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.

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.

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.

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

Brings trained therapeutic clowns into hospitals and care settings in Japan, adapting the practice 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.