Hypnosis: HSA Eligibility

Not eligible for general use and wellbeing.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a way to add to a psychotherapy program to overcome an issue otherwise too difficult to explore while conscious. Hypnosis is conducted in sessions with a trained mental health professional who has trained in the hypnosis process for the specific medical condition that requires alleviation or treatment. Examples of medical conditions for which hypnosis may be appropriate include traumas and fears, smoking cessation, obesity or eating disorders, grief and loss, and sleep disorders. For any of these medical conditions, a medical professional must evaluate the condition and write a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) in order for hypnosis treatment expenses to be considered eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account.

Hypnosis usually takes place over the course of several treatment sessions, and may focus on a suggestion or analysis-based approach. A suggestion based approach is usually recommended for hypnosis treatments that address a behavioral-based medical condition. An analysis-based approach is usually recommended for hypnosis treatments that address a trauma-based or psychological based medical condition; in an analysis-based approach, the hypnotherapy sessions explore the root causes of an issue by taking advantage of the patient's ability to explore topics and memories that might otherwise be difficult to discuss while completely conscious (American Psychological Association).

Hypnotherapy requires that a patient enter a state of guided relaxation under the observation and care of a trained mental health professional. Hypnosis sessions may cause the patient to become less aware of their surroundings, and requires careful diagnosis and consideration before use with patients who have psychotic symptoms or psychiatric disorders.