SAMSHA Reports Shows Conversion Therapy Not Appropriate for Minors

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is releasing "Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth," a comprehensive report that provides an in-depth review of research and clinical expertise related to conversion therapy. This important new resource makes it clear that conversion therapy is not an appropriate therapeutic approach based on the evidence, and explores alternative ways to discuss sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression with young people. �

"When dealing with a sensitive topic such as gender identity or sexual orientation in young people, it is essential that families, educators, caregivers, and providers seek the best available information and advice," said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Kana Enomoto. �"SAMHSA's report provides this information, as well as resources young people, families and others can use to promote healthy development for all youth."

This report includes the first publication of consensus statements developed by an expert panel held by the American Psychological Association in July 2015. The expert panel included researchers and practitioners in child and adolescent mental health with a strong background in gender development, gender identity and sexual orientation in children and adolescents. �Experts with a background in family therapy, ethics, and the psychology of religion also participated. �

Through a collaborative process, this panel found that variations in sexual orientation and gender identity are normal, and that conversion therapies or other efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity are not effective, are harmful, and are not appropriate therapeutic practices. �The report provides an overview of existing efforts to eliminate the practice of conversion therapy.

The information and resources contained within the report include a review of the research in this area, detailed information on supportive therapeutic approaches, areas of opportunity for future research, existing strategies to end the practice of conversion therapy, and targeted guidance for various audiences.

These materials help providers, families, and care-givers support their LGBTQ and gender non-conforming children and adolescents. They also illuminate practices that may contribute to the health disparities facing LGBTQ youth, which should be avoided.

Dr. Caitlin Ryan, Director of the Family Acceptance Project, served on a panel of experts, researchers and practitioners that assisted in the creation of their new report: "Appropriate Alternatives to Conversion Therapy for Children and Adolescents."

This important new resource discusses appropriate ways to support child and adolescent development and to talk about sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression with young people and their families based on peer-reviewed research, professional guidance and best practices for care of children and adolescents.

"The Family Acceptance Project was delighted to again partner with SAMSHA on contributing to and helping to disseminate this important report, which provides accurate information and guidance to providers and families to help them make informed decisions to improve the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents," said Dr. Ryan. "The Family Acceptance Project has developed a research-based family support approach that helps ethnically and religiously diverse families to support their LGBT children, to strengthen families, prevent risk and promote well-being in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities. This new report provides critical guidance that will help families, and providers and religious leaders to build healthy futures for LGBT and gender diverse children and adolescents."