The Persistence of Conversion Therapy in Medical Practice

Opinion > Second Opinions by Guy Albert, PhD, and Jim Walker, MA, MFT December 9, 2023
Albert is a psychologist. Walker is a retired marriage and family therapist.
When medical and psychological professional associations issue a finding or pass a resolution, it naturally commands respect and attention. That’s why the country notices when the American Medical Association (AMA), for instance, recommends health screenings and quitting smoking.
Therefore, when the AMA and other nationally respected health associations collectively put their names on a major document, it sends a powerful message to every member of these groups, their patients, and society as a whole.
This is why we were proud to announce that 28 national organizations signed the U.S. Joint Statement (USJS) Against Conversion Efforts. Conversion efforts refer to a variety of practices that target LGBTQ+ people — often youth — and seek to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy is also known as reparative or reorientation therapy, ex-gay therapy, sexual orientation change efforts, or gender identity change efforts. Additional signers to the statement include the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and many others.
Studies provide evidence that LGBTQ+ conversion efforts are a form of stigma or discrimination. Numerous studies have established that conversion efforts put individuals at significant risk of harm. Beyond the psychological and physical benefits of ending conversion therapy, putting a stop to this practice can also save healthcare dollars. Research in JAMA Pediatrics found that activity to change people’s sexual orientation and gender identities cost the country an estimated $9.2 billion each year.
The troubling dilemma is that there are still members of these associations and in these professions practicing conversion efforts. A UCLA Williams Institute report estimates that approximately 16,000 LGBTQ+ minors in states without protections will be subjected to conversion therapy by a licensed healthcare professional before the age of 18. Adults are also victims of the harmful impacts of conversion efforts.
Professionals need to be aware that their associations have taken a strong stand against conversion practices, and they need to seek training and education that supports LGBTQ+ individuals.
Treatment interventions should focus on creating a healthy, affirming, productive therapeutic environment that acknowledges the variety of sexual orientations and gender identities or expressions. Healthcare providers can support the processes of positive identity development for patients to explore potential social or physical identity changes and their relationship to gender, sex, and sexual orientation.
We started this initiative when we learned of the tragic suicide of a transgender teen girl, Leelah Alcorn, who chose to make her actions public by posting her suicide note on social media. We believe Leelah was not given the therapeutic and family support to transition to being a female. Read More