Is Hypnotherapy free on NHS?
As an alternative treatment for various conditions hypnotherapy has been gaining in popularity. On a street of 80 houses about 13 people have seen a hypnotherapist, thats 16%.
It uses relaxation and trance to help clients make changes. To conditions like anxiety, phobias or fears, weight loss and depression.
But is Hypnotherapy free on the NHS? Does the NHS pay for Hypnotherapy? Let’s delve into these questions….
Hypnotherapy uses positive suggestions to help you make changes to thoughts, feelings or behaviour using your subconscious part of the brain.
These suggestions can help people change certain behaviours or habits, such as smoking or overeating, manage pain, or deal with stress and anxiety. You can read more here about hypnotherapy for weight loss.
What the NHS provides
The NHS provides a wide range of healthcare services for UK residence, some of which are free. When it comes to hypnotherapy the availability can vary. Typically it is not available, if you are asking can your GP refer you to a hypnotherapist in generally the answer is no but that is not the end of the answer!
The NHS does recognize that hypnotherapy can potentially be beneficial to treat some conditions. At the moment due to the lack of sufficient studies and evidence it is not generally provided.
More Evidence and studies being done on how hypnotherapy can help.
As additional studies are carried out and an increasing amount of evidence emerges, its becomes evident that Hypnotherapy is proving to be effective form of treatment. Across a diverse spectrum of conditions, ranging from anxiety and stress to addictions and weight loss. The assertion that there is insufficient evidence-based research may undergo transformation in the future.
What are the exceptions?
There may be some exceptions in certain cases to this rule. For example if a patient has tried other treatments without success or if their condition is complex enough. This may warrant consideration of other complementary therapies like hypnotherapy.
Some NHS trusts might offer hypnotherapy for certain conditions such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), chronic pain or anxiety if other treatment have not been effective.
Who recognizes Hypnotherapy for anxiety?
NICE (National Institiute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends Hypnotherapy and CBT for people with IBS who don’t respond to IBS drugs after 12 months.
It is also worth knowing that some GP’s and healthcare professionals trained in hypnotherapy might use these techniques as part of their treatment approach. Therefore it’s always worth discussing with them that you are interested in trying hypnotherapy. As they could give you advice on your specific situation or they may be able to refer you for NHS-funded treatment in certain cases. You can also check with your local ICG to see if its offered in your area:
Conclusion
Remember that investing in your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
So while understanding the cost implications is crucial. Please don’t let it deter you from exploring all possible avenues towards achieving optimal health/ well being. Read more here about the cost of hypnotherapy: How much should I pay for Hypnotherapy.
If you are interested in finding out more, simply book in here for an initial consultation
We can chat about how I can help you.