Entering a hypnotic state can improve symptoms of many mental and physical illnesses—and Medicare may cover it.
Back pain, anxiety, cancer treatment side effects, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—while they don’t have much in common on the surface, all these conditions have been shown to improve with hypnosis. Hypnotherapy—the use of hypnosis to treat medical and psychological conditions—still has a cultural reputation for being a bit woo-woo. But it’s been endorsed by doctors for many years as a safe and effective treatment for a range of ailments, many of which affect seniors.
When a person experiences hypnosis, they enter a state of focused attention. The background fades away, and they’re able to pay close attention to a therapist’s suggestions. While hypnosis is defined as an altered state of consciousness, the person usually remembers the entire experience, and they choose whether or not to follow any given directions.
Why does hypnotherapy work?
Researchers think one reason is the hypnotic state quiets a person’s critical voice, allowing suggestions that one might normally dismiss to take root instead. For a person who experiences anxiety and depression, the new ideas could support a shift in attitude that transforms self-esteem. For someone with chronic pain, hypnotherapy could support a shift toward thinking less about the pain. “Hypnotherapy can help you decide which things you should give your attention to, and which you shouldn't,” according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Older adults are uniquely positioned to benefit from hypnotherapy because it’s used to treat many common conditions associated with aging, such as insomnia and pain. And researchers are starting to look into specific ways hypnotherapy can be combined with other interventions to support seniors. In one recent study, hypnosis helped seniors to feel less afraid of falling during rehab exercises. In another study, older adults with cognitive decline experienced less anxiety around an invasive procedure when they were hypnotized before the operation.
It's not uncommon for us to develop new or heightened fears in our later years. Compared to younger adults, and to their younger selves, seniors may experience higher levels of fear related to falling, being along, crime, illness, and dying. What starts as a natural response to the challenges of aging can turn into a phobia. Hypnotherapy, long used to treat phobias, may help older adults find relief.
For most individuals, hypnotherapy has no side effects, but it’s not for everyone. Among people with a history of psychosis, hypnotherapy can worsen or prompt symptoms. And some people are simply less susceptible to hypnotism than others, and may benefit less or not all. As with any intervention, always consult with a qualified provider before pursuing treatment.
When does Medicare cover hypnotherapy?
Medicare may cover hypnotherapy, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ 2024 Medicare Learning Network publication on mental health coverage. Medicare only covers uses that are deemed medically necessary—so you’ll likely have no luck getting reimbursed for hypnotherapy to enhance job performance, for example. But if your doctor diagnoses you with IBS and refers you to a therapist for hypnotherapy, that use may be covered.
In some cases, a Medicare Advantage plan may cover hypnotherapy when Original Medicare doesn’t. In other instances, a prior authorization may be necessary.
If you’re already seeing a therapist for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition, hypnosis may be one of the modalities your therapist employs with you during sessions. If Medicare already covers those sessions, hypnotherapy would generally be covered as part of the larger treatment plan.
For insurance coverage, and for the best treatment, it’s important to seek hypnotherapy from qualified health professionals. Not all certified hypnotherapists are mental health providers; for example, dentists sometimes seek certification because hypnosis can help reduce anxiety related to dental procedures. But when you’re looking for a specialist, you’re probably in search of a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, doctor, nurse, or social worker.
Ask about the provider’s credentials and experience using hypnosis to treat your particular condition. You can search the websites of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, or the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists. Be more careful when the practitioner advertises hypnotherapy as their primary or only mode of treatment. Usually, hypnotherapy helps improve the effectiveness of other therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
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Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
