Quick Takeaways

• Conversion therapy refers to any effort to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, and it goes by many names, including "exploratory therapy" and "reparative therapy."

• Over 20 states have enacted laws protecting minors from conversion therapy by licensed professionals, though unlicensed providers may still operate.

• Research consistently links conversion therapy to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts, with teens being more than twice as likely to attempt suicide after exposure.

• Christian families can honor their faith while protecting their children through evidence-based approaches that strengthen family bonds rather than fracture them.

• The current Supreme Court case Chiles v. Salazar could reshape protections for minors across the country.

When Christian parents first hear about conversion therapy, the conversation often happens in a moment of fear. A child has shared something unexpected about their identity, and someone at church or online suggests there's a program that can help. But the controversy surrounding conversion therapy runs deeper than most parents realize, and understanding the full picture matters more than ever.

What Exactly Is Conversion Therapy?

Conversion therapy refers to any effort to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. While the term might bring to mind images of extreme treatments from decades past, today's practices typically look more like talk therapy. But softer methods don't mean safer outcomes.

The practice goes by many names. You might hear it called "reparative therapy," "exploratory therapy," "sexual orientation change efforts," or simply "therapy first." Providers often rebrand to avoid scrutiny. If the goal is to change or eliminate your child's orientation or identity, it's conversion therapy, regardless of what it's called.

Why Is There So Much Controversy?

The controversy centers on three realities that many parents discover too late.

First, there is no credible evidence that conversion therapy works. Every major medical and mental health organization in the country, from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the American Psychological Association, has concluded these practices cannot deliver what they promise. A 2015 New Jersey court case, Ferguson v. JONAH, found that claims of converting clients from gay to straight constituted consumer fraud.

Second, the documented harms are severe. Research shows that exposure to conversion therapy is linked to depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. A 2024 study published in The Lancet found that even the memory of going through conversion practices causes severe negative emotions years later. Teens exposed to these practices are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers.

Third, conversion therapy fractures families. Programs often blame parents for their child's struggles, suggesting mom or dad did something wrong. This heightens parental guilt and alienates children from the very people who love them most. As one parent advocacy group stated in their Supreme Court filing, a solution that divides families is not a solution at all.

The Legal Landscape

As of 2025, more than half of U.S. states prohibit licensed professionals from practicing conversion therapy on minors. These laws exist to protect children, not to prevent families from having conversations about faith and identity at home.

The case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, Chiles v. Salazar, challenges Colorado's law protecting minors. The law was enacted as part of Colorado's Mental Health Practice Act to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare of Colorado residents. It prohibits licensed professionals from practicing conversion therapy on clients under 18.

The outcome could reshape protections nationwide, which is why parents need accurate information now more than ever.

What Real Christian Families Say

The testimonies from Christian parents who pursued conversion therapy for their children follow heartbreaking patterns.

Brandon Boulware, a Christian father from Missouri, told lawmakers, "I spent years trying to change my child instead of loving him as he was. When I finally let go of my fear and let him be who God made him to be, I got my son back."

Linda Robertson and her husband, Rob, devout Christians, lost their son Ryan to suicide after years of conversion therapy. Linda later reflected that they had unintentionally taught Ryan to hate his sexuality, and since sexuality cannot be separated from the self, they had taught Ryan to hate himself.

Paulette Trimmer, whose son Adam barely survived his conversion therapy experience, put it simply: "We thought we were choosing faith. But faith would have chosen love."

What Christian Parents Can Do Instead

Faithful parents looking for alternatives to conversion therapy have options that honor both their faith and their child's well-being. The Family Acceptance Project offers approaches designed specifically for faith-focused families, providing tools that help parents support their children while protecting against depression, substance abuse, and suicide.

Evidence-based family support models focus on strengthening relationships rather than changing children. Research shows these approaches can reduce suicide risk and depression by half. Choose therapists who focus on family connection, coping skills, and safety rather than promising outcomes no one can guarantee.

The safest path forward is one a family walks together, not one outsourced to practitioners who profit from parental fear.

FAQs

What is conversion therapy? Conversion therapy is any effort to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It goes by many names, including "reparative therapy," "exploratory therapy," and "sexual orientation change efforts." Major medical organizations have found no evidence that these practices work and significant evidence that they cause harm.

Is conversion therapy legal? The legality depends on the location and who provides it. Over 20 states, plus Washington D.C,. prohibit licensed professionals from practicing conversion therapy on minors. However, unlicensed providers, including some religious counselors, may still operate in many areas. The Supreme Court case Chiles v. Salazar could affect these protections nationwide.

Why do medical organizations oppose conversion therapy? Medical organizations oppose conversion therapy because research consistently shows it doesn't work and causes significant harm. Studies link these practices to higher rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicide attempts. No credible evidence supports claims that conversion therapy can change sexual orientation or gender identity.

Can I be faithful to my beliefs and still reject conversion therapy? Yes. Many Christian families have found that rejecting conversion therapy actually deepened their faith and strengthened their families. Faith-based resources exist that help families navigate these questions while honoring both Scripture and their child's well-being. Parents like Paulette Trimmer remain faithful Christians while also loving and accepting their children.

What should I look for in a therapist if my child is questioning their identity? Look for licensed therapists who focus on family connection, coping skills, and overall well-being rather than promising to change your child. Legitimate therapy helps young people navigate challenges without attempting to alter their orientation or identity. Walk away from any provider who promises to "fix" or "resolve" identity questions.