I support the guidance document change that would identify conversion therapy as dangerouos and allow its practitioners to face disciplinary action. Conversion Therapy has been proven to be both ineffective and harmful to LGBTQ+ individuals. All the nation’s leading medical and mental health organizations, including the National Association of Social Workers, have come out against these practices—which include the use of shame, verbal abuse, and aversion techniques —saying they pose serious health risks, including depression, guilt, helplessness,hopelessness, and social withdrawal, which can lead to suicide.These practices continue to exist only because of homophobia and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. This change would provide important protections for vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, in our commonwealth.