04/20/2026

PCA Releases Statement Opposing Conversion Therapy

The Pennsylvania Counseling Association remains steadfast to our commitment to the safety, dignity, and mental well-being of all Pennsylvanians. In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Chiles v. Salazar, we are issuing the following statement regarding our professional and ethical standards. 

In alignment with the American Counseling Association and many other state associations across the country, PCA is opposed to the practice of “conversion therapy” - sometimes referred to as Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts (SOGICE). 

Professional counseling is a discipline rooted in evidence-based practice. All of us as professionals have agreed to the most foundational ethical mandate: do no harm. 

Currently, there is no credible scientific data to support the effectiveness of conversion therapy in changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Moreover, there is extensive research by both medical and mental health organizations that confirms “conversion therapy” is harmful, frequently leading to psychological trauma, increased depression, and an increased risk of suicide, particularly among LGBTQIA+ youth. 

The Court’s ruling centers on whether state regulations barring conversion therapy violate the First Amendment’s Free Speech Clause. The Court's ruling sets a precedent that opens a door for scrutinizing other therapy restrictions across the country. While the Court's decision was not primarily on conversion therapy, but instead how the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause applies to our practice, the practical effects of this ruling are concerning and dangerous

Regardless, while the legal landscape regarding state regulation is shifting, our ethical obligations are not. Non-evidence-based, harmful practices have no place in professional counseling.

In the wake of this ruling, PCA urges its members to collaborate with PCA and each other on pursuing durable protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals everywhere. We must ensure that our state’s regulations effectively safeguard the public against harmful, non-evidence-based practices, and preserve the integrity and standards of the counseling field. 

PCA stands with our LGBTQIA+ clients and colleagues. We will continue to fight for a standard of care that elevates dignity and respect, ensuring safety for all. 

Want to take further action to support the LGBTQIA+ community? Let the American Counseling Association know you want the 2026 ACA Code of Ethics to specifically refute conversion therapy! Submit your comments here. (ACA membership not required to comment, but you must create an account and follow the specific directions.)