Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Multiple Boards
Guidance Document Change: Consistent with the established position of the NASW, the Board considers “conversion therapy” or “sexual orientation change efforts” to be services that have the potential to be a danger to clients, especially minors. Thus, under regulations governing practitioners licensed or registered by the Board, practicing conversion therapy/sexual orientation change efforts with minors could result in a finding of misconduct and disciplinary action against the licensee or registrant.
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5/14/19  10:41 am
Commenter: Jeannie Whited

Conversion therapy is unethical
 

As stated in the document under consideration, conversion therapy is unethical particularly as applied to children.  There is no scientific evidence that any sexual orientation is harmfully abnormal.  On the other hand, there is ample evidence that a lack of support from parents and family is instrumental in self-harm, depression, and suicide among non-straight persons.  Conversion therapy blatantly denies "patients" needed support for their well-being and is absolutely contrary to the goals of social work and mental health.

CommentID: 72366