Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Comments

Department of Health Professions

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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5/11/19 12:47 pm

Commenter: Friendly Fairfax Atheist

support for guidance document: conversion "therapy" is not legitimate social work

Dear Virginia Board of Social Work,

Conversion therapy consists of harmful and discredited practices intended to change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It doesn't work because being LGBTQ+ is not an illness, and it can't be "cured."

The National Association of Social Workers together with every significant medical and mental health professional organization agree that conversion therapy is harmful and never therapeutically appropriate for minors.

Do not be swayed by Christian Dominionists who oppose Guidance Document 140-20.

Sincerely,

Queer Atheist Virginia Taxpayer

CommentID: 72158