Equality Ohio has been involved with The Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board (“CSWMFT Board”) for over three years on issues relating to conversion “therapy.”

Today, the CSWMFT Board took its clearest stance yet on the dangerous practice by voting through a strong statement acknowledging in explicit terms that the practice is harmful, and that the board can discipline licensed therapists up to and including revoking their license to practice.

This is a major victory for protecting Ohio’s youth!

If you support Equality Ohio’s work in stopping conversion “therapy” in Ohio, please donate $4 right now to help us continue.

The CSWMFT Board’s statement:

The practice of Counseling, Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy does not include sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE, also sometimes referred to as “conversion therapy”) or efforts to change gender identity.  Attempts to “change” sexual orientation or gender identity can be harmful, particularly when the client is a minor. However, supporting clients in exploring their questions and concerns about their sexual orientation or gender identity is appropriate assistance for a Counselor, Social Worker, or Marriage and Family Therapist to provide to a client.  The CSWMFT Board expects its licensees to practice their professions by relying upon the best evidence-based research available. Licensees should be aware that the Board can discipline licensees (up to and including license revocation) when they use a practice or intervention that results in harm to a client.

Licensees seeking additional information regarding the issues covered in this statement may wish to review the statements and guidance from the following behavioral and medical healthcare associations: American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the National Association of Social Workers, the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Medical Association.

Have you experienced conversion therapy as a minor? Consider filing a complaint.

Please donate $ now to keep up the momentum.