Welcome to TruceTalk® Hypnosis Episode 1

Understanding How VA Whole Health & Community Care Can Support Hypnosis / Clinical Hypnotherapy

Many Veterans are surprised to learn that the VA Whole Health program recognizes Clinical Hypnosis as a legitimate, evidence‑supported complementary health modality. According to the VA’s Whole Health website, clinical hypnosis is a focused state of attention used by trained, CERTIFIED professionals to support healing, and it can help with concerns such as anxiety, pain, sleep issues, IBS, depression, and habit control [Veterans Affairs](https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/professional-resources/Clinical_Hypnosis.asp).

Because Clinical Hypnosis is included within the VA’s Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) offerings, Veterans may be able to access it directly through VA Whole Health or, when appropriate, through the VA Community Care Network (CCN).

How the VA Community Care Network (CCN) Can Help Cover Hypnosis / Clinical Hypnotherapy

1. Clinical Hypnosis *is* a recognized Whole Health modality

The VA explicitly lists Clinical Hypnosis as a Whole Health service and describes how Veterans can access it by speaking with their VA provider or Whole Health point of contact [Veterans Affairs](https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/professional-resources/Clinical_Hypnosis.asp).

This means hypnosis is already part of the VA’s integrative care framework.

2. If your VA facility does not offer Clinical Hypnosis, CCN may be used

The VA Community Care Network provides care through approved community providers when VA cannot provide the care needed or when access is limited due to availability or wait times [Vacommunitycare](https://www.vacommunitycare.com/).

If your local VA does not have a Clinical Hypnosis provider, or if wait times are too long, your VA provider may submit a Community Care referral.

3. Eligibility is based on clinical need and VA availability

Community Care is not automatic; it is based on:

- Your clinical needs

- Whether the VA can provide the service

- Wait times and access standards

- Distance or travel burden

- Provider availability

These criteria apply to **all** community care services, including complementary modalities like Clinical Hypnosis.

4. A VA provider must place the referral**

Veterans cannot self‑refer.

The process typically looks like this:

1. **Discuss your goals** with your VA primary care provider or Whole Health team.

2. Your provider determines whether Clinical Hypnosis is appropriate for your needs.

3. If the VA cannot provide it internally, your provider may submit a Community Care consult.

4. Once approved, you may see a **CCN‑authorized hypnotherapy provider**.

5. Clinical Hypnosis must be provided by a trained, licensed professional

The VA emphasizes that Clinical Hypnosis is delivered by CERTIFIED clinicians trained in therapeutic hypnosis, not entertainment‑style hypnosis [Veterans Affairs](https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/docs/ClinicalHypnosisFactSheet_508.pdf).

This ensures that any CCN provider must meet VA credentialing standards.

What Veterans Should Do Next

If you’re a Veteran interested in receiving Clinical Hypnosis through the VA or CCN:

✔ **1. Contact your VA Primary Care Provider or Whole Health Coordinator**

Ask about Clinical Hypnosis availability at your facility.

✔ **2. Request evaluation for a Whole Health or CIH service**

Your provider can determine whether Clinical Hypnosis is clinically appropriate.

✔ **3. If the VA cannot provide it, ask whether Community Care is an option**

Your provider can initiate a referral if eligibility criteria are met.

✔ **4. Once approved, you can choose a CCN‑authorized hypnotherapy provider**

The VA will coordinate scheduling and coverage.

This makes hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy more accessible than many Veterans realize, especially for issues like anxiety, pain, sleep, and habit change.

*** WARNING: DO NOT LISTEN TO THESE PODCASTS INSIDE A VEHICLE.***