Conversion Therapy Cannot Change Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

July 6, 2026

Conversion therapy refers to a range of practices that attempt to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.¹ These practices can take many forms, including talk therapy, behavioral interventions, or religious counseling, but generally aim to discourage LGBTQIA+ identities and encourage heterosexual and cisgender identities, thoughts, or behaviors.^{2 3} Notably, conversion therapy often occurs outside of licensed clinical settings where oversight is limited or nonexistent.⁴

Conversion therapy continues to be practiced in the United States despite widespread condemnation from major medical and mental health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Psychological Association (APA), American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO).^{5 6 7 8 9} It often occurs outside of licensed clinical settings, where there are no standardized training requirements, professional licensing standards, or evidence-based guidelines governing practice.¹⁰ Trevor Project research conducted from 2018 through 2023 identified 1,320 conversion therapy practitioners across 48 states and the District of Columbia, underscoring that these practices remain a contemporary issue in the United States.¹¹

Substantial evidence linking conversion therapy to serious psychological harm, including depression and suicidality, has led to the enactment of laws in many states that prohibit licensed mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with minors.^{12 13} As of 2024-2025, 23 states and Washington, DC, have banned conversion therapy for minors when performed by licensed mental health professionals.^{14 15} These laws offer important protections for youth, but they vary widely in scope and enforcement.¹⁶ Many also focus primarily on protecting minors, even though adults can also experience significant harm from conversion therapy.¹⁷ However, legal challenges continue. In 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Chiles v. Salazar that a state ban on conversion therapy was unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds.^{18 19} The decision reflects ongoing legal debates about how conversion therapy can be regulated, rather than a determination that conversion therapy is safe, effective, or ethical.²⁰

This fact check examines what conversion therapy is, what research says about whether it works, and what evidence reveals about its documented harms.

Does Conversion Therapy Work?

No. There is no credible scientific evidence that conversion therapy can change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.^{21 22 23 24}

Major medical and mental health organizations have consistently concluded that conversion therapy is ineffective and lacks a sound scientific basis.^{25 26 27 28} These organizations affirm that sexual orientation and gender identity are not disorders and therefore do not require treatment or correction.

Claims that conversion therapy “works” are often based on anecdotal accounts or methodologically limited studies suggesting that some individuals have experienced changes in their sexual orientation or gender identity.^{28 29} However, these claims have not been supported by rigorous scientific evidence. Many of the studies cited rely on small sample sizes, lack control groups, depend on self-reported outcomes, and fail to account for social pressure or coercion.^{31 32} They also frequently lack long-term follow-up, making it difficult to assess whether any reported changes are lasting.^{33 34} As a result, major medical and mental health organizations have concluded that these claims do not demonstrate that conversion therapy is effective.³⁵

The broader scientific consensus shows that attempts to change or suppress a person’s identity do not produce meaningful or lasting change.

Is Conversion Therapy Harmless?

No. Conversion therapy has been consistently linked to serious psychological harm.^{36 37 38}

Although some forms of conversion therapy have included aversive or physically coercive practices, many contemporary forms are framed as talk-based or counseling approaches.³⁹ Proponents sometimes present these approaches as harmless because they do not involve physical force, but research shows that these practices are still associated with significant negative mental health outcomes.^{40 41 42}

Studies have found that individuals who experience conversion therapy are at increased risk of depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality.^{43 44} For example, research from The Trevor Project (2025) found that even non-physical forms of conversion therapy, including religious or counseling-based interventions, are associated with higher rates of suicide attempts and psychological distress.⁴⁵

These harms are compounded by the fact that conversion therapy often occurs outside of licensed mental health settings. While many states restrict licensed professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors, those laws typically do not apply to unlicensed individuals or religious providers.^{46 47} As a result, conversion therapy can continue in settings such as religious ministries, informal counseling environments, or peer-led programs, where oversight is limited or nonexistent.⁴⁸

Conversion therapy is also often not fully voluntary.^{49 50} Minors may be required or pressured to participate in these practices by parents, guardians, or religious communities, exposing them to efforts to change or suppress their identity. Even when individuals appear to seek out conversion therapy themselves, these decisions are frequently shaped by intense social, cultural, or religious pressures.^{51 52 53} Research shows that harm can occur regardless of whether a person participates willingly.^{54 55}

Conversion therapy should not be confused with affirming spiritual or religious counseling sought by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Affirming approaches support individuals in integrating their identities with their beliefs, rather than attempting to change or suppress them.⁵⁶

Policy Recommendations

To address the ongoing harms associated with conversion therapy, policymakers and advocates can take the following steps:

• Expand access to affirming, evidence-based mental health care. Increase funding for and access to mental health services that affirm LGBTQIA+ identities, particularly for youth.^{57 58} This includes supporting providers trained in culturally competent, evidence-based care and ensuring that services are accessible regardless of geographic location, insurance status, or income.
• Strengthen public education and awareness efforts. Invest in public education campaigns that clearly communicate the risks and lack of effectiveness of conversion therapy. These efforts should include amplifying survivor experiences, increasing awareness of available support resources, and helping families, educators, and communities recognize and respond to harmful practices.
• Improve data collection and research. Support more comprehensive data collection on the prevalence, methods, and impacts of conversion therapy. Improved data can help policymakers better understand how and where these practices occur, identify gaps in existing protections, and design more effective interventions.

References

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and action to support and affirm LGBTQI+ youth. In SAMHSA Publication [Report]. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. https://store.samhsa.gov

2. IBID

3. The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. (2021, August 19). Conversion Therapy and LGBT Youth – Williams Institute. Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/conversion-therapy-and-lgbt-youth/

4. American Psychological Association. (2026, April 1). The evidence against “conversion therapy”: Insights from psychological research. https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/evidence-against-conversion-therapy

5. Rafferty, J., American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Committee on Adolescence, & Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness. (2018). Ensuring comprehensive care and support for transgender and Gender-Diverse children and adolescents. PEDIATRICS, 142(4). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2162 

6. American Psychological Association. (2024). APA Policy Statement on Affirming Evidence-Based Inclusive care for transgender, gender diverse, and nonbinary Individuals, Addressing Misinformation, and the role of Psychological Practice and science. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/transgender-nonbinary-inclusive-care.pdf

7. American Medical Association. (2025). Issue brief: Sexual orientation
and gender identity change efforts (so-called “conversion therapy”).
https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/conversion-therapy-issue-brief.pdf

8. Human Rights Campaign. (2024). The lies and dangers of reparative therapy. https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy

9. Pega, F., & Veale, J. F. (2015). The case for the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health to address gender identity. American journal of public health, 105(3), e58–e62. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302373

10. American Psychological Association. (2026, April 1). The evidence against “conversion therapy”: Insights from psychological research. https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/evidence-against-conversion-therapy

11. The Trevor Project. (2025, July 4). Conversion Therapy Report | The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/conversion-therapy-report/

12. American Psychological Association. (2026, April 1). The evidence against “conversion therapy”: Insights from psychological research. https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/evidence-against-conversion-therapy

13. The Trevor Project. (2025, April 30). The Trevor Project publishes new journal article on the dangers of conversion therapy. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-trevor-project-publishes-new-journal-article-on-the-dangers-of-conversion-therapy/

14. KFF. (2026, January 5). LGBTQ – Research and Data from KFF. https://www.kff.org/topic/lgbtq/

15. Grant, M. (2026, January 6). Woodhull Watchlist: Supreme Court term 2025-2026. Woodhull Freedom Foundation. https://www.woodhullfoundation.org/woodhull-watchlist-supreme-court-term-2025-2026/

16. Conversion Therapy Laws Dataset tracks 12 years of U.S. state policy. (n.d.). Center for Public Health Law Research. (2025) https://phlr.temple.edu/news/2025/10/conversion-therapy-laws-dataset-tracks-12-years-us-state-policy

17. “Reparative Therapy” is Legal for Adults. Here’s Why it Shouldn’t Be. (2020, April 27). https://journals.law.harvard.edu/crcl/reparative-therapy-is-legal-for-adults-heres-why-it-shouldnt-be/

18. The Trevor Project. (2026, April 1). Chiles v. Salazar: What you need to know about the U.S. Supreme Court case on conversion therapy. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/chiles-v-salazar/

19. Chiles v. Salazar, 607 U.S. ___ (2026)

20. The Trevor Project. (2026, April 1). Chiles v. Salazar: What you need to know about the U.S. Supreme Court case on conversion therapy. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/chiles-v-salazar/

21. Rafferty, J., American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Committee on Adolescence, & Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness. (2018). Ensuring comprehensive care and support for transgender and Gender-Diverse children and adolescents. PEDIATRICS, 142(4). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2162 

22. American Psychological Association. (2024). APA Policy Statement on Affirming Evidence-Based Inclusive care for transgender, gender diverse, and nonbinary Individuals, Addressing Misinformation, and the role of Psychological Practice and science. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/transgender-nonbinary-inclusive-care.pdf

23. American Medical Association. (2025). Issue brief: Sexual orientation
and gender identity change efforts (so-called “conversion therapy”).
https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/conversion-therapy-issue-brief.pdf

24. Pega, F., & Veale, J. F. (2015). The case for the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health to address gender identity. American journal of public health, 105(3), e58–e62. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302373

25. Rafferty, J., American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Committee on Adolescence, & Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness. (2018). Ensuring comprehensive care and support for transgender and Gender-Diverse children and adolescents. PEDIATRICS, 142(4). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2162 

26. American Psychological Association. (2024). APA Policy Statement on Affirming Evidence-Based Inclusive care for transgender, gender diverse, and nonbinary Individuals, Addressing Misinformation, and the role of Psychological Practice and science. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/transgender-nonbinary-inclusive-care.pdf

27. American Medical Association. (2025). Issue brief: Sexual orientation
and gender identity change efforts (so-called “conversion therapy”).
https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/conversion-therapy-issue-brief.pdf

28. Pega, F., & Veale, J. F. (2015). The case for the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health to address gender identity. American journal of public health, 105(3), e58–e62. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302373

29. Human Rights Campaign. (2024). The lies and dangers of reparative therapy. https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy

30. The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. (2021, August 19). Conversion Therapy and LGBT Youth – Williams Institute. Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/conversion-therapy-and-lgbt-youth/

31. The Trevor Project. (2025, April 30). The Trevor Project publishes new journal article on the dangers of conversion therapy. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-trevor-project-publishes-new-journal-article-on-the-dangers-of-conversion-therapy/

32. American Psychological Association. (2021). APA RESOLUTION on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-sexual-orientation-change-efforts.pdf

33. Davison, G. C., & Walden, K. R. (2024). History and iatrogenic effects of conversion therapy. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 20.

34. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and action to support and affirm LGBTQI+ youth. In SAMHSA Publication [Report]. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. https://store.samhsa.gov

35. American Psychological Association. (2026, April 1). The evidence against “conversion therapy”: Insights from psychological research. https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/evidence-against-conversion-therapy

36. Human Rights Campaign. (2024). The lies and dangers of reparative therapy. https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy

37. The Trevor Project. (2025, April 30). The Trevor Project publishes new journal article on the dangers of conversion therapy. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-trevor-project-publishes-new-journal-article-on-the-dangers-of-conversion-therapy/

38. The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. (2021, August 19). Conversion Therapy and LGBT Youth – Williams Institute. Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/conversion-therapy-and-lgbt-youth/

39. Madrigal-Borloz, V. (2020). Practices of so-called “conversion therapy”: Report of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In Human Rights Council: Vol. A/HRC/44/53.

40. Henson, M. & Wesolowski, H. (2026). Conversion therapy harms LGBTQ youth. The Hill. https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/5674849-conversion-therapy-harms-lgbtq-youth/

41. Human Rights Campaign. (2024). The lies and dangers of reparative therapy. https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy

42. The Trevor Project. (2025, April 30). The Trevor Project publishes new journal article on the dangers of conversion therapy. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-trevor-project-publishes-new-journal-article-on-the-dangers-of-conversion-therapy/

43. Human Rights Campaign. (2024). The lies and dangers of reparative therapy. https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy

44. The Trevor Project. (2025, April 30). The Trevor Project publishes new journal article on the dangers of conversion therapy. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-trevor-project-publishes-new-journal-article-on-the-dangers-of-conversion-therapy/

45. IBID

46. Human Rights Campaign. (2024). The lies and dangers of reparative therapy. https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy

47. American Psychological Association. (2026, April 1). The evidence against “conversion therapy”: Insights from psychological research. https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/evidence-against-conversion-therapy

48. The Trevor Project. (2025, July 4). Conversion Therapy Report | The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/conversion-therapy-report/

49. The Trevor Project. (2025, April 30). The Trevor Project publishes new journal article on the dangers of conversion therapy. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-trevor-project-publishes-new-journal-article-on-the-dangers-of-conversion-therapy/

50. Kinitz, D. J., Goodyear, T., Dromer, E., Gesink, D., Ferlatte, O., Knight, R., & Salway, T. (2022). “Conversion therapy” experiences in their social contexts: A qualitative study of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts in Canada. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 67(6), 441-451.

51. American Psychological Association. (2021). APA RESOLUTION on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-sexual-orientation-change-efforts.pdf

52. “Reparative Therapy” is Legal for Adults. Here’s Why it Shouldn’t Be. (2020, April 27). https://journals.law.harvard.edu/crcl/reparative-therapy-is-legal-for-adults-heres-why-it-shouldnt-be/

53. Trispiotis, I., & Purshouse, C. (2021). ‘Conversion Therapy’ As Degrading Treatment. Oxford journal of legal studies, 42(1), 104–132. https://doi.org/10.1093/ojls/gqab024

54. American Psychological Association. (2021). APA RESOLUTION on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-sexual-orientation-change-efforts.pdf

55. The Trevor Project. (2025, April 30). The Trevor Project publishes new journal article on the dangers of conversion therapy. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-trevor-project-publishes-new-journal-article-on-the-dangers-of-conversion-therapy/

56. Rosenkrantz, D. E., Rostosky, S. S., Riggle, E. D., & Cook, J. R. (2016). The positive aspects of intersecting religious/spiritual and LGBTQ identities. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 3(2), 127.

57. American Psychological Association. (2024). APA Policy Statement on Affirming Evidence-Based Inclusive care for transgender, gender diverse, and nonbinary Individuals, Addressing Misinformation, and the role of Psychological Practice and science. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/transgender-nonbinary-inclusive-care.pdf

58. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and action to support and affirm LGBTQI+ youth. In SAMHSA Publication [Report]. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. https://store.samhsa.gov

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