IAIH Hypnosis Law

Many of the states below address hypnotherapy as part of a psychologist’s practice and do not refer to it as a separate practice (as far as the research showed). While the states above regulate hypnotherapy as a potentially distinct service, many of those below did not have specific statutes  on the practice of hypnotherapy absent an underlying qualification as a psychologist. States listed  with no information have no mention of hypnosis or hypnotherapy in their legal code. 

Alabama 

Alaska 

(5) “to practice psychology” means to render or offer to render for a fee to individuals, groups,  organizations, or the public for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or amelioration of  psychological problems and emotional and mental disorders of individuals or groups or for  conducting research on human behavior, a psychological service involving the application of  psychological principles, methods, and procedures of understanding, predicting, and influencing  behavior, including 

(B) the methods and procedures for interviewing, counseling, psychotherapy, biofeedback,  behavior modification, and hypnosis; 

References: 

– Alaska Statutes 08.86.230(5) (2021).  

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/PsychologistStatutes.pdf

Arizona 

Arizona law does not provide a definition for clinical hypnosis. The only mention of hypnosis or  hypnotherapy in Arizona law appears in Arizona Administrative Code § R4-38-306 which  provides restrictions on delegated procedures for homeopathic physicians. 

Relevant Regulation(s): 

A homeopathic physician shall not delegate the following procedures to a registered medical  assistant: 

1. Psycho-therapeutic procedures, including individual or group psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis,  or other behavioral health interventions subject to independent regulation in this state; or 

References: 

– Arizona Administrative Code § R4-38-306 (1995 & rev. 2010).  

http://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/Title_04/4-38.pdf 

Arkansas 

(B) “Practice of psychology” includes without limitation: 

(i) Testing and measuring, that consist of the administration and interpretation of tests measuring  personal characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes,  achievements, motives, personality dynamics, psychoeducational processes, neuropsychological  brain functioning, and other psychological attributes of individuals or groups; (ii)  

(a) Diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, that consist of the appropriate  diagnosis of mental disorders, behavior disorders, and brain dysfunctions, according to standards  of the profession and the ordering or providing of treatments according to need. (b) Treatment includes without limitation providing: 

(1) Counseling; 

(2) Psychotherapy; 

(3) Marital and family therapy; 

(4) Group therapy; 

(5) Behavior therapy; 

(6) Psychoanalysis; 

(7) Hypnosis; 

(8) Biofeedback; 

(9) Other psychological interventions that aim to modify and adjust perceptions, habits, or conduct;  and 

(10) The psychological aspects of physical illness, pain, injury, or disability; and 

References 

: 

– A.C.A. § 17-97-102.  

https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=ff5b7ee6-ec10-47a3-82cb46c4ed21a77e&config=00JAA2ZjZiM2VhNS0wNTVlLTQ3NzUtYjQzYy0yYWZmODJiODRmMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2fXiYCnsel0plIgqpYkw9PK&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A4WM2-8WN0-R03N30GK-00008-00&pdcontentcomponentid=234170&pdteaserkey=sr0&pditab=allpods&ecomp=vs65kkk&earg=sr0&prid=5ecf0c65-2844-4c4d-b809-d7e8050c6746 

Delaware 

While Delaware Code includes hypnosis under the definition of “practice of psychology,” the  Office of Workers’ Compensation Health Care Practice Guidelines for chronic pain treatment also  includes hypnosis under the Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) category. 

Relevant Regulation(s): 

24 Delaware Code § 3502. (5) “Practice of psychology” shall mean the observation, description,  evaluation, interpretation and modification of human behavior by the application of psychological  principles, methods, and/or procedures, for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic,  maladaptive or undesired behavior, and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life 

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adjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral health and mental health. 

The practice of psychology includes psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of  personal characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes and  neuropsychological function; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback,  and behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorder or  disability, alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as the  psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury or disability; and psychoeducational  evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation. Psychological services may be rendered to  individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions and the public. 

19 Delaware Code § 1342B. 6.4.3 COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM) is  a term used to describe a broad range of treatment modalities, a number of which are generally  accepted and supported by some scientific evidence, and others which still remain outside the  generally accepted practice of conventional Western Medicine. In many of these approaches, there  is attention given to the relationship between physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. While  CAM may be performed by a myriad of both licensed and nonlicensed health practitioners with  training in one or more forms of therapy, credentialed practitioners should be used when available  or applicable. 

Although CAM practices are diverse and too numerous to list, they can be generally classified into  five 

domains: 

6.4.3.2 Mind-Body Interventions: These include practices such as hypnosis, meditation,  bioenergetics, 

and prayer. 

References: 

– 24 Delaware Code § 3502. https://delcode.delaware.gov/title24/c035/sc01/index.html 

– 19 Delaware Code § 1342B.  

https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title19/1000/1300/1340/PART%20B%20Chronic%20Pain.shtml 

District of Columbia 

• 8699 Practice of psychology – means the development and application, with or without  compensation, of scientific concepts, theories, methods, techniques, procedures, and principles of  psychology to aid in the understanding, measuring, explaining, predicting, preventing, fostering,  and treating of abilities, disabilities, attributes, or behaviors that are: (a) principally cognitive, such  as aptitudes, perceptions, attitudes, or intelligence; (b) affective, such as happiness, anger, or  depression; or (c) behavioral, such as physical abuse. The practice of psychology includes: (a)  coaching, consulting, counseling, and various types of therapy, such as behavior therapy, group  therapy, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and marriage, couples, and family therapy; (b) Intellectual,  personality, behavioral, educational, neuropsychological, and psycho-physiological testing; and (c) 

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professional activities, such as research, teaching, training, interviewing, assessment, evaluation,  pharmacology, and biofeedback.  

• 5210.1 An individual licensed to practice naturopathic medicine under the Act may  use the titles “Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine,” “Naturopathic Physician,” “Licensed  Naturopath,” “Naturopathic Doctor,” “Doctor of Naturopathy,” “Naturopath,” or the initials “ND.” 
• 5210.2 An individual licensed to practice naturopathic medicine may: 

(a) Administer or provide for preventive and therapeutic purposes natural medicines by their  appropriate route of administration the following: 

(1) Natural remedies; 

(2) Topical medicine; 

(3) Counseling; 

(4) Hypnotherapy; 

(5) Dietary therapy; 

(6) Naturopathic physical medicine; 

(7) Therapeutic devices; and 

(8) Barrier devices for contraception. 

References: 

– 17 DCMR § 8699.  

https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleDetail.aspx?RuleId=R0038812

– 17 DCMR § 5210 

https://www.dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/SectionList.aspx?SectionId=12695

Georgia 

Hypnotists are listed as one of many examples of business or practitioners of professions or occupations which may be subject to regulatory fees of local governments. This is the only  mention of hypnosis, hypnotherapy, hypnotists, etc. in Georgia law so far as has been found by  this research. 

Relevant Regulation(s): 

(b) Examples of businesses or practitioners of professions or occupations which may be subject  to regulatory fees of local governments include, but are expressly not limited to, the following: 

(24) Hypnotists; 

Reference: 

– O.C.G.A. § 48-13-9.  

https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=637f22d3-11fc-4c3e-b16d-cbdb9b42e255&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&pddocfullpath=%2fshared%2fdocument%2fstatutes-legislation%2furn%3acontentItem%3a6348-G0H1-DYB7-W488-00008-00&pdcontentcomponentid=234186&pdteaserkey=sr3&pditab=allpods&ecomp=vs65kkk&earg=sr3&prid=a6b41201-c516-45bf-8202-f5ccd58bc003

Hawaii 

HRS §455-1 “Behavioral medicine” means therapy techniques including biofeedback, relaxation training, hypnosis, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and cognitive therapy. 

“Behavioral medicine” is included in the definition of “naturopathic medicine,” which must  be practiced by a licensed naturopathic physician. 

HRS §465-1 “Practice of psychology” means the observation, description, evaluation,  interpretation, or modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles,  methods, or procedures, for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive,  or undesired behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment,  personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health. The practice of psychology  includes, but is not limited to, psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal  characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and  neuropsychological functioning; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis,  biofeedback, and behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional  disorder or disability, alcoholism and substance abuse, and disorders of habit or conduct, as well  as of the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; and  psychoeducational evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation. Psychological services  may be rendered to individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions, and the public. The  practice of psychology shall be construed within the meaning of this definition without regard to  whether payment is received for services rendered. 

References: 

– Hawaii Revised Statutes § 455-1. http://files.hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/pvl/hrs/hrs_pvl_455.pdf

– Hawaii Revised Statutes § 465-1.  

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol10_Ch0436-0474/HRS0465/HRS_0465-0001.htm 

Idaho  

Indiana 

Iowa

Kansas  

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

• 37:2352 (5) “Practice of psychology” is defined as the observation, description, evaluation,  interpretation, and modification of human behavior, by the application of psychological  principles, methods, and procedures, for the purpose of eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive,  or undesired behavior, and of improving interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment,  personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health. The practice of psychology includes but is not limited to psychological testing and evaluation or assessment of personal  characteristics such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and  neuropsychological functioning; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, stress management, biofeedback, behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and  emotional disorder or disability, alcoholism and substance abuse, and of the psychological  aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; psychoeducational evaluation, therapy,  remediation, and consultation. Psychological services may be rendered to individuals, families, groups, institutions, organizations, and the public. The practice of psychology shall be construed  within the meaning of this definition without regard to whether payment is received for services  rendered. 

References: 

– LA Rev Stat § 37:2352. https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=93633

Maine 

• 3811 2. Psychologist. A person practices as a “psychologist” within the meaning of this  chapter when he holds himself out to be a psychologist, or renders to individuals or to the public  for remuneration any service involving the application of recognized principles, methods and  procedures of the science and profession of psychology. Services which may be provided by  psychologists include diagnosing, assessing and treating mental, emotional and psychological  illness, disorders, problems and concerns and evaluation and treatment of vocational, social,  educational, behavioral, intellectual and learning and cognitive disorders. These functions are  performed through recognized psychological techniques such as, but not limited to, psychological  testing, psychological interviews, psychological assessments, psychotherapy, personality  counseling, behavior modification, cognitive therapies, learning therapies, biofeedback,  hypnotherapy and psychological consultation to individuals and organizations.  
• 12522 1 Medicines and therapies. A naturopathic doctor may use and order for  preventative and therapeutic purposes the following natural medicines and therapies: food, food  extracts, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, digestive aids, whole gland thyroid and other natural  hormones, plant substances, all homeopathic preparations, immunizations, counseling,  hypnotherapy, biofeedback, dietary therapy, naturopathic manipulative therapy, naturopathic  physical medicine, therapeutic devices, barrier devices for contraception and office procedures.  Naturopathic doctors may also prescribe medications, including natural antibiotics and topical  medicines, within the limitations set forth in subsection 4. This subsection may not be construed  to prevent an individual other than a naturopathic doctor from using, ordering or recommending  any of the above listed items as long as the individual is not prohibited from doing so by any  other federal or state statute or regulation. 

References: 

– 32 Maine Revised Statute § 3811 (2021).  

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/32/title32sec3811.html 

– 32 Maine Revised Statute § 12522. 

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/32/title32sec12522.html 

Maryland 

(d) “License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to practice psychology as a psychologist. 

(e) “Licensed psychologist” means an individual who meets the requirements in § 18–302(f) of this title and is licensed by the Board to practice psychology. 

(f) (1) “Practice psychology” means to provide to any person: 

(i) Any service for compensation involving the application of psychological  methods or psychological procedures for interviewing, counseling, psychotherapy, behavior modification, or hypnosis; or 

References: 

– MD. Health Occupations Code Ann. § 18-101 (2020). 

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https://dhs.maryland.gov/documents/Licensing-and-Monitoring/Maryland%20Law%20Articles/RCC/HEALTH%20OCCUPATIONS%20Title%2018%20Psychologist.pdf

Massachusetts 

”The practice of psychology”, rendering or offering to render professional service for any fee,  monetary or otherwise, to individuals, groups of individuals, organizations or members of the  public which includes the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, and modification of  human behavior, by the application of psychological principles, methods and procedures, for the  purpose of assessing or effecting changes in symptomatic, maladaptive or undesired behavior and  issues pertaining to interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness  and mental health. The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to, psychological testing,  assessment and evaluation of intelligence, personality, abilities, attitudes, motivation, interests and  aptitudes; counseling, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback training and behavior therapy;  diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorder or disability, alcoholism and substance  abuse, and the psychological aspects of physical illness or disability; psychoeducational evaluation,  therapy, remediation and consultation. Psychological services may be rendered to individuals,  families, groups, and the public. For purposes of this definition, the practice of psychology does  not include the teaching of psychology, the conduct of psychological research, or the provision of  psychological consultation to organizations, unless such teaching research or consultation involves  the delivery or supervision of the types of direct services described above, to individuals or groups  of individuals.  

References:  

– M.G.L. ch. 112, § 118.  

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXVI/Chapter112/Section118 

Michigan 

(1) As used in this part: 

 (a) “Psychologist” means an individual licensed under this article to engage in the practice of  psychology. 

 (b) “Practice of psychology” means the rendering to individuals, groups, organizations, or the  public of services involving the application of principles, methods, and procedures of  understanding, predicting, and influencing behavior for the purposes of the diagnosis, assessment  related to diagnosis, prevention, amelioration, or treatment of mental or emotional disorders,  disabilities or behavioral adjustment problems by means of psychotherapy, counseling, behavior  modification, hypnosis, biofeedback techniques, psychological tests, or other verbal or behavioral  means. The practice of psychology shall not include the practice of medicine such as prescribing  drugs, performing surgery, or administering electro-convulsive therapy. 

References:  

– MCL § 333.18201. 

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(jdt3nekldzdm3hdipxxmi4ux))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-333-18201&highlight=hypnosis 

Minnesota

Minnesota code includes “hypnosis” in the scope of practice of psychology and “hypnotherapy” in  the scope of practice of naturopathic medicine. The use of hypnosis is considered to be “practicing  medicine” if used for the treatment or relief of any wound, fracture, or bodily injury, infirmity, or  disease, unless it is performed by any person licensed by a health-related licensing board or  registered by the commissioner of health, provided that the person confines their activities within  the scope of their license. 

Relevant Regulation(s): 

• 148.89 Subd. 5. “Practice of psychology” means the observation, description, evaluation,  interpretation, or modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles,  methods, or procedures for any reason, including to prevent, eliminate, or manage symptomatic,  maladaptive, or undesired behavior and to enhance interpersonal relationships, work, life and  developmental adjustment, personal and organizational effectiveness, behavioral health, and  mental health. The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to, the following services,  regardless of whether the provider receives payment for the services: 

(4) psychotherapy, including but not limited to, categories such as behavioral, cognitive, emotive,  systems, psychophysiological, or insight-oriented therapies; counseling; hypnosis; and diagnosis  and treatment of 

• 147E.05 Subd. 1. (a) The practice of naturopathic medicine includes, but is not limited to, the  following services: 

(1) ordering, administering, prescribing, or dispensing for preventive and therapeutic purposes:  food, extracts of food, nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, botanicals and  their extracts, botanical medicines, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, dietary supplements  and nonprescription drugs as defined by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, glandulars,  protomorphogens, lifestyle counseling, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, dietary therapy,  electrotherapy, galvanic therapy, oxygen, therapeutic devices, barrier devices for contraception,  and minor office procedures, including obtaining specimens to assess and treat disease; 

• 147.081 Subd. 3.Practice of medicine defined. 

For purposes of this chapter, a person not exempted under section 147.09 is “practicing  medicine” or engaged in the “practice of medicine” if the person does any of the following: (5) offers to undertake to use hypnosis for the treatment or relief of any wound, fracture, or  bodily injury, infirmity, or disease. 

• 147.09 Section 147.081 does not apply to, control, prevent or restrict the practice, service,  or activities of: 

(9) Any person licensed by a health-related licensing board, as defined in section 214.01,  subdivision 2, or registered by the commissioner of health pursuant to section 214.13, including  psychological practitioners with respect to the use of hypnosis; provided that the person confines  activities within the scope of the license. 

References: 

– MN Statutes § 148.89. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/148.89

– MN Statutes § 147E.05. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/147E.05

– MN Statutes § 147.081. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/147.081

– MN Statutes § 147.09. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/147.09 

Mississippi 

*Note that Mississippi rules automatically repeal every five (5) years, unless reviewed and  reenacted. § 73-31-3 is repealed effective July 1, 2025 if not reenacted. 

(ii) The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to: 

1. Psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics, such as  intelligence; personality; cognitive, behavioral, physical and/or emotional abilities; skills; interests;  aptitudes; and neuropsychological functioning; 
2. Counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior analysis and  therapy; 

References:  

– Miss. Code Ann. § 73-31-3.  

https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=ef260a31-d268-45b4-902a-004c89c9623a&config=00JABhZDIzMTViZS04NjcxLTQ1MDItOTllOS03MDg0ZTQxYzU4ZTQKAFBvZENhdGFsb2f8inKxYiqNVSihJeNKRlUp&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A8S9X-4X32-8T6X-71H2-00008-00&pdcontentcomponentid=234190&pdteaserkey=sr0&pditab=allpods&ecomp=vs65kkk&earg=sr0&prid=1a23afab-9789-4cce-8412-bd8732cfa054

Missouri 

337.015. Practice of psychology regulated — practice of psychology, defined. — 1. No person  shall represent himself as a psychologist in the state of Missouri unless he is validly licensed and  registered under the provisions of this chapter. No person shall engage in the practice of  psychology in the state of Missouri unless he is validly licensed and registered under the provisions  of this chapter unless otherwise exempt under the provisions of sections 337.010 to 337.090. 

2. A person represents himself as a “psychologist” within the meaning of this chapter when he  holds himself out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words  “psychology”, “psychological”, or “psychologist”, or any term of like import, “psychometry”,  “psychometrics”, “psychometrist”, “psychotherapy”, “psychotherapists”, “psychoanalysis”,  “psychoanalyst”, or variants thereof or when the person purports to be trained, experienced or an  expert in the field of psychology, and offers to render or renders services as defined below to  individuals, groups, organizations, or the public for a fee, monetary or otherwise; provided,  however, that professional counselors licensed to practice under this chapter, or a physician  licensed to practice pursuant to chapter 334, who specializes in psychiatry, may use any of such 

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terms except “psychology”, “psychological”, or “psychologist” so long as such is consistent with  their respective licensing laws. 

3. The “practice of psychology” within the meaning of this chapter is defined as the  observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, treatment, and modification of human behavior  by the application of psychological principles, methods, and procedures, for the purpose of  preventing, treating, or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior and of  enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral  health, and mental health. The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to, psychometric  or psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics, such as  intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and neuropsychological functioning;  counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior analysis and  therapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorder or disability in both inpatient  and outpatient settings, alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as  the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; psychoeducational  evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation; and teaching and training of psychological  competence. Psychological services may be rendered to individuals, families, groups, and the  public. The practice of psychology shall be construed within the meaning of this definition without  regard to whether payment is received for services rendered. 
4. The application of these principles and methods includes, but is not restricted to: diagnosis,  prevention, treatment, and amelioration of adjustment problems and emotional and mental  disturbances of individuals and groups; hypnosis; counseling; educational and vocational  counseling; personnel selection and management; the evaluation and planning for effective work  and learning situations; advertising and market research; and the resolution of interpersonal and  social conflicts. 

– Missouri Revised Statutes § 337.015.  

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=337.015 

Montana 

(4) (a) “Practice of psychology” means the observation, description, interpretation, and  modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, and  procedures for the purpose of eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior and  improving interpersonal relations, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness, and mental  health. 

(b) The practice of psychology includes but is not limited to psychological testing and evaluation  or assessment of personal characteristics such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests,  aptitudes, and neuropsychological functioning; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy,  hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and  emotional disorders or disabilities, chemical dependency, substance abuse, and the psychological  aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; and psychoeducational evaluation,  therapy, remediation, and consultation. 

(5) A person represents to the public that the person is a “psychologist” when the person uses a 

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title or description of services incorporating the words “psychologist”, “psychological”,  “psychologic”, or “psychology” and offers to render or renders psychological services described  in subsection (4) to individuals, groups, corporations, or the public, whether or not the person  does so for compensation or fee 

References: 

– MCA § 37-17-102.  

https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0170/part_0010/section_0020/0370-0170-0010-0020.html 

Nebraska 

(1) Practice of psychology means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, or  modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, or  procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired  behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal  effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health. 

(2) The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to, psychological testing and the  evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics such as intelligence, personality, abilities,  interests, aptitudes, and psychophysiological and neuropsychological functioning; counseling,  psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior analysis and therapy;  diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, alcoholism and substance abuse,  disorders of habit or conduct, and the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or  disability; psychoeducational evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation; and supervision  of qualified individuals performing services specified in this section. 

(3) Psychological services may be rendered to individuals, families, groups, organizations,  institutions, and the public. The practice of psychology shall be construed within the meaning of  this definition without regard to whether payment is received for services rendered. 

References: 

– Nebraska Revised Statutes § 38-3108 (2021). 

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=38-3108 

Nevada 

“Practice of psychology” means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation or modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods or  procedures to prevent or eliminate problematic, unhealthy or undesired behavior and to enhance  personal relationships and behavioral and mental health. The term includes, without limitation,  such specialized areas of competence as: 

5. Hypnosis; 

References:

– Nevada Revised Statutes § 641.025.  

https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Division/Legal/LawLibrary/NRS/NRS641.html#NRS641Sec025 

New Hampshire  

• 329-B:2 VII. “Psychology practice by a licensed psychologist” means: (c) Counseling, consultation, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior  analysis and therapy; 
• 328-E:4 I. Doctors of naturopathic medicine shall be authorized to use for preventive and  therapeutic purposes the following natural medicines and therapies: food, food extracts, vitamins,  minerals, enzymes, digestive aids, whole gland thyroid, plant substances, all homeopathic  preparations, topical medicines, counseling, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, dietary therapy,  naturopathic physical medicine, therapeutic devices, and barrier devices for contraception. 

References: 

– NH Rev Stat § 329-B:2 (2021). https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/search/default.aspx

– NH Rev Stat § 328-E:4 (2021). https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/search/default.aspx 

New Mexico 

New York 

North Carolina 

(8) Practice of psychology. – The observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, or  modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, and  procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired  behavior or of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal  effectiveness, behavioral health, or mental health. The practice of psychology includes, but is not  limited to: psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics such  as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and neuropsychological functioning;  counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior analysis and  therapy; diagnosis, including etiology and prognosis, and treatment of mental and emotional  disorder or disability, alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as of  the psychological and neuropsychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or  disability; and psychoeducational evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation.  Psychological services may be rendered to individuals, families, groups, and the public. The  practice of psychology shall be construed within the meaning of this definition without regard to  whether payment is received for services rendered. 

(9) Psychologist. – A person represents himself or herself to be a psychologist if that person uses  any title or description of services incorporating the words “psychology”, “psychological”, “psychologic”, or “psychologist”, states that he or she possesses expert qualification in any area  of psychology, or provides or offers to provide services defined as the practice of psychology in  this Article. All persons licensed under this Article may present themselves as psychologists, as  may those persons who are exempt by G.S. 90-270.138 and those who are qualified applicants under G.S. 90-270.139. (1967, c. 910, s. 2; 1977, c. 670, s. 1; 1979, c. 670, s. 1; 1993, c. 375, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 569, s. 14; 1999-292, ss. 1, 2; 2020-82, s. 1(a).) . 

References: 

– North Carolina General Statutes § 90-270.2.  

https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_90/gs_90-270.136.html 

North Dakota 

6. “Practice of psychology” means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, or modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, and procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior and enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health. The term includes psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and neuropsychological functioning; counseling, psychotherapy, biofeedback, behavior analysis and therapy, clinical applications of hypnosis, and other therapeutic techniques based on psychological principles; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorder or disability, compulsive disorders, disorders of habit or conduct as well as of the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; and psychoeducational evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation. The term includes providing psychological services to individuals, families, groups, 

organizations, institutions, and the public regardless of whether payment is received for services rendered. The term includes supervising others who are engaged in the practice of psychology. 

7. “Psychologist” means an individual who is licensed under this chapter in the practice of psychology. 

References: 

– North Dakota Century Code § 43-32-01. https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t43.html

Ohio 

Rev. Code § 4732.01 (C) “Psychological procedures” include but are not restricted to application  of principles, methods, or procedures of understanding, predicting, or influencing behavior, such as  the principles pertaining to learning, conditioning, perception, motivation, thinking, emotions, or  interpersonal relationships; the methods or procedures of verbal interaction, interviewing, counseling, behavior modification, environmental manipulation, group process, psychological  psychotherapy, or hypnosis; and the methods or procedures of administering or interpreting tests  of mental abilities, aptitudes, interests, attitudes, personality characteristics, emotions, or  motivation. 

Administrative Code § 4732-5-01 (A) Consistent with division (A)(7) of section 4732.22 of  the Revised Code, persons regulated under other sections of the Revised Code can use hazardous  psychological procedures when consistent with their professions, provided they do not hold  themselves out to the public by the title “psychologist.” As defined in division (A) of section  4732.01 of the Revised Code, using the terms “psychologic,” “psychological,” or “psychology” in  describing the services offered constitutes holding oneself out to the public as a psychologist  even though use of the procedures under other names may be permitted, as provided by law. 

(B) The following psychological procedures are a serious hazard to mental health as that term is  defined in paragraph (L) of rule 4732-3-01 of the Administrative Code and require professional  expertise in psychology: 

(4) Hypnotic techniques for diagnostic, treatment, or other psychotherapeutic purposes 

Administrative Code § 4732-3-01 (L) “Serious hazard to mental health” occurs where an  individual is at substantial risk of developing a mental disorder or to be at substantial risk of  increasing the severity of an existing mental disorder. 

References:  

– Ohio Revised Code § 4732.01. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4732.01

– Ohio Administrative Code § 4732-5-01. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4732-5-01 

– Ohio Administrative Code § 4732-3-01. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4732-3-01 

Oklahoma 

3. “Practice of psychology” means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, and  modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, and  procedures, for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired  behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal  effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health. The practice of psychology, a branch of the  healing arts, includes, but is not limited to, psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment  of personal characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and  neuropsychological functioning; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis,  biofeedback, and behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional  disorder or disability, alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as of  the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; and psychoeducational  evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation. Psychological services may be rendered to  individuals, families, groups, and the public. The practice of psychology shall be construed within  the meaning of this definition without regard to whether payment is received for services rendered;

References: 

– Oklahoma Statutes § 59-1352. http://www.oklegislature.gov/osStatuesTitle.aspx

Oregon  

Pennsylvania 

Rhode Island 

(7) “Practice of psychology” means the rendering of professional psychological services to  individuals, groups, families, or any public or private organization for remuneration. Professional  psychological services means applying established psychological principles, methods, or  procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired  behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal  effectiveness, and mental health. The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to: 

(iv) Counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and behavior  analysis and therapy. 

References: 

– Rhode Island General Laws § 5-44-1. 

http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/statutes/title12/title5/5%2D44/5%2D44%2D1.htm

South Carolina 

• 40-55-50 Acts constituting practice as psychologist. 

(A) A person practices as a psychologist within the meaning of this chapter when that person holds  himself or herself out as a psychologist or applies the principles, methods, or procedures of  psychology in the conduct of any of the following activities: 

(2) Engaging in a therapeutic relationship with an individual, family, or group for the purpose of  one or more of the following: 

(a) improving the quality of mental health or social adjustment, or both; 

(b) reducing, preventing, modifying, or eliminating maladaptive or undesired behaviors,  cognitions, emotions, or psychological or physical characteristics; 

(c) treating diagnosed mental disorders, whether treatment is focused on behavioral manifestations  of the disorder, the environmental context of the disorder, or underlying causal processes; 

(d) improving individual performance; 

(e) modifying cognitions, emotions, or behaviors, or a combination of these, in order to influence  psychological well-being; 

(f) psychological research; or 

(g) any combination of subitems (a) through (f). 

For purposes of this section, a “therapeutic relationship”, except as provided for in Section 40-55- 90, refers to, but is not limited to, one or more of the following practices insofar as they involve the  application of psychological principles, methods, or procedures: psychotherapy, psychoanalysis,  therapy, family therapy, marital therapy, couples therapy, play therapy, counseling, rehabilitation,  intervention, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, behavior therapy, behavior modification, psychological  counseling, human potential psychology, vocational counseling, school counseling, growth  psychology, alcohol or substance abuse counseling, or both, or remediation, or a combination of  any of these for any of the purposes identified in this item. 

• 40-75-20 (17) “Practice of professional counseling” means functioning as a psycho-therapist  and may include, but is not limited to, providing individual therapy, family counseling, group  therapy, marital counseling, play therapy, couples counseling, substance abuse counseling,  vocational counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, intervention, human growth  and development counseling, behavioral modification counseling, and hypnotherapy. The practice  of professional counseling may include assessment, crisis intervention, guidance and counseling to  facilitate normal growth and development, including educational and career development;  utilization of functional assessment and counseling for persons requesting assistance in adjustment  to a disability or handicapping condition; and consultation and research. The use of specific  methods, techniques, or modalities within the practice of licensed professional counseling is  restricted to professional counselors appropriately trained in the use of these methods, techniques, or modalities. 

References: 

– South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-55-50. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c055.php

– South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-75-20.  

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?search=DOC&searchtext=hypnotherapy&category=CODEOFLAWS&conid=37293110&result_pos=0&keyval=19057&numrows=10 

South Dakota  

(3) “Psychological procedures,” include but are not restricted to the application of principles,  methods or procedures of understanding, predicting or influencing behavior, such as the  principles pertaining to learning, conditioning, perception, motivation, thinking, emotions or  interpersonal relationships; the methods or procedures of verbal interaction, interviewing,  counseling, behavior modification, environmental manipulation, group process, psychotherapy,  biofeedback or hypnosis; and the methods or procedures of administering or interpreting tests of  mental abilities, aptitudes, interests, attitudes, personality characteristics, emotions or motivation; 

References: 

– South Dakota Codified Laws § 36-27A-1.  

https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2060964 

Tennessee 

(a) 

(1) “Practice of psychologist” means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation and  modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods and  procedures for the purpose of assessing, preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive or  undesired behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment,  personal effectiveness, behavioral health and mental health. 

(2) 

(A) “Practice of psychologist” includes, but is not limited to: 

(ii) Counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback and behavior analysis and  therapy; 

(b) A person represents that person to be a psychologist if that person uses any title or description  of services incorporating the words “psychology,” “psychological” or “psychologist,” if such  person possesses expert qualification in any area of psychology or if that person offers to the  public or renders to individuals or to groups of individuals services defined as the practice of  psychology in this chapter. 

References:  

– Tennessee Code Ann. § 63-11-203.  

https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=a6259be3-01a3-4833-b62d-d993ebd78df7&config=025054JABlOTJjNmIyNi0wYjI0LTRjZGEtYWE5ZC0zNGFhOWNhMjFlNDgKAFBvZENhdGFsb2cDFQ14bX2GfyBTaI9WcPX5&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A50G5-6KJ0-R03M-22RN-00008-00&pdcontentcomponentid=234179&pdteaserkey=sr2&pditab=allpods&ecomp=vs65kkk&earg=sr2&prid=a6a90a30-2b18-45b6-ae2a-84adf850bc9c

Vermont 

(8) “Naturopathic medicine” or “the practice of naturopathic medicine” means a system of health  care that utilizes education, natural medicines, and natural therapies to support and stimulate a  patient’s intrinsic self-healing processes and to prevent, diagnose, and treat human health  conditions, injuries, and pain. In connection with such system of health care, an individual licensed  under this chapter may: 

(A) Administer or provide for preventative and therapeutic purposes nonprescription medicines,  topical medicines, botanical medicines, homeopathic medicines, counseling, hypnotherapy,  nutritional and dietary therapy, naturopathic physical medicine, naturopathic childbirth, therapeutic  devices, barrier devices for contraception, and prescription medicines authorized by this chapter. 

References:  

– 26 V.S.A. § 4121. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/26/081/04121

Virginia 

“Practice of clinical psychology” includes, but is not limited to: 

2. “Diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders” which consists of the appropriate  diagnosis of mental disorders according to standards of the profession and the ordering or  providing of treatments according to need. Treatment includes providing counseling,  psychotherapy, marital/family therapy, group therapy, behavior therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnosis,  biofeedback, and other psychological interventions with the objective of modification of  perception, adjustment, attitudes, feelings, values, self-concept, personality or personal goals, the  treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as of the  psychological aspects of physical illness, pain, injury or disability. 

References:  

– Code of Virginia § 54.1-3600. 

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter36/section54.1-3600/ 

West Virginia 

Wisconsin 

(5)

(a) “Practice of psychology” means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation,  prediction, or modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles,  methods, or procedures for any of the following purposes, in exchange for a fee: 1. Preventing, eliminating, evaluating, assessing, or predicting symptomatic, maladaptive, or  undesired behavior and promoting adaptive health maintaining behavior or psychological  functioning. 

2. Assisting in legal decision-making. 

(b) “Practice of psychology” includes all of the following if done in exchange for a fee: 2. Counseling, consultation, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, behavior  therapy, and applied behavior analysis. 

References:  

– Wisconsin Statute § 455.01.  

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/455/i/01/5/b/2 

Wyoming 

(iii) “Practice of psychology” means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation and  modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods and  procedures, for the purpose of any one (1) or any combination of the following: 

(E) Psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback and behavior analysis and therapy; References: 

– Wyo. Stat. § 33-27-113.  

https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=292bafb0-a6cb-421c-93c6-ffd548d23813&config=00JABmMTEzODA5Zi0wOWExLTQ3NTAtOThmNy0xYjc5ZjUwYzRkZmIKAFBvZENhdGFsb2f3sjqEYfYX7EMD8yWYBYCu&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A56VF-H2S1-73WF-6515-00008-00&pdcontentcomponentid=234174&pdteaserkey=sr0&pditab=allpods&ecomp=vs65kkk&earg=sr0&prid=f1b79de6-f01d-4897-af1a-ac59cf08c449