Washington, D.C. — The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is deeply concerned that the Supreme Court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar will potentially harm many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly minors, who will no longer be protected by state laws against conversion therapy.

Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental illness or disorder. Conversion therapy — efforts to change sexual orientation and gender identity — is not a legitimate therapeutic treatment. Leading health care entities, the APA among them, have concluded that these are potentially harmful, discredited practices and are not supported by scientific evidence.

We urge the families of LGBTQ+ individuals, faith-based institutions, and therapists to avoid these harmful practices.

More information on LGBTQ+ mental health and other resources:

• APA’s Diversity & Health Equity Education: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning
• Mental health crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ individuals
• APA Position Statement on Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ+ Patients

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 40,400 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.