Conversion therapy is a harmful, discredited attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Major health organisations reject these practices, while evidence-based, LGBTQ-affirming care starts from a simpler truth: being LGBTQ isn’t an illness to be fixed. Knowing the difference can help people and families find safer support.
Conversion therapy isn’t genuine treatment
Conversion therapy describes practices that try to change or suppress an LGBTQ person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. They may be presented as counselling, religious guidance or other forms of support, but changing someone’s identity is the stated aim.
That distinction matters. Professional counselling can help people explore feelings, relationships and wellbeing without treating LGBTQ identities as a problem. The American Psychological Association says there’s no credible evidence that conversion efforts can change sexual orientation, and warns that attempts to do so can cause harm. [7]
Major health organisations reject these practices
The American Psychiatric Association opposes conversion therapy, as does the American Counseling Association. Their positions reflect a broad professional consensus: efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity aren’t an appropriate mental-health treatment. [2][3]
The American Medical Association has also raised concerns about the practice and its potential harms. For families seeking help, that guidance offers a useful starting point: ask whether a provider will respect and affirm the person, rather than promise to change who they are. [5]
The harm can outlast the promise
Conversion efforts can expose people to shame, rejection and pressure to deny their identity. Health organisations have warned of possible psychological harm, including depression and anxiety; a promise of a “cure” can make it harder to seek support that genuinely helps. [5][7]
The United Nations has examined conversion therapy in the context of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ people. Its report describes how these practices can involve coercion and abuse, underscoring why the issue is about safety and human rights as well as healthcare. [4]
Look beyond the label when seeking support
Not every service uses the words “conversion therapy”. Some describe their aim with phrases such as “overcoming” same-sex attraction or changing gender identity. The label alone isn’t enough to judge a service, so ask directly what the provider believes and what outcomes they’re trying to achieve. [7]
A safer provider won’t promise to make someone straight or cisgender, or pressure them to hide their identity. They should explain their approach clearly, respect the person’s choices and focus on wellbeing. If those basics aren’t there, it’s reasonable to look elsewhere. [2][3]
Laws vary, so check local protections
Rules on conversion therapy differ between countries and, in the United States, between states and other jurisdictions. The Movement Advancement Project tracks US laws and policies, making it a useful place to check what protections apply locally. [6]
But legislation is only part of the picture. If you’re worried about a service, seek advice from a qualified, LGBTQ-affirming mental-health professional or a trusted support organisation. A good conversation should leave someone feeling heard, not treated as a problem to solve. [3][7]
It's worth asking one clear question: does this support affirm the person, or try to change them?
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