In a high-stakes legal development, via the case of Chiles v Salazar et al., the U.S. Supreme Court is now reviewing whether states have the right to ban conversion therapy. Specifically, the Supreme Court is examining Colorado’s enactment of the Minor Therapy Conversion Law, which prohibits mental health professionals from engaging in “conversion therapies” for minors. The Plaintiff is asserting the law unlawfully abridges a therapist’s right to free speech under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution.
Conversion therapy is a deeply harmful and discredited practice. However, it is still technically legal in many parts of the country, including North Carolina. While some local protections exist, there is currently no statewide ban on conversion therapy in North Carolina. There is, however, ethical codes and licensing boards and standards that prohibit clinicians from engaging in conversion therapy.
At Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting, we want to be clear about our values and our care. We do not and will never offer conversion therapy. It is harmful, it is unethical, and it is wrong. At Be BOLD, we offer ethical, affirming, evidence-based therapy for LGBTQIA+ clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and the 42 PSYPACT states, including in-person sessions in Durham and virtual telehealth sessions statewide.
What Is Conversion Therapy and Why Is It Harmful?
Conversion therapy refers to a set of interventions or “treatments” that aim to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These approaches often include talk therapy, behavior modification (including the use of inflicting pain, fear, and shame), religious counseling, or worse. While the term may suggest a legitimate therapeutic, these practices are not supported by any credible scientific evidence and are not ethical. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) and every major U.S. mental health organization have condemned conversion therapy as ineffective, unethical, and deeply harmful.
According to the APA and decades of psychological research, conversion therapy:
- Does not work. There is no credible evidence that conversion therapy can change sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Causes real harm. Individuals subjected to these efforts experience increased rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, self-hatred, and suicidal ideation.
- Violates ethical standards. The APA, American Psychiatric Association, and every major U.S. health organization have taken strong public stances against these practices.
As the APA states:
“Sexual orientation and gender identity are not mental disorders… Efforts to change these identities are not only ineffective, but they can also be harmful and stigmatizing.”
You can read the APA’s full position here: APA: The Evidence Against Conversion Therapy
Furthermore, the 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, conducted by The Trevor Project, gathered insights from over 18,000 LGBTQ+ young individuals aged 13 to 24 across the United States. The survey aimed to understand their mental health experiences, the impact of external factors, and the accessibility of mental health care. Regarding conversion therapy, results of that survey found:
- 8% of LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults were threatened with conversion therapy
- 5% of LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults were subjected to conversion therapy.
That is a total of 13% of LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults who were either threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy, including approximately 1 in 6 transgender and nonbinary young people (16%) and nearly 1 in 10 cisgender young people (9%).
This is beyond unacceptable.
What LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy Looks Like
At Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting, we offer therapy that affirms, rather than attempts to change, a person’s identity. Our clinicians are trained in supporting LGBTQIA+ clients, including transgender, nonbinary, gender-diverse, and queer individuals of all ages.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming therapy includes:
- Providing a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore identity, expression, and relationships
- Offering support with gender dysphoria, gender euphoria, and social or medical transition
- Using correct name and pronouns, because we know that research has demonstrated again and again that using correct names and pronouns is consistently associated with lower rates of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety.
- Celebrating queer and trans joy, not just addressing struggle
- Helping clients process religious trauma, internalized shame, or family rejection
- Providing letters of support for clients seeking gender-affirming treatments
- Connecting clients with affirming community resources and local support in Durham, Asheville, Charlotte, and throughout North Carolina
We also offer pay-what-you-can single-session letter appointments for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse clients who need support with medical documentation.
Whether you’re questioning your identity, navigating gender exploration, or seeking mental health support that honors your full self, our team is here for you.
Learn more about Be BOLD’s therapy services for LGBTQIA+ clients here!
In-Person and Virtual Therapy Options for LGBTQIA+ Clients in North Carolina and Virginia
We proudly offer both in-person therapy in Durham, NC and telehealth therapy throughout North Carolina and Virginia, including Charlotte, Asheville, Raleigh, Wilmington, Greensboro, and more. Our therapy services are inclusive, trauma-informed, and customized to meet each individual’s needs.
Some clients prefer the connection of in-person counseling in Durham, while others appreciate the flexibility of teletherapy from the comfort of home. Whatever your preference, our goal is to ensure that you receive care that is accessible, affirming, and rooted in evidence-based practice.
We also offer:
- Single-session letters for medical transition, provided on a pay-what-you-can basis
- Therapy for teens, young adults, couples, and families
- Clinicians with lived experience and specialized training in neurodivergent-affirming care, including support for Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD individuals
Our Stance in a Shifting Legal and Political Climate
The political landscape in North Carolina continues to challenge LGBTQIA+ rights, particularly for transgender and nonbinary folx. From anti-trans legislation to misinformation campaigns about gender-affirming care, the climate can feel isolating and unsafe.
And when the Supreme Court considers whether states can protect LGBTQIA+ youth from conversion therapy, it’s a stark reminder: We must stay loud, visible, and affirming. Especially here, especially now.
And as the Supreme Court considers whether states can ban conversion therapy, we reaffirm our commitment to mental health care that is rooted in ethics, safety, and human dignity.
Conversion therapy is not therapy. It is trauma under the guise of care.
We believe in therapy that affirms, uplifts, and empowers. We believe in our clients’ right to live freely and fully in their identities. And we believe that access to quality, affirming mental health care is a human right.
Schedule an LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy Consult in North Carolina
Whether you’re seeking therapy in Durham, NC or looking for LGBTQIA+ affirming telehealth services across North Carolina, you are welcome here. Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting offers a team of queer-affirming, trauma-informed clinicians ready to walk alongside you on your journey.
We offer free 20-minute consults to help you find a therapist who is the right fit for you.
Schedule your free consult now and begin working with a therapist who sees and supports the real you. We offer evening and Saturday appointments as well, to support you and your family’s busy schedules!
