The World Map of Healthcare Clowning

The largest healthcare clowning organisation in the world by practitioner count. Dream Doctors places professional medical clowns in hospitals across Israel and has pioneered the integration of clowning into clinical care teams, including in emergency and oncology settings.

A Quebec-based charitable foundation that deploys professional therapeutic clowns across a wide range of healthcare settings — hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centres, and other care institutions throughout Québec. Known for its rigorous training model and work in geriatric and palliative care.

Therapeutic clowning program at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa, Ontario. Brings professional therapeutic clowning to paediatric patients and families at one of Canada's leading children's hospitals, serving the Province of Ontario and beyond.

The national professional association for therapeutic clowns in Canada. Supports practitioners across the country through professional development, standards of practice, and a national network connecting hospital clowning programs from coast to coast.

Therapeutic clowning program at SickKids in Toronto, one of the world's leading paediatric hospitals, with over 25 years of practice. Trained therapeutic clowns visit patients on wards throughout the hospital, supporting children and families through humour, play, and human connection.

The Therapeutic Clown Program at Alberta Health Services delivers professional therapeutic clowning to children and youth in healthcare settings across Alberta, operating through the Stollery Children's Hospital and affiliated facilities.

MIRTH is the therapeutic clowning program at BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. Professional therapeutic clowns visit paediatric patients and their families throughout the hospital, providing emotional support and relief during difficult medical experiences.

Therapeutic clowning program at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Atlantic Canada's leading children's and women's hospital, where professional therapeutic clowns support paediatric patients and families across the Maritime provinces.

Therapeutic clowning program at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Professional therapeutic clowns provide emotional support and joy to patients and families in this northern Alberta regional hospital.

Toronto-based therapeutic clowning organisation bringing professional clown care to patients and families in healthcare settings. Delivers humour, play, and human connection to support wellbeing across hospital wards in the Toronto area.

Therapeutic clowning program at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, Canada's largest children's rehabilitation hospital. Professional therapeutic clowns support children with disabilities, complex needs, and their families throughout the rehabilitation journey.

Therapeutic clowning program at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario. Professional therapeutic clowns visit patients across this major academic health sciences centre, providing comfort and connection to patients and families.

Gatineau-based therapeutic clowning organisation serving healthcare institutions in the Outaouais region of Quebec. A meaningful presence in the Quebec therapeutic clowning landscape, bringing tenderness and play to patients and families in care settings.

Theodora Children's Charity deploys professional Giggle Doctors to children's hospitals, hospices, and specialist care settings across the UK. Part of the international Theodora network founded in Switzerland.

Part of the international Clowns Without Borders network. Sends professional clowns to crisis zones, refugee camps, and areas affected by conflict or natural disaster to provide psychosocial support through play.

The founding organisation of the international Theodora network, established in Geneva. Deploys Giggle Doctors to children's hospitals and care settings across Switzerland and coordinates the international network of Theodora affiliates.

One of France's leading healthcare clowning organisations, placing professional clowns in paediatric hospital wards across France. Known for its structured training program and long-term hospital partnerships.

The French chapter of Clowns Without Borders. Sends professional clowns to crisis zones and areas of humanitarian need to provide psychosocial relief through performance and play.

One of Latin America's most established healthcare clowning organisations, placing professional clowns in public hospitals across Brazil. Also conducts research, advocacy, and training in the field.

Argentine organisation inspired by the Gesundheit! Institute model, bringing clowning and humour-based care into hospitals and underserved communities.

One of Chile's most established therapeutic clown organisations, placing trained clown doctors in paediatric hospitals and care settings across Santiago and the broader Chilean healthcare system. Works alongside clinical teams to support children and families through hospitalisation using humour, play, and human connection.

Chilean therapeutic clown programme operating in public hospitals and paediatric wards. Trained practitioners work within the clinical environment to reduce procedural anxiety, support emotional wellbeing, and bring moments of joy to children and families during difficult medical experiences.

Colombian chapter of the Doctores Sonrisa network, placing trained therapeutic clowns in paediatric hospitals and care settings across Bogotá and other major Colombian cities. Part of a Latin American movement to establish healthcare clowning as a recognised clinical support practice.

Colombian foundation dedicated to the therapeutic application of laughter and humour in clinical and community settings. Trains practitioners, supports hospital clown programmes across Colombia, and advocates for the integration of therapeutic humour into the national healthcare system.

One of Peru's most recognised therapeutic clown organisations, operating in paediatric hospitals and care settings in Lima and across the country. Trained clown practitioners work within clinical teams to support children and families, with a particular focus on public hospital settings serving underserved communities.

The Peruvian chapter of the international Clowns Without Borders network. Deploys trained clown performers to hospitals, refugee communities, and areas affected by poverty and humanitarian crisis across Peru, using humour and play as tools for psychosocial support.

Uruguayan therapeutic clown programme placing trained practitioners in paediatric hospitals and care settings in Montevideo. Part of the broader Latin American Doctores Sonrisa network, working to establish healthcare clowning as a recognised professional practice within the Uruguayan public health system.

Uruguayan hospital clown programme operating in public paediatric wards and care settings. Trained therapeutic clowns work alongside clinical staff to support children and families through hospitalisation, bringing humour, play, and human connection into the care environment.

Venezuelan therapeutic clown programme placing trained practitioners in paediatric hospitals and care settings in Caracas and other major cities. Operates within a challenging healthcare context, bringing consistent emotional support and moments of joy to hospitalised children and their families.

Ecuadorian therapeutic clown programme operating in paediatric hospitals and care settings in Quito and Guayaquil. Trained clown practitioners work within clinical teams to support children and families, contributing to the growing recognition of healthcare clowning as a professional discipline across Latin America.

Ecuadorian foundation dedicated to therapeutic clowning in hospitals, hospices, and community care settings. Trains and supports healthcare clown practitioners across Ecuador, and advocates for the integration of humour-based care into the national health system.

Bolivian therapeutic clown programme operating in paediatric hospitals and care settings in La Paz and Cochabamba. Trained practitioners bring humour, play, and human connection to hospitalised children and families, working within public hospital settings that serve Bolivia's most vulnerable communities.

Paraguayan therapeutic clown programme placing trained practitioners in paediatric hospitals and care settings in Asunción. Part of the Latin American Doctores Sonrisa network, bringing consistent emotional support to hospitalised children and families within the Paraguayan public health system.

One of Mexico's most established therapeutic clown organisations, based in Mexico City. Places trained clown doctors in paediatric hospitals and care settings across the Mexican capital, working alongside clinical teams to support children and families through hospitalisation. A founding presence in the Mexican healthcare clowning field.

The national professional association for hospital clowns in Mexico. Brings together individual practitioners and programmes from across the country, advocates for training standards and ethical practice, and works to establish healthcare clowning as a recognised professional discipline within the Mexican healthcare system.

Therapeutic clown programme embedded within the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico's national children's hospital and one of Latin America's leading paediatric research and treatment institutions. Trained clown practitioners work across inpatient wards supporting children and families during treatment and long-term hospitalisation.

Founded by Patch Adams, the Gesundheit! Institute promotes a model of healthcare that integrates humour, play, and human connection. Runs international clown trips to hospitals and communities in need.

One of the earliest hospital clowning programs in the United States, placing professional clowns in paediatric hospitals across New York and other major cities.

The primary North American federation representing healthcare clown organisations and individual practitioners across the United States and Canada. Advocates for professional standards, ethics, and the recognition of healthcare clowning as a clinical discipline.

New York-based organisation placing trained therapeutic clowns in paediatric hospitals, oncology wards, and hospice settings. Known for its Red Nose Docs program, which deploys professional performers as clinical team members in hospitals across the New York metropolitan area.

Houston-based programme placing trained therapeutic clowns at Texas Children's Hospital and other paediatric care settings. One of the longest-running hospital clowning programmes in the American South, with a focus on paediatric oncology and long-term care patients.

US-based organisation providing training and certification pathways for volunteer and professional healthcare clowns. Operates programmes in hospitals, care homes, and rehabilitation centres, and offers structured training curricula for practitioners entering the field.

The US chapter of the international Clowns Without Borders network. Deploys professional clown performers to crisis zones, refugee camps, and underserved communities globally, using humour and play as tools for psychosocial support and trauma relief.

A professional association for practitioners, researchers, and educators who study and apply therapeutic humour in clinical and community settings. Supports evidence-informed practice through conferences, publications, and a professional network spanning healthcare, education, and social services.

Los Angeles-based organisation deploying trained therapeutic clowns and humour practitioners to hospitals, memory care facilities, and senior living communities across Southern California. Places particular emphasis on dementia care and geriatric wellbeing.

US-based training programme focused on developing the inner clown as a therapeutic tool. Offers workshops and intensives for healthcare professionals, social workers, and performers seeking to integrate clown presence into clinical and community care contexts.

Therapeutic clown programme embedded within Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC. Professional clowns work alongside clinical staff in paediatric wards, procedure rooms, and the emergency department, supporting children and families through hospitalisation.

Therapeutic clown programme operating within UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco. Trained clown doctors visit paediatric patients across inpatient units, supporting emotional wellbeing and reducing procedural anxiety in collaboration with the clinical team.

Long-running therapeutic clown programme at Boston Children's Hospital, one of the leading paediatric research and treatment centres in the United States. Clown practitioners work across inpatient units and the emergency department, integrating play and humour into the care environment.

Therapeutic clown programme at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of the oldest and most respected paediatric hospitals in the United States. Clown practitioners support patients and families across inpatient, outpatient, and palliative care settings.

New Jersey-based non-profit bringing therapeutic humour, clowning, and comedy programming to hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and care facilities across the northeastern United States. Focuses on the psychosocial benefits of laughter for patients, families, and healthcare staff.

San Francisco Bay Area organisation founded by Moshe Cohen, dedicated to training healthcare clowns and bringing the art of therapeutic clowning into hospitals, hospices, and care settings. Known for its rigorous clown training methodology that blends performance craft with clinical sensitivity, and for its work developing the professional identity of the healthcare clown in North America.

US-based programme supporting therapeutic clown and creative arts interventions in paediatric hospital settings. Works to improve the hospital experience for seriously ill children and their families through humour, play, and distraction-based care.

Part of the international Rote Nasen network. Places professional clowns in hospitals, care homes, and social institutions across Germany.

The founding chapter of the international Rote Nasen network. Places professional clowns in hospitals, care homes, and social institutions across Austria. Also coordinates the international Rote Nasen network.

One of the Netherlands' leading healthcare clowning organisations, placing professional clowns in children's hospitals and care settings across the country.

Places professional clowns in children's hospitals and care settings across Belgium, working in both French and Dutch-speaking communities.

A Barcelona-based healthcare clowning organisation placing professional clowns in hospitals and care settings across Catalonia and Spain. Also conducts training and research in the field.

Portugal's leading healthcare clowning organisation, placing professional clowns in paediatric hospitals and care settings across the country.

A national Italian network of healthcare clowning volunteers and professionals, active in hospitals and care settings across Italy.

The Swedish chapter of Clowns Without Borders. Sends professional clowns to crisis zones and areas of humanitarian need across the world.

Norway's national healthcare clowning organisation, placing professional clowns in children's hospitals and care settings across the country.

Denmark's national healthcare clowning organisation, placing professional clowns in children's hospitals and care settings across the country.

One of Central Europe's most established hospital clown organisations, founded in Prague in 2001. Zdravotní klaun places trained therapeutic clown practitioners in more than 30 Czech hospitals, working in paediatric wards, oncology units, and long-term care settings. A significant presence in the European healthcare clowning field and a regular contributor to international professional exchange.

The Czech chapter of Red Noses International, the Vienna-based network operating hospital clown programmes across Europe. Places trained Red Noses clown practitioners in Czech hospitals and care settings, working within the network's shared training framework and professional standards.

Finland's national hospital clown association, founded in 2001. Sairaalaklovnit ry places trained therapeutic clown practitioners in children's hospitals and care settings across Finland, including the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) paediatric wards. A founding member of the Nordic healthcare clowning community and an active participant in European professional networks.

The Finnish chapter of Red Noses International, the Vienna-based European hospital clown network. Brings trained Red Noses practitioners into Finnish hospitals and care settings, operating within the network's shared training standards and clinical protocols.

Greece's primary therapeutic clown organisation, founded in Athens in 2005. Γιατροί του Γέλιου places trained hospital clown practitioners in paediatric hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki, working alongside clinical teams to support children and families through hospitalisation. A recognised presence in the Southern European healthcare clowning field.

The Irish chapter of the international Clowns Without Borders network. Deploys trained clown performers to hospitals, refugee communities, and areas affected by poverty and humanitarian crisis, using humour and play as tools for psychosocial support. Operates both domestically in Irish healthcare settings and internationally through the broader CWB network.

Poland's leading hospital clown foundation, founded in Warsaw in 2000. Fundacja Dr Clown places trained therapeutic clown practitioners in more than 40 Polish hospitals, working in paediatric wards, oncology units, hospices, and care settings for people with disabilities. One of the largest and most clinically integrated healthcare clowning programmes in Central and Eastern Europe.

Australia's leading healthcare clowning organisation, operating the Clown Doctors program in children's hospitals and aged care facilities across the country.

Places professional clowns in children's hospitals and care settings across New Zealand.

The Humour Foundation's dedicated programme bringing trained Clown Doctors into aged care facilities, dementia units, and palliative care settings across Australia. Extends the organisation's paediatric model into adult and end-of-life care, using humour and human connection to support residents, patients, and their families.

The New Zealand arm of the Humour Foundation, operating the Clown Doctors programme in children's hospitals and care settings across New Zealand. Works in close partnership with the Australian organisation, sharing training frameworks and professional standards while adapting the programme to the New Zealand clinical and cultural context.

South Korea's national professional association for hospital clowning. Trains and supports therapeutic clown practitioners working in paediatric hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings across the country. Advocates for professional standards and the integration of healthcare clowning into the Korean health system.

Korean therapeutic clown programme operating in paediatric wards and care settings in Seoul and other major cities. Trained practitioners work alongside clinical teams at leading Korean hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital, to support children and families through the emotional challenges of hospitalisation.

The Indian chapter of the Dream Doctors network, originally founded in Israel. Places trained medical clowns in paediatric hospitals and care settings across India. One of the most clinically integrated therapeutic clown programmes in Asia, working within hospital teams at major Indian medical centres.

Indian therapeutic clown organisation operating hospital clown programmes in paediatric wards in Delhi and Mumbai. Trained practitioners work within clinical environments to reduce procedural anxiety, support emotional wellbeing, and bring moments of joy to hospitalised children and their families across India's major urban hospital centres.

Singapore's dedicated hospital clown programme, operating in paediatric and specialist care settings including KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Trained therapeutic clown practitioners work alongside clinical teams to support children and families through hospitalisation, adapting international healthcare clowning methods to the Singaporean clinical and multicultural context.

The South African chapter of Clowns Without Borders, providing psychosocial support through clowning in communities affected by poverty, conflict, and humanitarian crisis.

Therapeutic clown programme embedded within the King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC) in Amman, one of the leading oncology and paediatric cancer centres in the Arab world. Trained therapeutic clown practitioners work alongside clinical teams in paediatric oncology and inpatient wards, supporting children and families through the emotional and psychological demands of cancer treatment. A significant presence for healthcare clowning in the Middle East.

Jordanian therapeutic clown organisation operating in hospitals and care settings in Amman. Trained practitioners bring humour, play, and human connection to hospitalised children and families, working within Jordanian public and private hospital settings. Part of the growing Middle Eastern healthcare clowning community.

Kenyan therapeutic clown organisation conducting hospital clown visits in paediatric wards at Nairobi hospitals including Kenyatta National Hospital. Trained practitioners use humour, play, and creative engagement to support hospitalised children and their families, bringing the practice of therapeutic clowning into East African healthcare settings.

The Lebanese chapter of the international Clowns Without Borders network, with a long and documented history of humanitarian clowning in Lebanon. Active during the 2006 conflict and extensively deployed following the August 2020 Beirut port explosion, providing psychosocial support through clowning to affected communities, displaced families, and children in crisis. One of the most cited humanitarian clowning presences in the Arab world.

Beirut-based therapeutic arts collective founded in 2011, operating therapeutic clown programmes in Lebanese hospitals and Palestinian refugee camps across Lebanon. One of the most active and internationally recognised therapeutic clowning organisations in the Arab world, known for sustained work in clinical settings and humanitarian contexts including Shatila and Bourj el-Barajneh camps.

Japan's primary national body for hospital clowning, founded by Tomoko Ohta in 2002. Trains and certifies hospital clown practitioners, places them in paediatric wards and care settings across Japan, and advocates for the recognition of healthcare clowning as a professional discipline within the Japanese health system. A founding presence in the Asian therapeutic clowning field.

Japanese hospital clown programme placing trained practitioners in paediatric hospitals and care settings across multiple cities. Works within clinical teams to support children and families through hospitalisation using humour, play, and creative engagement, adapting therapeutic clowning methods to Japanese cultural and clinical contexts.

The international coordinating body for the Clowns Without Borders network, with chapters in over 15 countries. Coordinates humanitarian clowning missions to crisis zones, refugee camps, and areas of conflict or natural disaster worldwide.

The international coordination body for the Theodora Giggle Doctors network, with affiliates in Switzerland, UK, France, Spain, and other countries. Coordinates standards, training, and international development of the Giggle Doctors model.