Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis or hypnotherapy sessions — not an eligible CRA medical expense because hypnotherapists are not an authorized medical practitioner under the Income Tax Act
Is hypnotherapy CRA eligible in Canada?
No. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are not CRA-eligible medical expenses. Under paragraph 118.2(2)(a) of the Income Tax Act, fees only qualify when paid to a practitioner who is authorized to practise as a medical practitioner in the province where the service is provided, and hypnotherapy is not a regulated health profession in any Canadian province. Because the service does not qualify, it cannot be reimbursed through a Health Spending Account.
What Does Not Qualify
- Hypnotherapy sessions with a certified hypnotherapist or clinical hypnotist who is not otherwise an authorized medical practitioner
- Hypnosis for smoking cessation, weight loss, anxiety, or pain management
- Stage or entertainment hypnosis
- Hypnosis recordings, apps, or self-hypnosis materials
Good to Know
- Who the provider is matters more than what the service is called. If a regulated psychologist or psychotherapist uses hypnosis as part of a therapy session, the full session is eligible under psychology or psychotherapy — because the provider is the eligible professional, not the technique. The bill must come from the licensed practitioner, not from a separate hypnotherapy business.
- A doctor's note recommending hypnotherapy does not make the expense eligible on its own. The service must still be provided by an authorized medical practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hypnotherapy CRA eligible?
No. Fees qualify under paragraph 118.2(2)(a) of the Income Tax Act only when paid to a practitioner authorized to practise in the province. Hypnotherapy is not a regulated profession in any Canadian province.
Can I claim hypnotherapy through my HSA?
No. Because hypnotherapy is not METC eligible, it cannot be reimbursed through a Health Spending Account.
What if my psychologist uses hypnosis during therapy?
That session is eligible — but as a psychology or psychotherapy expense, not a hypnotherapy one. The receipt must be issued by the licensed practitioner.
Source
Based on the CRA's official eligible medical expenses list and the CRA's Authorized medical practitioners for purposes of the Medical Expense Tax Credit list.
This information is sourced from the Canada Revenue Agency's official Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) reference guide (lines 33099 and 33199). This is not tax advice. For the most current rulings, consult the CRA directly or speak with a qualified tax professional.
Based on CRA data last updated 2026-01-20. Page last reviewed 2026-04-22.