Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Psychology
 
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3/19/19  8:11 pm
Commenter: Margaret Christle

Support for the Ban on Conversion Therapy
 

I am in complete support of the guidance banning the use of conversion therapy which is a dangerous and discredited practice based on the false claim that being LGBTQ+ is a mental illness that needs to be cured.  Conversion therapy is an incredibly harmful practice that has no credible evidence to back its use.  It uses rejection, shame, and psychological abuse force our young people to change who they are.  These practices have devastating results that can lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide attempts.  No young person should ever be shamed by a mental health professional into thinking that who they are is wrong.  Mental health professionals should provide care that is ethical and affirming for LGBTQ+ young people.  It is unconscionable that another person be targeted and hurt by thse dangerous and discredited practices.

 

CommentID: 70310