Hollywood Conversion Therapy Ban and LGBTQ Rights

Civil Rights and Equity California 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of California

In Hollywood, California, protections against so-called conversion therapy for minors are governed primarily by California state law and enforced through professional licensing boards and local civil‑rights channels. This guide explains what the law covers, how enforcement and complaints work in Hollywood, and practical steps for reporting or seeking remedies. It summarizes relevant state authority and local complaint routes, and points to official resources for filing a professional discipline complaint or contacting city civil‑rights staff.[1][2]

Overview

California law prohibits licensed mental health providers from performing sexual orientation change efforts on minors and recognizes professional discipline as the primary enforcement mechanism. Local offices in the City of Los Angeles, including human relations and civil rights units that serve Hollywood, accept reports and can refer matters to state licensing agencies. The rule applies to licensed therapists, psychologists, counselors, and certain medical professionals when the conduct targets minors.

If a minor is in immediate danger, call 911 or local child-protective services.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is administrative through state licensing and professional boards rather than criminal statutes in most cases. Specific monetary fines are not set out on the cited state statute; disciplinary outcomes depend on the licensing board's procedures and remedies listed on its enforcement pages.

  • Primary enforcers: state licensing boards such as the California Board of Psychology and the Board of Behavioral Sciences; complaints may be routed by city offices.
  • Sanctions: professional discipline including warnings, probation, suspension, or revocation of license.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Complaint intake: file through the Department of Consumer Affairs complaint portal or the relevant board complaint form; local city offices can advise on filing.
  • Appeals: appeal or petition processes follow the licensing board's administrative procedures; specific time limits are set by each board and are not specified on the cited statute page.
Discipline is typically administrative and tied to professional licensure rather than a fixed criminal fine.

Applications & Forms

No special permit or local application is required to prohibit conversion therapy. To seek enforcement, use the licensing complaint forms of the relevant state board or the Department of Consumer Affairs complaint portal; the cited statute does not publish a unique form for conversion-therapy cases.

How enforcement is initiated

  • Report to the City of Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations for referral and local assistance.
  • File a professional complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or the specific licensing board handling the provider's profession.
  • Collect records: session notes, contracts, communications, witness statements, and receipts for services.
Keep clear copies of any written or electronic communications with a provider to support a complaint.

Common violations

  • Provision of sexual-orientation change efforts to clients under 18 by a licensed provider.
  • Advertising or offering conversion therapy services to minors.
  • Contracting with unlicensed individuals to perform prohibited practices where licensing applies.

Action steps

  • Immediate safety: if a minor is at risk, contact 911 or child-protective services.
  • Document the provider, dates, and materials describing the therapy.
  • File a complaint with the relevant licensing board and the Department of Consumer Affairs; request confidentiality if needed.
  • If you receive an adverse administrative outcome, follow the board's appeal procedure within the published time frame.

FAQ

Can a therapist legally provide conversion therapy to a minor in Hollywood?
No. California law prohibits licensed providers from offering sexual-orientation change efforts to minors; enforcement is through licensing boards and professional discipline.
How do I report a provider in Hollywood?
Gather documentation and file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs or the appropriate state licensing board; local city human relations staff can help refer the complaint.
Are there criminal penalties?
The cited statute emphasizes professional discipline; specific criminal penalties or fixed fines are not specified on the cited statute page.

How-To

  1. Document: collect dates, communications, advertisements, and any written consent or contracts.
  2. Contact local resources: call the City of Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations for guidance and referral.
  3. File a complaint online with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or the relevant licensing board.
  4. Preserve evidence and respond to board requests for information during the investigation.
  5. If the board issues discipline, follow appeal instructions and seek legal counsel for review.

Key Takeaways

  • California law bars licensed providers from conversion therapy for minors; enforcement occurs mainly through professional discipline.
  • Hollywood residents should use local civil-rights offices for referral and state complaint portals for discipline.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] California Legislative Information - SB 1172 text
  2. [2] City of Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations

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