National Register of Health Service Psychologists
Statement on Supreme Court Decision in Chiles v. Salazar
May 2026
The National Register of Health Service Psychologists, like many other health associations, affirms the strong research that supports that conversion therapy is ineffective and can be harmful for LGBT+ individuals (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2008; American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2004, 2009; American Medical Association, 2025; American Psychiatric Association, 2024; American Psychological Association, 2021a, 2021b; National Association of Social Workers, 2015). A systematic review conducted by Forsythe et al. (2022) found higher rates of psychological distress, depression, substance use, and suicide attempts among individuals who were treated using identity change efforts (i.e., conversion therapy) vs. identity-affirming therapy. Another systematic review by Przeworski et al. (2021) yielded similar results, also noting greater relationship dysfunction and increased homonegativity.
In Chiles v. Salazar (Supreme Court of the United States, 2026), the Supreme Court evaluated Colorado’s law that permitted counselors to express acceptance and support for clients exploring identity or undergoing gender transition but forbade them from saying anything that attempts to change a client’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The Supreme Court did not specifically address the efficacy or safety of conversion therapy. Rather, the Supreme Court, on an 8-1 vote, held that Colorado’s law as applied to talk therapy regulates speech based on viewpoint. Because the law censors speech based on viewpoint, the Supreme Court held that Colorado’s law is subject to strict scrutiny, signaling that the law will likely be held unconstitutional. Beyond Colorado, this ruling could affect a number of states that have similar laws in place prohibiting the use of conversion therapy with minors.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, the Colorado General Assembly passed a new bill, HB 26-1322, to prohibit a licensed mental health provider from compelling a minor in the direction of a particular outcome as relates to sexual orientation or gender identity. The new bill is currently awaiting the governor’s signature.
While the regulatory and legal landscape related to bans on conversion therapy remains to be determined, the science is clear: conversion therapy is neither effective nor safe. It is harmful, discredited, and has no place in society. The National Register urges public institutions to not legitimize or support it.
References
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2008). Conversion Therapy. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Policy_Statements/2018/Conversion_Therapy.aspx
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (2009). Position on Reparative/Conversion Therapy. https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/About_AAMFT/Pos_on_couples.aspx#anchor2
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (2004). Statement on Non-pathologizing Sexual Orientation. https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/About_AAMFT/Pos_on_couples.aspx#anchor2
American Medical Association (2025). Issue brief: Sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (so-called “conversion therapy”). https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/conversion-therapy-issue-brief.pdf
American Psychiatric Association (2024). Position Statement on Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ+ Patients. https://www.psychiatry.org/getattachment/3d23f2f4-1497-4537-b4de-fe32fe8761bf/Position-Conversion-Therapy.pdf
American Psychological Association (2021a). APA Resolution on Gender Identity Change Efforts. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-gender-identity-change-efforts.pdf
American Psychological Association (2021b). APA Resolution on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-sexual-orientation-change-efforts.pdf
Forsythe, A., Pick, C., Tremblay, G., Malaviya, S., Green, A., & Sandman, K. (2022). Humanistic and economic burden of conversion therapy among LGBTQ youths in the United States. JAMA Pediatrics, 176(5), 493-501. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0042
National Association of Social Workers (2015). Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) and Conversion Therapy with Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, and Transgender Persons. https://www.socialworkblog.org/wp-content/uploads/Untitled.jpg
Przeworski, A., Peterson, E., & Piedra, A. (2021). A systematic review of the efficacy, harmful effects, and ethical issues related to sexual orientation change efforts. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 28(1), 81–100. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpsp.12377
Supreme Court of the United States. (2026). Chiles v. Salazar, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, et al. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-539_fd9g.pdf
