Conversion Therapy: What It Is and Why It's Harmful

Conversion therapy, also known as sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (SOGICE), refers to any practice that aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices are not based on scientific evidence and are widely condemned by major medical and mental health organizations. In this guide, we explain what conversion therapy is, its methods, its harmful effects, its legal status in 2026, and why it is considered unethical and dangerous. Whether you are a concerned family member, an educator, or someone who has experienced these practices, this resource provides clear, factual information to help you understand the issue and find support.

What Is Conversion Therapy?

Conversion therapy is a range of practices that attempt to alter a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These practices can include talk therapy, behavioral interventions, religious counseling, and even medical procedures like hormone treatments or aversive conditioning. According to the American Psychological Association, conversion therapy is not based on scientific evidence and is unlikely to be successful. In 2021, the United Nations stated that conversion therapy can amount to torture and called for a global ban. These practices are not only ineffective but also cause significant psychological and physical harm.

Why It Matters: The Human and Societal Impact

Conversion therapy matters because it directly harms individuals and violates their fundamental human rights. According to a 2020 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, an estimated 698,000 LGBTQ adults in the United States have been subjected to conversion therapy. The study also found that 42% of transgender adults reported being subjected to conversion therapy. These practices lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts. According to the Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, LGBTQ youth who underwent conversion therapy reported more than twice the rate of attempted suicide compared to those who did not. Banning conversion therapy is a matter of public health and human dignity.

Who Is This For?

This guide is for anyone seeking to understand conversion therapy: individuals who may have experienced it, parents and family members of LGBTQ people, educators, policymakers, and advocates. If you are questioning your own identity or supporting someone who is, this information will help you recognize the dangers of conversion therapy and find affirming, evidence-based support. It is also for professionals in healthcare, counseling, and education who need to understand why these practices are unethical and what alternatives exist.

How Conversion Therapy Works: Methods and Techniques

Conversion therapy encompasses a variety of methods, which can be categorized into psychological, behavioral, and medical approaches. Psychological methods include talk therapy that attempts to reinforce “traditional” gender roles or to identify the “root causes” of homosexuality. Behavioral methods often involve aversive conditioning, such as pairing same-sex attraction with electric shocks or nausea-inducing drugs. Medical methods may include hormone therapy, castration, or hysterectomy, which are particularly invasive and harmful. Religious approaches, often called “reparative therapy” or “ex-gay therapy,” use scripture, prayer, and counseling to encourage celibacy or change. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that these practices are not effective and can cause significant harm.

The Scientific Consensus: Why Conversion Therapy Is Rejected

The scientific and medical consensus is clear: conversion therapy is not effective and is harmful. The American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization all oppose conversion therapy. According to the World Health Organization’s 2019 statement, “conversion therapy” is a practice that is not based on evidence and can cause severe psychological harm. The American Psychiatric Association’s 2018 position statement on conversion therapy states that it “is not a mental health treatment and should not be practiced.” These organizations emphasize that sexual orientation and gender identity are not mental disorders and do not require treatment.

The Harmful Effects of Conversion Therapy

Conversion therapy has been linked to a range of harmful outcomes. According to the Trevor Project’s 2022 survey, LGBTQ youth who underwent conversion therapy reported 2.3 times higher rates of attempting suicide. The Williams Institute’s 2020 study found that conversion therapy is associated with increased depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Individuals who have experienced conversion therapy also report feelings of shame, self-hatred, and alienation from their families and communities. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a report in 2015 concluding that conversion therapy is not supported by evidence and poses serious risks. These harms are not limited to psychological effects; some medical procedures used in conversion therapy can cause permanent physical damage.

Legal Status in 2026: Where Is Conversion Therapy Banned?

As of 2026, conversion therapy is banned in a growing number of jurisdictions. In the United States, 22 states and the District of Columbia have laws prohibiting conversion therapy for minors. Several countries, including Germany, Brazil, Canada, and Malta, have enacted national bans. The European Parliament has called for a global ban on conversion therapy. In 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council passed a resolution condemning conversion therapy. However, in many parts of the world, conversion therapy remains legal and is even practiced by licensed professionals. The legal landscape is evolving, and advocates continue to push for broader protections.

What to Do If You or Someone You Know Is Affected

If you or someone you know is being subjected to conversion therapy, it is important to seek help. Reach out to affirming mental health professionals who support LGBTQ identities. Organizations like The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) and the LGBT National Help Center (1-888-843-4564) provide confidential support. If you are a parent, educate yourself about the harms of conversion therapy and affirm your child’s identity. The Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University has shown that family acceptance significantly reduces suicide risk among LGBTQ youth. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.

Alternatives to Conversion Therapy: Affirming Care

The alternative to conversion therapy is affirming care, which supports individuals in exploring and embracing their identity. Affirming care includes psychotherapy that helps clients cope with stigma and build resilience. The American Psychological Association’s 2021 guidelines for psychological practice with LGBTQ clients emphasize the importance of affirming care. Many medical organizations recommend that healthcare providers create inclusive environments and use a client’s chosen name and pronouns. Research shows that affirming care leads to better mental health outcomes. For example, a 2021 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that transgender youth who received gender-affirming care had lower rates of depression and suicidality.

Common Questions About Conversion Therapy

Is conversion therapy the same as “reparative therapy”?

Yes, “reparative therapy” is a term often used interchangeably with conversion therapy, though it specifically refers to efforts to change sexual orientation. Both are considered harmful by medical organizations.

Can conversion therapy be successful?

No, there is no scientific evidence that conversion therapy can change sexual orientation or gender identity. All major medical organizations reject it as ineffective and harmful.

Is conversion therapy legal?

In many places, yes, but it is banned for minors in several countries and in 22 U.S. states. The legal status varies widely, and many advocates are working to expand bans.

What should I do if a family member is pressuring me to undergo conversion therapy?

Reach out to a supportive adult, counselor, or LGBTQ organization for help. You have the right to refuse these practices, and there are resources to support you.

Now That You Understand the Basics

Now that you understand the basics of conversion therapy, you can recognize its harms and advocate for safer, affirming approaches. If you are seeking support, explore our resources on LGBTQ mental health and affirming care. You can also learn about the history of the LGBTQ rights movement and the ongoing fight to ban conversion therapy worldwide. Remember, your identity is valid, and you deserve care that respects and affirms who you are.