State Laws for Hypnotherapists in Wyoming

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 Wyoming, the practice of psychology includes activities like psychotherapy, hypnosis, and psychological testing, which require the application of psychological principles. However, the definition is broad and may not exclusively apply to licensed psychologists. The law does not restrict non-psychologists from performing activities such as intelligence evaluation or abilities assessment, which are commonly done by various professionals like teachers and coaches.

Many unlicensed individuals in Wyoming advertise hypnotherapy services online.

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 16 hypnotherapists practicing/advertising in the State of Wyoming.

Laws and Regulations

33-27-113. Definitions.

1. As used in this act:…
   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 any one (1) or any combination of the following:
      1. Preventing, eliminating, evaluating or assessing symptomatic, maladaptive or undesired behavior;
      2. Enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral health and mental health;
      3. Consulting in legal decision making;
      4. Psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes and neuropsychological functioning;
      5. Psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback and behavior analysis and therapy;

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 33-27-113. 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 33-27-113 – 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 Wyoming has gotten into legal trouble just for practicing hypnosis or hypnotherapy.
4. Google searches reveal a number of unlicensed individuals advertising hypnotherapy services in Wyoming.

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.