If you live in London and you are thinking about hypnotherapy, one of the first questions is usually: can I get it on the NHS? The short answer is yes, sometimes, but only for a small number of conditions, and access can take time. This guide explains what the NHS offers, who qualifies, how long it can take, and what your options are if you would rather start sooner with a private hypnotherapist in London or online.
Does the NHS offer hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is not a routine NHS treatment, and most GP practices do not offer it. Where the NHS does provide it, it is usually through a specialist hospital service for a specific physical condition, most often irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
That is because IBS is the area where the clinical guidance is clearest. NICE guidance on IBS in adults (CG61) says that referral for psychological interventions, including hypnotherapy, should be considered for people whose IBS has not responded to medication after 12 months and who still have ongoing symptoms.
For anxiety, stress, low mood, sleep problems, habits such as smoking, or confidence, NHS mental health support usually comes through NHS Talking Therapies, which mainly offers approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling rather than hypnotherapy.
NHS hypnotherapy in London: what exists
In London, the best known NHS service is at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, part of University College London Hospitals (UCLH). Its psychological therapy team offers hypnosis, mainly for IBS and some other long-term physical health problems, particularly gut conditions. Treatment usually involves an assessment followed by up to eight weekly sessions, where patients learn self-hypnosis to manage their symptoms.
Most referrals to that service come from its own hospital doctors or the UCLH gut team. It accepts only a limited number of outside referrals, so if you are not already a patient there, the first step is to speak to your GP about what is available locally.
Who usually qualifies for NHS hypnotherapy?
Eligibility depends on the service, but in general you are more likely to be referred if:
- you have a confirmed diagnosis, usually IBS or another gut condition
- you have already tried standard treatments such as diet changes and medication
- your symptoms have continued for a long time and are affecting daily life
- your GP or hospital specialist agrees a referral is appropriate
If your main concern is anxiety, stress, sleep, phobias, smoking or confidence, an NHS hypnotherapy referral is unlikely. That does not mean hypnotherapy cannot help with these. It simply is not how the NHS has chosen to deliver support for them.
How to ask for a referral
- Book a GP appointment and explain your symptoms, how long you have had them, and what you have already tried.
- Ask directly whether gut-directed hypnotherapy or another psychological therapy is available for you locally, and mention the NICE IBS guidance if relevant.
- Ask about waiting times, as specialist services can have long waits.
- Keep a symptom diary. It helps your GP and any specialist understand what you are dealing with.
Why many Londoners choose private hypnotherapy
Because NHS hypnotherapy is limited to a few conditions and services, many people choose to see a private hypnotherapist instead. The main reasons are:
- You can start quickly. There is no referral and no waiting list, so you can usually begin within days.
- It covers more than IBS. Private hypnotherapy can support anxiety, stress, sleep, phobias, habits, confidence and more.
- Sessions fit your life. Evening and online appointments make it easier to fit therapy around work.
- You choose your therapist. You can pick someone whose training and focus match what you need.
If you already have an NHS referral, private sessions are not a replacement for your medical care. Many of my clients keep working with their GP or consultant while we focus on the mind and body side of their symptoms together.
How to choose a safe, qualified hypnotherapist in London
Hypnotherapy is not a legally protected title in the UK, so it is worth checking a few things before you book:
- Registration. Look for membership of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), which holds an Accredited Register approved by the Professional Standards Authority, or a recognised professional body.
- Training. Ask where they trained and whether they have specialist experience in your issue.
- A clear first conversation. A good therapist will talk through your goals, explain what sessions involve, and tell you honestly if hypnotherapy is not the right fit.
- Joined-up care. For physical symptoms, they should encourage you to see your GP first to rule out anything that needs medical attention.
You can read more about what to expect in my guides on whether hypnotherapy is safe and how many sessions you might need.
Hypnotherapy with London Hypnotics
I am Antonios Koletsas, a clinical hypnotherapist and psychologist. I see clients in person at my practice at 364 City Road in central London, and online across the UK. My specialist focus is gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS, the same type of approach recommended in NICE guidance, and I also help clients with anxiety, stress, sleep, habits and confidence.
I am registered with the CNHC and GHR. Most of my IBS clients complete a course of six to eight sessions, and I give you self-hypnosis recordings so you can keep practising between appointments. If you would rather not travel, online hypnotherapy works in the same way from the comfort of your home.
You can find session fees on my fees page. If you are not sure whether to wait for the NHS or start privately, book a free 15-minute call and we can talk through your options with no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Can my GP refer me for hypnotherapy?
Your GP can refer you if a suitable NHS service exists in your area and you meet its criteria. In practice this is mostly for IBS that has not improved with standard treatment. It is always worth asking.
Is hypnotherapy available on the NHS for anxiety?
Rarely. NHS support for anxiety usually comes through NHS Talking Therapies, which mainly offers CBT and counselling. People who want hypnotherapy for anxiety usually see a private hypnotherapist.
Does private health insurance cover hypnotherapy?
Some policies cover complementary therapies and some do not. Check with your insurer before you start, and ask whether they need your therapist to be registered with a particular body.
How quickly can I start private hypnotherapy in London?
Usually within days. You start with a free call, then book your first session at a time that suits you, in person in central London or online.
Can I have private hypnotherapy while waiting for NHS treatment?
Yes. Private hypnotherapy can sit alongside your NHS care. Keep your GP or specialist informed, and keep taking any medication as prescribed unless they advise otherwise.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2008, updated 2017). Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management (CG61). nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Hypnosis, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine patient information. uclh.nhs.uk
- Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. cnhc.org.uk
