In Washington State, practicing hypnotherapy for a fee or as part of state employment requires registration with the Washington State Department of Health under Chapter 18.19 RCW, unless an exemption applies under RCW 18.19.040.[1][2][5]
Key Legal Requirements
Registration Mandate: Defined in RCW 18.19.035, no one may practice hypnotherapy without department registration, enforced to protect consumers from unqualified practitioners.[1][2][5]
Hypnotherapist Definition: A registered person using hypnosis as a modality within counseling to assist individuals.[1]
Application Process: Submit via approved forms including demographics (name, SSN, address), personal data questions (e.g., criminal history, substance use), and details of other licenses/trainings. Credentialing staff review for eligibility; formal hypnotherapy training typically suffices—no specific hour requirements defined, and HIV/AIDS training ended in 2020.[3]
Advisory Committee: The Certified Counselors and Hypnotherapist Advisory Committee (7 members: 2 counselors/advisers, 2 hypnotherapists, 3 public consumers) oversees standards.[1]
Renewal: Registrations expire annually; exact renewal details (e.g., fee) align with Department of Health processes.[4]
Exemptions and Restrictions
Certain practitioners (e.g., licensed professionals) may qualify for exemptions per RCW 18.19.040, but hypnotherapy for compensation demands registration otherwise.[1][4]
Prohibited Conduct and Enforcement
Unregistered practice risks investigation and penalties under Chapter 18.130 RCW. Violations include:
Client abuse, negligence, or malpractice.
Betraying confidentiality (except for crimes/harm or consent).
Moral turpitude, fraud, false advertising, or promoting unproven treatments.
Drug/alcohol impairment or felony convictions related to practice.[7]
The Department of Health handles applications, complaints, and enforcement, categorizing hypnotherapists under counselors (WAC 246-810).[3][4][8] For latest forms or status, contact the department directly, as regulations like application processes evolve (e.g., WAC 246-810-090 effective 7/1/2025).[3][8]