconscious reprogramming, personalized sessions for specific goals, Reiki practice
Background: Jigeesha Pandya is a Certified Hypnotherapist (C.Ht.) and Reiki Practitioner serving San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. She received comprehensive training from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI), a nationally accredited college of hypnotherapy. Holds certifications in various specialized areas. Her journey into hypnosis began at age 11 during her first encounter with the modality.
Location: San Francisco and greater Bay Area (contact for specific location)
Contact: Via website | https://www.manahsculpt.com/hypnotherapist-san-francisco/
Session Info: Personalized sessions tailored to individual needs and goals. Focuses on creating lasting transformation through evidence-based hypnotherapy techniques. Contact for consultation and pricing information.
Hypnosis Regulations in California
California does not have an explicit statute or regulation requiring licensure for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. The state does not issue a specific license for the practice of hypnosis, and hypnotherapy is not regulated by a state licensing board. However, this does not mean hypnotherapy is entirely unregulated.
California Business and Professions Code Section 2908 exempts “persons using hypnotic techniques” from the psychology licensing act when providing “vocational or avocational self-improvement” 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.
Senate Bill SB-577, codified as Business and Professions Code Section 2053.6, provides a framework for alternative healthcare practitioners including hypnotherapists. Under this law, practitioners who comply with disclosure requirements are not in violation of the Medical Practice Act, provided they do not conduct surgery, administer X-rays, prescribe or administer legend drugs or controlled substances, recommend discontinuance of prescribed medications, or willfully diagnose and treat conditions in a manner that causes risk of harm.
The required disclosures under SB-577 include a clear statement that the practitioner is not a licensed medical doctor, psychologist, or other healthcare professional; the nature of services provided; that hypnotherapy is complementary to and not a substitute for licensed medical or psychological services; and the client’s right to seek conventional treatment. Practitioners must obtain written acknowledgment from clients and maintain records for three years.
Certification for hypnotherapists in California is optional but recommended for credibility. Organizations providing certification include the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE), National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), American Hypnosis Association (AHA), and Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI). The California State Legislature has determined that state licensing may not be conferred upon an occupational group for purposes of status or prestige alone.
Practitioners advertising hypnotherapy services in California must state that they are not licensed by the state as healing arts practitioners. Hypnotherapists should avoid language suggesting they diagnose, treat, or cure medical or psychological conditions unless they hold appropriate healthcare licensure. Referral from a licensed healthcare provider is recommended when working with medical or mental health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is hypnotherapy legal in California, and do hypnotists need a license?
A: Hypnotherapy is legal in California, and there is no required state license specifically for hypnotherapists. However, practitioners must comply with California Business and Professions Code Sections 2053.6 and 2908. Non-licensed hypnotherapists can legally provide services for vocational and avocational self-improvement but should not treat emotional or mental disorders without appropriate healthcare licensure or referral from a licensed provider. Practitioners must provide required disclosures under SB-577 and cannot represent themselves as licensed healthcare professionals.
Q: How can I verify a San Francisco hypnotherapist’s credentials?
A: While California does not license hypnotherapists, you can verify certifications through the issuing organizations. For ACHE (American Council of Hypnotist Examiners) certification, contact them at hypnotistexaminers.org or (619) 280-7200. For NGH (National Guild of Hypnotists) members, verify at ngh.net. For HMI (Hypnosis Motivation Institute) graduates, contact HMI directly. Ask practitioners to show their certificates, explain their training hours, and provide details about their certification organization’s requirements. Licensed mental health professionals using hypnosis can be verified through the California Board of Psychology or Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Q: Does insurance cover hypnotherapy in San Francisco?
A: Most insurance companies in California do not directly cover hypnotherapy from non-licensed practitioners. However, if a licensed mental health professional (psychologist, LMFT, LCSW) incorporates hypnosis into treatment, those sessions may be covered under mental health benefits. Many FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) plans will reimburse hypnotherapy expenses in pre-tax dollars. Some clients may be able to claim hypnotherapy as a tax deduction for medical expenses or small business expenses. Always check with your specific insurance provider and tax professional regarding coverage and deductibility.
Q: What disclosures should a California hypnotherapist provide before services?
A: Under California law (SB-577), hypnotherapists must provide written disclosure stating that they are not licensed by the state as healthcare practitioners, describing the nature of services provided, explaining the treatment theory or approach, and listing their education, training, and qualifications. Clients must sign written acknowledgment that they received this information. Reputable hypnotherapists will provide this disclosure at your first session and explain that hypnotherapy is complementary to, not a substitute for, licensed medical or psychological care. This protects both the client and practitioner.
Q: What is the difference between therapeutic and non-therapeutic hypnosis in California?
A: Non-therapeutic hypnosis in California includes services for motivation, habit change (like smoking or weight), stress reduction, confidence building, performance enhancement, and general self-improvement. Non-licensed hypnotists can legally provide these services. Therapeutic hypnosis addresses medical, mental, or emotional disorders and requires either licensure as a healthcare provider or working under referral from a licensed physician, psychologist, or dentist. If you have a medical diagnosis or mental health condition, seek a hypnotherapist who is also a licensed healthcare professional or who works collaboratively with your healthcare providers.