Let's talk about "Conversion Therapy"

What is conversion therapy?

Conversion therapies are any treatments, including individual talk therapy, behavioral (e.g. aversive stimuli), group therapy or milieu (e.g. “retreats or inpatient treatments” relying on all of the above methods) treatments, which attempt to change an individual's sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual.

However, these practices have been repudiated by major mental health organizations because of increasing evidence that they are ineffective and may cause harm to patients and their families who fail to change. (Drescher et al., 2016).

Conversion therapy has its roots in the late 19th century, when homosexuality and gender diversity were pathologized as conditions to be “fixed.” As Ott (2021) explains:

“When non-conforming identities were considered a medical disease, psychiatrists used medical treatments, such as electroconvulsive shock, lobotomy, drugs, and psychoanalysis to cure or prevent 'deviancy.' Psychologists in the 1960s and 1970s described being LGBTQ+ as an attachment disorder—that people were attached to inappropriate erotic or sexual desires. They believed that using aversions (such as electrical shock stimuli) could modify behavior and lead to heterosexuality and 'cure.' It did not work.”

Why conversion therapy is harmful

A core problem with conversion therapy is that it treats sexual orientation and gender identity as mere behaviors to be modified. While behavioral psychology is effective for learning skills or forming habits—like potty training a child or teaching a pet commands—it is entirely inappropriate for trying to alter fundamental aspects of a person’s identity. Sexual orientation and gender identity are intrinsic to who we are. Just as people do not choose whom they are attracted to, queer individuals do not choose their sexual or gender identity. Efforts to “change” these aspects of a person’s life are not only ineffective, they are inherently damaging.

If you are a parent wondering how to support your child, or someone exploring your own identity, it’s important to recognize the societal pressures that can make conversion therapy seem appealing. Religious beliefs, cultural messaging, or experiences of homophobia and transphobia can sometimes push people to seek “help” to change, but these approaches are harmful and unnecessary.

Does conversion therapy work?

Extensive research shows that conversion therapy does not change sexual orientation. Multiple professional organizations—including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists—conclude that there is no evidence these treatments are effective. Instead, the evidence strongly suggests they are harmful (Drescher et al., 2016).

Campbell and Rodgers (2023) found that transgender adolescents exposed to conversion therapy faced significantly higher risks of harmful outcomes:

• Attempted suicide: increased by 55%

• Running away from home: more than doubled

• Greatest risk: exposure at ages 11–14

  
  

These findings are particularly alarming because they are robust across multiple tests, highlighting the long-term dangers of these practices.

The economic and social toll

Conversion therapy, sometimes referred to in research as Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts (SOGICE), reinforces societal stigma and minority stress, worsening mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. Forsythe et al. (2022) estimate the economic cost of SOGICE among LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. at $650 million annually, with associated harms—like substance abuse and suicide attempts—totaling more than $9 billion.

The path forward: affirming care

Rather than attempting to change an intrinsic part of a person, affirming healthcare providers focus on support, understanding, and resilience. Affirming care:

• Helps clients explore their identity safely and without judgment

• Provides evidence-based approaches for mental health and well-being

• Counters societal stigma, reducing risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation

Working with affirming providers empowers individuals to embrace their identities while addressing the unique challenges of living in a society that may still be hostile to LGBTQ+ people.

Finding support and affirming care

If you or a loved one have been affected by conversion therapy or are struggling with questions about your sexual orientation or gender identity, it’s important to seek out supportive, affirming care. Licensed LGBTQ+ affirming therapists can provide a safe space to explore your identity, cope with stress or trauma, and build resilience. You are not alone, and help is available. For resources and guidance, consider reaching out to us at Rainbow Family Wellness! Additionally, organizations such as The Trevor Project, GLSEN, PFLAG, and MyTransNetwork are available to assist and empower you. Choosing affirming support can make a lasting difference in mental health, self-acceptance, and overall well-being.

References:

Campbell, T., & Rodgers, Y. van der Meulen. (2023). Conversion therapy, suicidality, and running away: An analysis of transgender youth in the U.S. Journal of Health Economics, 89(C), Article 102750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102750

Drescher, J., Schwartz, A., Casoy, F., McIntosh, C. A., Hurley, B., Ashley, K., Barber, M., Goldenberg, D., Herbert, S. E., Lothwell, L. E., Mattson, M. R., McAfee, S. G., Pula, J., Rosario, V., & Tompkins, D. A. (2016). The growing regulation of conversion therapy. Journal of Medical Regulation, 102(2), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.30770/2572-1852-102.2.7

Forsythe, A., Pick, C., Tremblay, G., Malaviya, S., Green, A., & Sandman, K. (2022). Humanistic and economic burden of conversion therapy among LGBTQ youths in the United States. JAMA Pediatrics, 176(5), 493–501. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0042

Ott, K. (2021, June 24). The history of getting the gay out: Conversion therapy made being different dangerous. Smithsonian Voices – National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved [08/15/2025], from https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/history-getting-gay-out