Quick Takeaways

• Conversion therapy has been ruled consumer fraud in court, with no credible evidence it works and documented evidence that it causes severe harm.

• Minors who experience high levels of family rejection, including conversion therapy, are 8.4 times more likely to attempt suicide.

• Every major medical organization opposes these practices, including the American Psychological Association and American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Practitioners frequently rebrand under names like "reparative therapy" or "exploratory therapy" to avoid detection.

• Faith-based alternatives to conversion therapy exist that strengthen family bonds without putting your child at risk.

If you're typing "conversion therapy near me" into a search bar, pause. We understand why you're searching. Your child has shared something difficult, and you're scared. You want to help.

That protective instinct is right. But the "solution" you may be searching for could cause the very harm you're trying to prevent.

What Parents Are Really Finding When They Search

When parents search for conversion therapy, they encounter providers making compelling promises: realigning your child's identity, restoring "natural" feelings, and healing through faith. These programs use medical-sounding language and claim reassuring success rates.

Here's what they don't tell you: In 2015, a New Jersey jury unanimously ruled that conversion therapy is consumer fraud. The judge stated there is "no factual basis" for the success statistics providers claim. The organization was ordered to pay $72,400 to the victims and permanently shut down.

If you're still wondering if conversion therapy works, the court's answer was clear: there is no factual basis for the claims these providers make.

The Numbers Every Parent Needs to See

Understanding why conversion therapy is harmful starts with the research. Young people who experience high levels of family rejection, which includes being sent to conversion therapy, are 8.4 times more likely to attempt suicide. They're also 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression and 3.4 times more likely to use illegal drugs.

Behind every statistic is a story. Linda Robertson lost her son Ryan after years of conversion therapy led him to cope with shame through drug use. Joyce Calvo's daughter was directed to conversion therapy resources as a teenager, hidden from her parents. Paulette Trimmer's son attempted suicide after programs blamed her and her husband for who he was. These conversion therapy stories reflect patterns described by Christian families across the country.

Warning Signs: How to Spot It Under Any Name

Providers know the phrase "conversion therapy" raises red flags, so they rebrand constantly. Watch for these warning signs:

• Promises to change or "resolve" your child's identity, even softly worded

• Therapy framing same-sex attraction or how your child sees themselves as a disorder to be cured

• Approaches blaming parents for their child's identity

• Lack of evidence-based safety plans addressing suicide risk.

If someone is charging you money and promising to change who your child fundamentally is, walk away.

What Faithful Families Are Doing Instead

Christian families across the country are finding ways to honor their faith while keeping their children safe. FreedHearts, a Christian organization, helps families heal from religious and community wounds. Fortunate Families ministers to Catholic parents navigating these challenges.

Research confirms that family acceptance dramatically reduces suicide risk, depression, and substance abuse. You can hold your beliefs while choosing approaches that keep your child alive and your family intact.

Legal Protections and Remaining Risks

The question of whether conversion therapy is legal depends on where you live. More than 20 states and D.C. have laws protecting minors from these practices by licensed professionals. But even in protected states, unlicensed providers may still operate.

If you're searching "conversion therapy near me," your state's laws matter, but they don't guarantee safety.

A Better Path Forward

You don't have to choose between your faith and your child's safety. Resources exist specifically for the Christian parent of a gay or transgender child seeking guidance that honors both. Choose therapists who focus on family connection, coping skills, and evidence-based care. Build a home where your child knows they're loved.

Many Christian parents have walked this road and found their way through. No outside counselor should profit from your family's pain. The healing your family needs starts at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is conversion therapy legal in my state?

A: Conversion therapy laws vary by state. More than 20 states and D.C. protect minors from these practices by licensed professionals. However, unlicensed practitioners may still operate even in protected states.

Q: What's the difference between conversion therapy and legitimate counseling?

A: Legitimate therapy helps young people strengthen family relationships and explore questions without attempting to change who they are. Conversion therapy promises to change someone's attractions or identity, which no ethical therapist can deliver.

Q: Are there faith-based alternatives to conversion therapy?

A: Yes. Organizations like FreedHearts and Fortunate Families offer faith-aligned support that strengthens family bonds without putting children at risk.

Q: How can I find a therapist who won't practice conversion therapy?

A: Look for licensed therapists using evidence-based approaches focused on family connection. Avoid anyone promising identity change, blaming parents, or creating secrets between you and your child.

Q: What should I do if my child has already experienced conversion therapy?

A: Focus on rebuilding trust and connection. Consider family therapy with a licensed professional who understands the harm these practices cause.