{"id":661883,"date":"2025-05-06T08:15:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T12:15:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/?post_type=issue-brief&#038;p=661883"},"modified":"2025-08-09T06:07:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T10:07:36","slug":"u-s-department-of-health-and-human-services-report-on-pediatric-gender-dysphoria-and-gender-conversion-efforts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/lgbtq\/u-s-department-of-health-and-human-services-report-on-pediatric-gender-dysphoria-and-gender-conversion-efforts\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Report on Pediatric Gender Dysphoria and Gender Conversion Efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div\n\tclass=\"wp-block-kff-shared-content--standard-layout wp-block-kff-shared-content\">\n\t\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-content-main\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"post-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<h1 class=\"post-header__title\">U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Report on Pediatric Gender Dysphoria and Gender Conversion Efforts<\/h1>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"post-header__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-header__meta-label\">\n\t\t\t\tAuthor:\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/person\/lindsey-dawson\/\">Lindsey Dawson<\/a> \t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"post-header__meta-label\">Published:<\/span>\n\t\t\t<date>May 6, 2025<\/date>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"post-header__social-sharing\">\n\t\t<button class=\"post-header__social-sharing__button print\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"17\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M4.348 2.5v3.391H2.783A.787.787 0 0 0 2 6.674v4.696c0 .429.353.782.783.782h1.565V14.5h7.304v-2.348h1.565c.43 0 .783-.353.783-.782V6.674a.787.787 0 0 0-.783-.783h-1.565V2.5H4.348Zm.522.522h6.26v2.87H4.87v-2.87ZM2.783 6.413h1.782a.26.26 0 0 0 .085 0h6.697a.26.26 0 0 0 .086 0h1.784c.148 0 .261.114.261.26v4.697c0 .147-.113.26-.26.26h-1.566V9.283H4.348v2.347H2.783a.257.257 0 0 1-.261-.26V6.674c0-.147.113-.261.26-.261Zm9.39.783a.522.522 0 1 0 0 1.043.522.522 0 0 0 0-1.043ZM4.87 9.804h6.26v2.043a.264.264 0 0 0 0 .086v2.045H4.87v-2.043a.261.261 0 0 0 0-.085V9.804Zm1.043.783a.262.262 0 0 0-.265.26.26.26 0 0 0 .265.262h4.174a.26.26 0 1 0 0-.522H5.913Zm0 1.043a.26.26 0 1 0 0 .522h3.13a.26.26 0 1 0 0-.522h-3.13Zm0 1.044a.26.26 0 1 0 0 .522h4.174a.262.262 0 0 0 .264-.261.26.26 0 0 0-.264-.261H5.913Z\" fill=\"#004B88\" stroke=\"#004B88\" stroke-width=\".5\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\tPrint\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<a href=\"mailto:?subject=U.S.%20Department%20of%20Health%20and%20Human%20Services%20Report%20on%20Pediatric%20Gender%20Dysphoria%20and%20Gender%20Conversion%20Efforts&#038;body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kff.org%2Flgbtq%2Fu-s-department-of-health-and-human-services-report-on-pediatric-gender-dysphoria-and-gender-conversion-efforts%2F\" class=\"post-header__social-sharing__button\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"17\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M2.333 4.25h-.25v9.14h12.5V4.25H2.333Zm1.083 1.693-.353-.2V5.23h10.54v.513l-.353.2L8.333 8.73 3.416 5.943Zm-.353 6.467V6.884l.107.06 5.04 2.857.123.07.123-.07 5.04-2.857.107-.06v5.526H3.063Z\" fill=\"#004B88\" stroke=\"#004B88\" stroke-width=\".5\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\tEmail\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<button class=\"post-header__social-sharing__button copy\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"17\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M11.533 2.9c-.615 0-1.23.235-1.697.702L8.502 4.936a2.4 2.4 0 0 0-.575 2.46l.958-.958a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 .371-.748l1.334-1.333a1.331 1.331 0 0 1 1.886 0c.52.52.52 1.365 0 1.885l-1.334 1.333c-.21.21-.474.331-.748.372l-.958.958a2.393 2.393 0 0 0 2.46-.576l1.334-1.333a2.402 2.402 0 0 0 0-3.394 2.393 2.393 0 0 0-1.697-.702Zm-1.61 3.46a.533.533 0 0 0-.367.162l-3.2 3.2a.533.533 0 1 0 .754.754l3.2-3.2a.534.534 0 0 0-.387-.915ZM6.586 7.973a2.388 2.388 0 0 0-1.816.697l-1.334 1.333a2.403 2.403 0 0 0 0 3.394 2.393 2.393 0 0 0 1.697.702c.614 0 1.229-.234 1.697-.702l1.333-1.334a2.4 2.4 0 0 0 .576-2.46l-.959.958a1.32 1.32 0 0 1-.37.749l-1.334 1.333a1.334 1.334 0 0 1-1.886-1.885l1.334-1.334c.21-.21.474-.331.748-.372l.958-.957c-.21-.07-.426-.11-.644-.122Z\" fill=\"#004B88\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<span>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On May 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released <a href=\"https:\/\/opa.hhs.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-05\/gender-dysphoria-report.pdf\">Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices<\/a>, a report issued following the Executive Order, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/Presidential-Actions\/2025\/01\/Protecting-Children-From-Chemical-And-Surgical-Mutilation\/\">Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation<\/a>,\u201d which directed the HHS Secretary to publish an evidence review related to gender dysphoria in young people within 90 days.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access to gender affirming care has becoming increasingly contested political territory in the United States. A growing number of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/other\/dashboard\/gender-affirming-care-policy-tracker\/\">states have laws that ban youth access<\/a> (27 to date), and there are numerous legal challenges underway, including a case that is before the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/other\/issue-brief\/what-to-know-ahead-of-the-supreme-court-case-on-youth-access-to-gender-affirming-care\/\">Supreme Court<\/a>. The issue also figured prominently in the presidential election cycle, with President Trump campaigning on promises to end access to such care. The Executive Order and report are in line with a range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/other\/fact-sheet\/overview-of-president-trumps-executive-actions-impacting-lgbtq-health\/\">other executive actions<\/a> that question evidence around gender affirming care, aim to limit access to these medical services, particularly for youth, and, in some cases, promote misinformation or deny the existence of transgender people.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report states that it is a review of the evidence and best practice regarding information about treatment of gender dysphoria. Its main conclusion is that the quality of evidence on the effects of any intervention is low, and evidence on harms is \u201csparse.\u201d Still the report cites what it identifies as significant risks of medical transition, marking a departure from most medical associations and widely used guidelines in the U.S. Instead, the report supports the use of psychotherapeutic approaches, including an approach termed \u201cexploratory therapy\u201d, which can include conversion therapy.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shortly after its release, the review received criticism by researchers, advocates, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aap.org\/en\/news-room\/news-releases\/aap\/2025\/aap-statement-on-hhs-report-treatment-for-pediatric-gender-dysphoria\/\">medical association<\/a> for its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/health\/2025\/05\/01\/trump-transition-care-trans-youth-hhs\/\">methods<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/shots-health-news\/2025\/05\/01\/nx-s1-5383599\/transgender-gender-affirming-care-trump-hhs\">lack of alignment<\/a> with current guidance, promotion of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/health\/trumps-hhs-urges-therapy-for-transgender-youth-departing-from-broader-gender-affirming-health-care\">misinformation<\/a>, support of certain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcaredive.com\/news\/trump-hhs-transgender-gender-affirming-care-youths-report\/746923\/\">practices<\/a>, and decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/05\/01\/health\/gender-affirming-care-trump-review\">not to disclose the authors<\/a>. A particular concern was raised about the review\u2019s support of \u201cexploratory therapy\u201d Other groups including the Christian legal advocacy group <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/KristenWaggoner\/status\/1918025419955073387\">Alliance for Defending Freedom<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\/gender-dysphoria-treatments-pose-significant-risks-kids-teens-hhs-report-reveals\">Center for American Liberty\u00a0<\/a>supported the review\u2019s assessment.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This policy brief reviews the main points raised by the report regarding its emphasis on psychotherapy, and recommendations around \u201cexploratory therapy\u201d, which could include gender conversion practices, as well as the current legal and policy environment across the country.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"what-does-the-report-say-about-psychotherapy-as-treatment-for-gender-dysphoria-and-conversion-practices\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does the report say about psychotherapy as treatment for gender dysphoria and conversion practices?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psychotherapy is one of five dedicated parts in the review and a theme that receives significant attention is support for gender identity conversion based practices, sometimes called \u201cconversion\u201d or \u201creparative\u201d \u201ctherapy,\u201d which the report calls \u201cexploratory therapy.\u201d The report counters this description stating that \u201cequating \u2018exploratory therapy\u2019 with \u2018conversion therapy\u2019 is misguided and that equating any \u201capproach focused on reducing a minor\u2019s distress about their body or social role [with conversion therapy] is a problematic.\u201d Other reasons provided include: pointing to Dutch practices, stating that all therapy is exploratory, and noting that the label \u201cconversion therapist\u201d is damaging.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conversion <a href=\"https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/httpsstore.samhsa.govsitesdefaultfilespep22-03-12-001\/page\/n21\/mode\/2up\">practices aim<\/a> to \u201csuppress or alter an individual\u2019s sexual orientation or gender to align with heterosexual orientation, cisgender identity, and\/or stereotypical gender expression. [These]\u2026efforts are premised on or motivated by the belief that diversity in sexual orientation and\/or gender identity and expression is a deficit, mental illness, or pathology.\u201d Major medical associations (described in detail below) in the U.S. conclude that conversion practices lack evidence and are, at best, unfair or ineffective and at worst, harmful. The United Kingdom\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk\/ukgwa\/20250310143933\/https:\/cass.independent-review.uk\/home\/publications\/final-report\/\">Cass Review<\/a>, like the HHS report, reviewed evidence around gender affirming care for minors and made recommendations to the National Health Service. While it ultimately led to restrictions on access to this care in the UK, in discussing psychotherapy, it stated \u201cthat no LGBTQ+ group should be subjected to conversion practice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The review describes \u201cexploratory psychotherapy,\u201d in part, as \u201ctrying to help children and adolescents come to terms with their bodies\u201d and goes on to equate the distress related to gender dysphoria with general \u201cdiscomfort with the sexed body or with societal sex-based expectations is common during puberty and adolescence.\u201d This goes against identified <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/practice\/guidelines\/transgender.pdf\">best practice<\/a> which encourages clinicans to recognize to recognize that transgender and gender non-conforming people &#8220;are more likely to experience positive life outcomes when they receive social support or trans-affirmative care.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report promotes therapeutic approaches as first line treatment and <a href=\"https:\/\/opa.hhs.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-05\/gender-dysphoria-report.pdf\">suggests<\/a> that they can be an \u201calternative to endocrine and surgical interventions for the treatment of pediatric gender dysphoria.\u201d This runs contrary to <a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jcem\/article\/102\/11\/3869\/4157558?login=false\">guidelines<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/pdf\/10.1080\/26895269.2022.2100644\">which<\/a> suggest a range of approaches to gender affirming care, which is highly individualized, to be delivered as clinically appropriate. The review presents therapeutic modalities and describes how they can be applied to treat gender dysphoria, noting especially their potential to interrogate the wish for gender transition. For example, of psychodynamic therapy, the review <a href=\"https:\/\/opa.hhs.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-05\/gender-dysphoria-report.pdf\">states<\/a> that this modality \u201ccan help patients gain deeper understanding of their personal identity, including any external factors that may contribute to their cross-sex identification and desire for medical\/surgical interventions&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report, and the Executive Order, also question <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/pdf\/10.1080\/26895269.2022.2100644\">Standards of Care<\/a> issued by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health<strong>\u00a0(<\/strong>WPATH), which are widely relied on guidelines that providers look to in delivering evidence based best practice gender affirming care. These standards are regularly referenced by major\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.supremecourt.gov\/DocketPDF\/18\/18-107\/107178\/20190703172653326_Amicus%20Brief.pdf\">medical associations<\/a>\u00a0including the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/about\/policy\/resolution-gender-identity.pdf\">American Psychological Association<\/a>. While the report suggests that psychotherapy is not common in delivering gender affirming care to minors, psychological wellbeing is promoted within WPATH\u2019s guidance. WPATH recommends \u201chealth care professionals working with gender diverse adolescents undertake a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of adolescents who present with gender identity-related concerns and seek medical\/surgical transition-related care, and that this be accomplished in a collaborative and supportive manner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-aim-of-conversion-efforts-and-what-does-evidence-say-about-them\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the aim of conversion efforts and what does evidence say about them?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gender conversion practices are based on the premise that non-cisgender identities are a pathology and that transgender people would benefit from changing their gender identity. Medical evidence does not support this and, as noted below, most major medical associations have concluded that such interventions stand to cause harm. Yet, the efficacy of and ability to provide these services, due to local regulations, remains somewhat contested.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamapsychiatry\/fullarticle\/2749479\">Research<\/a> has <a href=\"https:\/\/ajph.aphapublications.org\/doi\/full\/10.2105\/AJPH.2020.305701?role=tab\">shown<\/a> that lifetime exposure to gender identity conversion efforts are associated with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S2215036624002517\">adverse<\/a> mental health <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/00918369.2018.1538407\">outcomes<\/a>, including higher odds of depression, suicidality, and suicide attempts and <a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamapediatrics\/fullarticle\/2789415\">substance abuse<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"where-does-the-medical-establishment-stand-on-conversion-practices\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the medical establishment stand on conversion practices?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sexual orientation and gender identity have a long history of being pathologized, including in the mental health field. It was not until 1994 that \u201ctranssexualism\u201d was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/psychiatrists\/diversity\/education\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-patients\/gender-dysphoria-diagnosis#:~:text=In%201990%2C%20the%20World%20Health,an%20effort%20to%20reduce%20stigma.\">removed<\/a> from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) when it was replaced with \u201cgender identity disorder.\u201d This diagnosis was then replaced with \u201cgender dysphoria\u201d in 2013. Today, it is widely accepted by established medical groups that the full spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities are not pathologies and do not need treatment. The <a href=\"https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/pediatrics\/article\/142\/4\/e20182162\/37381\/Ensuring-Comprehensive-Care-and-Support-for\">American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a>, for example writes \u201cvariations in gender identity and expression are normal aspects of human diversity, and binary definitions of gender do not always reflect emerging gender identities.\u201d Rather, some gender diverse people experienced distress \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/psychiatrists\/diversity\/education\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-patients\/gender-dysphoria-diagnosis#:~:text=In%201990%2C%20the%20World%20Health,an%20effort%20to%20reduce%20stigma.\">caused<\/a> by the body and mind not aligning and\/or societal marginalization of gender-variant people.\u201d Thus, care is typically provided to relieve distress, not to try to treat certain gender identities.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Broadly, gender affirming care is supported by practically all major medical associations in the U.S., including, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/press-center\/press-releases\/ama-reinforces-opposition-restrictions-transgender-medical-care\">American Medical Association<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/pediatrics\/article\/142\/4\/e20182162\/37381\/Ensuring-Comprehensive-Care-and-Support-for\">American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a>, and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/news\/press\/releases\/2022\/02\/report-parents-transgender-children\">American Psychological Association.\u00a0<\/a>It is also supported through guidance from the <a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jcem\/article\/102\/11\/3869\/4157558?login=false\">Endocrine Society<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wpath.org\/publications\/soc\">World Professional Association for Transgender Health<\/a> (WPATH).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Specifically, conversion approaches to gender dysphoria contrast with recommendations from these medical associations, which criticize conversion practices, stating that they lack evidence, are ineffective, and can create harm. In August 2023, 28 medical and mental health associations signed onto a <a href=\"https:\/\/usjs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/USJS-Final-Version.pdf\">joint statement<\/a> opposing conversion practices. Additionally, many have provided independent statements addressing their concerns regarding these practices. For example:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">An <a href=\"https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/pediatrics\/article\/142\/4\/e20182162\/37381\/Ensuring-Comprehensive-Care-and-Support-for\">American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a> (AAP) policy statement (reaffirmed in 2023) states that \u201creparative approaches have been proven to be not only unsuccessful but also deleterious and are considered outside the mainstream of traditional medical practice. The AAP described reparative approaches as &#8216;unfair and deceptive.&#8217;\u201d<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">In a 2018 policy statement <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacap.org\/AACAP\/Policy_Statements\/2018\/Conversion_Therapy.aspx\">The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry<\/a><span> (AACAP) wrote of \u201cconversion therapies\u201d that \u201cthese interventions are provided under the false premise that homosexuality and gender diverse identities are pathological. They are not; the absence of pathology means there is no need for conversion or any other like intervention. Further, there is evidence that &#8216;conversion therapies&#8217; increase risk of causing or exacerbating mental health conditions in the very youth they purport to treat\u2026AACAP asserts that such &#8216;conversion therapies&#8217; (or other interventions imposed with the intent of promoting a particular sexual orientation and\/or gender as a preferred outcome) lack scientific credibility and clinical utility. Additionally, there is evidence that such interventions are harmful. As a result, &#8216;conversion therapies&#8217; should not be part of any behavioral health treatment of children and adolescents.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/about\/policy\/resolution-gender-identity-change-efforts.pdf\">American Psychological Association<\/a><span> (APA) writes that \u201cto consider \u2026[gender identity change efforts (GICE)]\u2026as therapies or treatments is inaccurate and inappropriate because, the incongruence between sex and gender in and of itself is not a mental disorder\u2026so, any behavioral health or GICE technique or treatment that seeks to change an individual\u2019s gender identity or expression is not indicated; thus, any behavioral health or GICE effort that attempt to change an individual\u2019s gender identity or expression is inappropriate.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialworkers.org\/Practice\/LGBTQIA\/Sexual-Orientation-and-Gender-Diversity\">National Association of Social Workers<\/a><span> (NASW) states that \u201cNASW upholds that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are real and irrefutable forms of identity.\u00a0Thus, NASW condemns any and all forms of conversion practices, as they are harmful to the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA2S+. These practices stand in direct conflict with NASW\u2019s professional code of ethics, and these practices represent a significant risk of harm by subjecting individuals to forms of treatment.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"how-common-is-it-for-transgender-people-to-experience-conversion-practices\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How common is it for transgender people to experience conversion practices?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While conversion practices are widely discredited, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/report-section\/kff-the-washington-post-trans-survey-trans-in-america\/\">KFF polling<\/a> finds that one-in-ten transgender adults report having attended &#8220;conversion&#8221; or &#8220;reparative&#8221; therapy that tried to change their sexual orientation or gender identity as a teen or child. Since the share is much lower among LGBT adults as a group (1%), it is likely that many of these experiences were aimed at gender identity. Similarly, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetrevorproject.org\/survey-2024\/#conversion-therapy\">Trevor Project finds<\/a> that \u201c13% of LGBTQ+ young people reported being threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"datawrapper-embed block--datawrapper-embed \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div style=\"min-height: 579px;\">\n\t\t\t<script\n\t\t\t\ttype=\"text\/javascript\"\n\t\t\t\tdefer\n\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/Fve7v\/embed.js?v=14\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\tclass=\"datawrapper-embed__print-img\"\n\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/Fve7v\/full.png\"\n\t\t\talt=\"One in Ten Transgender Adults Attended &amp;quot;Conversion&amp;quot; or &amp;quot;Reparative&amp;quot; Therapy That Tried to Change Their Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as a Teen or Child\"\n\t\t\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-policy-and-legal-landscape-regarding-conversion-practices\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the policy and legal landscape regarding conversion practices?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As noted, while medical consensus is against the use of conversion practices, this matter has not been settled in the policy realm. States have increasingly stepped in to regulate the practice in clinical settings, with almost half banning it in full or in part. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lgbtmap.org\/equality-maps\/conversion_therapy\">data from the Movement Advancement Project<\/a>, currently:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">19 states and DC have bans on the practice of conversion therapy.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">4 states have a partial ban in their state (e.g. banning the practice among those with only certain licenses or banning the use of state funds in the provision conversion therapy).<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">4 states prohibit local level bans on conversion therapy either via state law or a court ruling.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">19 states have no policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond these state actions, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lgbtmap.org\/equality-maps\/conversion_therapy\">some cities and counties<\/a> have enacted policies prohibiting at least certain conversion practices.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notably, states currently have the ability to regulate therapeutic practice and prohibit conversion efforts by certain mental health professionals but conversion efforts also take place within religious settings and those are not included in these prohibitions. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/report-section\/kff-the-washington-post-trans-survey-trans-in-america\/\">KFF polling<\/a> finds that 25% of transgender adults report that they attended religious services that tried to change their sexual orientation or gender identity as a child or teen.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ability of states to ban conversion therapy will soon be reviewed by the Supreme Court, which, on March 10, 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supremecourt.gov\/orders\/courtorders\/031025zor_7758.pdf\">granted certiorari<\/a> in <em>Chiles v. Salazar, <\/em>a case challenging Colorado&#8217;s conversion therapy ban for minors. The state\u2019s ban, which prohibits mental health professionals from attempting or purporting to change a minor\u2019s sexual orientation or gender identity, was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ca10.uscourts.gov\/sites\/ca10\/files\/opinions\/010111111013.pdf\">upheld<\/a> by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in September 2024. Chiles, a Christian counselor, has appealed this decision and <a href=\"https:\/\/kff4-my.sharepoint.com\/personal\/lindseyd_kff_org\/Documents\/Whether%20a%20law%20that%20censors%20certain%20conversations\">asked the Supreme Court<\/a> to review \u201cwhether a law that censors certain conversations between counselors and their clients based on the viewpoints expressed regulates conduct or violates the Free Speech Clause.\u201d A decision in Chiles\u2019 favor could limit the ability of states to regulate such practices.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This review could be used as support for other actions the administration seeks to take (some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/other\/fact-sheet\/overview-of-president-trumps-executive-actions-impacting-lgbtq-health\/\">described here<\/a>) aimed at limiting minor access to gender affirming care. With respect to therapeutic practices, it could shift how some practitioners approach gender affirming care or potentially provide support to those using conversion related approaches. The report could also fuel misinformation in other areas, particularly around regret rates and the share of transgender young people seeking a medical transition.<\/p>\n \n\t<div class=\"post-footer\">\n\t<div class=\"post-footer__title\">More On<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-footer__links\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/topic\/lgbtq\/\">\n\t\t\t\tLGBTQ\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/topic\/mental-health\/\">\n\t\t\t\tMental Health\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/tag\/courts\/\">\n\t\t\t\tCourts\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/tag\/gender-identity\/\">\n\t\t\t\tGender Identity\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/tag\/health-and-human-services\/\">\n\t\t\t\tHealth and Human Services (HHS)\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-content-sidebar\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content--green wp-block-kff-shared-related-content\">\n\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__heading\">Also of Interest<\/h2>\n\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__card\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/other-health\/overview-of-president-trumps-executive-actions-impacting-lgbtq-health\/\" class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__link\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__card-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tOverview of President Trump\u2019s Executive Actions Impacting LGBTQ+ Health\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__card\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/other-health\/president-trumps-executive-order-on-gender-affirming-care-responses-by-providers-states-and-litigation\/\" class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__link\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__card-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tPresident Trump\u2019s Executive Order on Gender Affirming Care: Responses by Providers, States, and Litigation\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__card\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/global-health-policy\/overview-of-president-trumps-executive-actions-on-global-health\/\" class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__link\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-related-content__card-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tOverview of President Trump\u2019s Executive Actions on Global Health\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This brief examines the main points raised in an HHS report reviewing evidence on gender affirming care concerning psychotherapy. It focuses on recommendations around \u201cexploratory therapy,\u201d which could include gender conversion practices, as well as the current legal and policy environment across the country regarding this practice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62652987,"featured_media":662006,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"exhibits":[],"authors":[{"type":"foundation","id":127159,"name":""}],"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"_classifai_error":"","_classifai_text_to_speech_error":"","hide_from_search":false,"show_featured_image":false,"subheading":"","tag":"","search_keywords":"Issue Brief, 10684, Lindsey Dawson","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"shortlink":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[417697712,579145303],"tags":[9862,155118268,579145438],"partner":[],"content-types":[579145483],"program":[],"series":[],"class_list":["post-661883","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lgbtq","category-mental-health","tag-courts","tag-gender-identity","tag-health-and-human-services","content-types-issue-brief"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.9 (Yoast SEO v25.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Report on Pediatric Gender Dysphoria and Gender Conversion Efforts | KFF<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This brief examines the main points raised in an HHS report reviewing evidence on gender affirming care concerning psychotherapy. 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