On March 31, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy related to a lawsuit brought by counselor Kaley Chiles (Chiles v. Salazar). This ruling is a devastating blow to LGBTQ+ rights and to professionally trained counselors nationwide. It puts those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity at risk of serious harm and compromises the ethical standards of the counseling community.
ACA, in partnership with the American Psychological Association, the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) — a division of ACA — and other key stakeholders, filed an amicus brief in August 2025 in support of the Colorado law. We strongly disagree with the Court’s ruling and stand strong in our opposition to conversion therapy.
Despite the Court’s decision, the evidence remains clear: conversion therapy is harmful, discredited and not supported by science. Furthermore, its risks to client wellbeing are well documented. Research shows that individuals subjected to conversion therapy experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use and suicidal thoughts. These risks are particularly acute for LGBTQ+ youth, who are disproportionately targeted by these practices.
The premise of the case the Court ruled on was one of free speech instead of professional conduct. However, psychotherapy is a regulated medical treatment, not a form of unregulated conversation. Despite this, the ruling centered on the viewpoint of the complainant and struck down the Colorado law as a restriction on expression. ACA maintains that conversion therapy bans regulate professional conduct, not speech. Such laws ensure that counseling practices are evidence-based, ethical and aligned with accepted standards of care.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how states regulate licensed mental health professionals nationwide, particularly regarding practices deemed harmful or unethical. With the Colorado law overturned, other states conversion therapy bans could be challenged, jeopardizing client welfare.
ACA and SAIGE remain committed to ethical, evidence-based and affirming care. In its preamble, the ACA Code of Ethics references the fundamental values of the counseling profession: nonmaleficence, beneficence and justice. Section C.7.c. on harmful practices states: “counselors do not use techniques/procedures/modalities when substantial evidence suggests harm, even if such services are requested.” Similarly, SAIGE’s statement on conversion therapy states: “Conversion therapy is the practice of attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to align with heterosexual and cisgender norms. It is based on the belief that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is an aberration, which is irrefutably false.”
ACA and SAIGE will continue to advocate for policies and laws that protect clients from harmful practice and support client wellbeing. Conversion therapy has no safe place in ethical counseling.
Resources
- Take Action: Oppose Conversion Therapy
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