Conversion Therapy: Separating Myths from Realities for Families

When our children confide in us about their doubts regarding who they are, as parents we want to protect them and make good decisions. But in some cases, this desire can expose us to unscrupulous individuals who, through conversion therapy, promise quick fixes that end up doing more harm than good.

Unfortunately, many parents have been deceived by “professionals” who exploit fear and uncertainty to sell unsupported methods that ultimately harm their children. Therefore, it is important to learn why conversion therapies are ineffective and harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.

The Deceptive Promises That Put Your Child at Risk

When someone claims they can change your child’s identity or who they love, it may sound like a reassuring alternative amidst the confusion. But multiple studies highlight that these practices don’t work and deteriorate the physical and mental health of LGBTQ+ people.

According to a comprehensive review by Cornell University, 12 of 47 peer-reviewed studies on these methods concluded that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation are ineffective and harmful. Only one study claimed success, but it was based on personal reports from religious participants.

All major U.S. medical organizations have condemned these practices because they don’t change the person; they only cause harm.

What the scientific evidence shows

Parents should understand the effects these interventions have on their children before paying for them. According to research from Stanford Medicine, conversion therapy programs lead to higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

A study by the Williams Institute also revealed that people who go through these programs are twice as likely to consider or attempt suicide compared to those who have not received conversion therapy. These data underscore the seriousness of these practices.

The Conversion Therapy Fraud

Most of these programs exploit parents’ concerns to offer services that promise to change young people’s sexual orientation or gender identity. However, the 2015 legal case Ferguson v. JONAH exposed how fraudulent these claims can be.

The jury found that the conversion therapy providers had committed consumer fraud. Witnesses presented as “success stories” admitted that they were still attracted to people of the same sex despite having completed the program.

Furthermore, many of these interventions are led by people without mental health training, making it difficult to hold them accountable. According to government research, these practices have been discredited for decades. And although homosexuality is not considered a disorder, there are still professionals who promote these practices.

Economic and Emotional Costs

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that Americans spend approximately $650 million annually on conversion therapies. However, this figure rises to $9.23 billion when considering the mental health problems, substance abuse, and suicide attempts that result from these interventions. 

Hoping to change their children’s sexual orientation or gender identity, many families end up going into debt for treatments that don’t work and, in fact, cause profound emotional damage. According to a mother whose son attended several conversion therapies, the young man worsened after each session.

“I don’t know what they’re teaching him, but this is affecting our relationship,” she concluded. Stories like this show how, far from helping, these programs can fracture family bonds and increase the distress of young people.

The Impact of Conversion Therapies on Family Relationships

One of the most painful consequences of subjecting children and young people to these types of programs is the damage to the parent-child relationship. Often, these “professionals” blame the parents for their children’s identity.

Some parents have indicated that conversion therapies deteriorated their relationship with their children. Far from bringing families closer together, they often cause more harm to young people and strain emotional bonds. For those who wish to support their children, affirmative therapy represents a safe alternative that fosters acceptance.

According to experts, affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy reduces depression, anxiety, and substance use in LGBTQ+ individuals. This approach allows young people to explore their identity in a safe and supportive environment, without being told they must change who they are.

Questions Parents Should Consider

If someone tries to convince you that conversion therapy is the solution for your child, consider these frequently asked questions before deciding to send your child to such facilities:

• Why would all the major U.S. medical organizations oppose something if it actually worked?
• Are you willing to risk your relationship with your child for a treatment that has a documented history of failure?
• Do you want your child in the hands of someone who might not be licensed or accountable for their actions?
• Can your family afford both the immediate costs and the potential long-term expenses for mental health care?
• What would you want if you were in your child’s shoes?

Conversion therapies harm young people and their families.

As parents, we all want the best for our children and to protect them from harm. But that protection requires decisions based on facts, not fear. Conversion therapy has been discredited by science and condemned by medicine because of all the harm it can cause.

Children need their parents to support them, not to hand them over to people who seek to profit from family desperation. True healing happens with love and evidence-based support, respecting young people for who they are.

Conversion therapy will never be the solution. Instead, acceptance and genuine support allow you to improve your relationship with your children and help them grow up being authentic and secure in who they are.