State Laws for Hypnotherapists in Oklahoma

Summary

Disclaimer: The following summary is a non-legal interpretation of how the hypnotherapy authors interpret the law as it applies for hypnotherapists. This is not a substitute for legal advice.

In Oklahoma, the practice of psychology, which includes hypnosis for therapeutic purposes, requires a license. However, hypnotherapy for purposes not related to mental health treatment might not fall under this definition.

Many unlicensed individuals advertise hypnotherapy services online in Oklahoma.

Legal Case Highlights

As of the date of this publication, we were unable to find any known legal cases in this state where someone has faced legal action just for practicing hypnosis or hypnotherapy. (Unless there was a legal case in that state.)

Hypnotherapists

Important Note: Estimating the number of hypnotherapists practicing in any state is difficult if there is no state licensing or registration act in that state. This resource provides very rough estimates that are grossly under reported by Googling hypnotherapists who are actively advertising in that state.

As of 2024, there are approximately 45 hypnotherapists practicing/advertising in the State of Oklahoma.

Laws and Regulations

Oklahoma Statutes Annotated

Title 59. Professions and Occupations Chapter 34. Psychologists Licensing Act 59 Okl.St.Ann. § 1352

§ 1352. Definitions

In the Psychologists Licensing Act, unless the context otherwise requires:…

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;…

Notes

1. It is unclear whether hypnotherapy involves “the application of psychological principles, methods and procedures” – which is required to be part of the “practice of psychology” under 59 Okl.St.Ann. § 1352. Also, the phrase “the application of psychological principles, methods and procedures” is vague and broad so that it is unreasonable to assume that this is exclusively the domain of licensed psychologists. Almost everyone uses basic application of psychological principles in fields, for example, like advertising, human resources, training programs, etc.
2. It cannot be the case that the things listed under 59 Okl.St.Ann. § 1352– such as hypnosis – are meant to be exclusively reserved to licensed psychologists. Otherwise, only licensed psychologists would be permitted to evaluate intelligence (something teachers also do), assess abilities (something coaches, counselors, art critics, and many others do), etc.
3. We are not aware of any cases in which a person in Oklahoma has gotten into legal trouble just for practicing hypnosis or hypnotherapy.
4. Google searches reveal a number of unlicensed individuals advertising hypnotherapy services in Oklahoma.
5. The law listed above is a “Titling Act” that outlines what licensed psychologists can do. It does not outline what everyone else other than licensed psychologists can and cannot do.